cabin filter cleaned and one ac line isolated, any other mods to do?
 

Hey guys, I isolated one A/C line with black foam pipe days ago, and what I noticed is that, during daytime, nothing changed, A/C is still pretty weak, but during the night, apparently A/C is colder than normal.

It's pretty annoying b/c I drive mostly in daytime and the A/C is still make me suffer in 108F weather. so I check the cabin filter today, and,

They are literally blocked by leaves and dust!!! The filter must never be changed before. I tried to use a home vacuum to clean it but still find too hard to get rid of all those awful stuffs, so I used a used toothbrush and some water to clean it thoroughly.

Now it looks much better. Since it's still a little wet, I ll just place it overnight and dry it. Believe this makes some difference tmr!

So my question is:
1\ I only isolated one AC line(the upper line). the lower one is too hard to reach, unless I take it out from engine hub. Do you think it would be better if I also isolate the lower A/C line? and is there any better way to take it out?

2\ I used black foam rather than any heat cloth or isolation cloth. do you think the heat cloth makes a difference? If so I can change to the professional isolation stuffs.

3\ I don't really want to re-program the A/C to recycle model. so, except for this, is there any thing I can do to make the A/C stronger?

Thanks in advance

According to the owner's manual, the filter can't be properly cleaned with water or vacuum cleaner and should be replaced. Considering that the cost is only about $15 for replacement, that's what I would do but if you feel the cleaning was successful, perhaps it will work for you. It will certainly help not having leaves and other stuff blocking the filter. Just make sure you don't end up tearing the material.

As for insulating the pipe - I also used the foam type insulator that is thought for warm water pipes. Can't say I feel a dramatic difference but then again, I didn't do some before and after tests either, so I hope it helps, lol. Luckily we don't have 108F weather around here :)

I don't think there is much more you can do for AC performance... In earlier cars, the AC amplifier was weak and I remember the dealer replaced those under warranty to improve on the AC, so this may or may not apply to your car, depending on how old it is.

If you want to save on the cabin air filter, go to Home Depot (or equivalent) and find a furnace filter with similar looking material. Then get out your craft tools and go to work.

I've seen a DIY on this somewhere.

Ken

Make sure its gold wrap so u can be just like Altspace

Never had a chance to check my cabin filter ever since i bought the car in 07. If i could just clean it up, that's better, if not, i'll check out the Home Depot ones. Thanks for the info guys.

Maybe a dumb question but where is access to the filter?
Thanks

Through the gove box. Take the glove box off, and you'll see it.

There's a DIY on changing it.

Ken

Thank you Scooter, Ken.

Cleaning it makes a huge difference (replacing it would be better, though). I just cleaned mine a couple weeks ago. I used to have to have it on 4 here in vegas, now I'm good with 3 for about 15 mins, then drop it to 2 and its great. I ordered a replacement though because cleaning it wasn't ideal (i was bored at work).

If you want to order a new one and clean the old one while you wait, use a vaccuum, then the compressed air duster thing, and then maybe a small brush, then vacuum, and voila!

Picked up my new cabin filter and installed very easily. Thank you for the help as the pictorial guide was really great. What a difference in air flow.
The past two weeks have been rough. One ruined tire by a spike in the tread, then a flat and now yesterday a dead battery (under warranty).

Hi, During the changing of the 2 cabin filters the right clips on the cover to the cabin filters broke off...They were already weakened from someone else previously...
"Anyone know of the Part # for this filter cover?", it's rectangular and white, like I'm sure all of you know. :lol2: Would be a great help...and "Where can I find this pictorial guide?" Thanks much!

Dirrrty Cabin Filter...Weee!!
 

Yep, This was worth getting new ones...Groooss!! :wtf:

is that dog hair?
as far as the original thread post..... after cleaning the filter are you still having cold air issues? I dought its the A/C amp. ( but still, its possible) more like a refrigerant issue or a restriction of refrigerant flow thru the expansion device. has this car ever had the refrigerant system open? could be the compressor is not putting out enough. a number of things contribute to weak cooling. restricting air flow is not the solution to the problem, that just causes other issues.
if all else fails, try this fix, it may help.

It wasn't dog hair. Not sure what it was...almost looked like "lint" from a dryer. Needless to say, I trashed those.
Good luck with your weak cooling issue! :cussing:

Blow it out with compressed air, rinse, let it dry. Manual says not to do this but it's not going to effect it's performance much unless you absolutely need the cleanest air possible which in that case, go spend the $15. You can go get some HEPA material but you are going that route you may as well go buy one, that's a lot of effort for a marginal saving.