Cabin air filter change tip

[Rottenapplr]

Just did my cabin air filter finally! The process itself is easy but I failed the last time because I didn’t have right tools.
I had the t20 torx screw but I didn’t have the flexible articulating torq bit (I think that’s what it’s called). My hand was too big to reach into the top screw. Anyway, the process it self is something you can find on YouTube and recommend watching one before tackling this. It took me 20 mins tops to finish this but here’s the tool I used. The orange handle is what I bought for $1.99 at a local parts shop. The flexible extension was online retailer.

 

[Puddles]

The flex extension is a great idea. You do not need to buy a pry tool for the clips... any thin sturdy thing will do. Screwdriver, butter knife, strong fingernails...

But Jesus, after all the fanboy giggling about the cutting edge engineering in this car, it should have been easier. Filter door hidden behind two trims, not terrible. Filter door held in place by a tab at the bottom, easily accessible, and a T20 screw at the top, nearly impossible to reach... pretty terrible. Why not put the capture tab at the top and the screw at the bottom? And of course When you pull out the dirty filters, all the large debris gets scraped off and falls back down into the filter wells. “Will this interfere with the new filters?” One asks oneself? Doesn’t matter, because you can’t fit any vacuum attachment down there. I duct taped a small curved copper tube to a medium size bit of PVC, crammed that in, held the vacuum hose to the end, and crossed my fingers that a) dirt was being removed and b) I wasn’t gouging holes in the cooling coils.

 

[Perscitus]

Depending on the model year (or manufacture date) its also either a T20 or a T15. Thx for consistency Tesla.

 

[Rottenapplr]

My bmw was a little bit easier to change then the tesla one. At least I didn’t have to do a bridge yoga posture on the bmw filter change.

 

[FlipStyle1308]

Does anyone have any tips on removing the right side panel from the center console? Neither my trim tool nor fingers were able to get inside to even loosen it up to make it easier to pull off. Thanks in advance.

 

[Rottenapplr]

You just have to pull it off with some force try. Try to get from the bottom where the carpet is and pull. Also to the front area under the dash area. Pull there.

 

[MNVAUTO]

I watched a video on YouTube before I start made my life easy

 

[AdamMacDon]

Truly one of the worst cabin air filter changes in an American car. My Charger was so easy my grandma could have done it. Removing two trim panels, a torx bolt, and having to upgrade my flexibility stat were fun though.

 

[RB88]

Changed this at the weekend. It was the worst. Glad I had a ratcheting screwdriver for that screw but still. Gave myself some nasty carpet burn on my elbow from contortionisting to get that out. And fairly sure I lost a clip or two from the center console into oblivion in the middle of the car - hope I don't start hearing rattles from it.

...Got the third-party HEPA-ish filter installed at least.

 

[Petermcg]

There’s a seller on eBay that makes a magnetic cover to avoid the torx screw gymnastics. $20.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/193649114936?ViewItem=&vxp=mtr&item=193649114936
Just search for “magnetic cabin air filter cover”.

 

[PJFW8]

Truly one of the worst cabin air filter changes in an American car. My Charger was so easy my grandma could have done it. Removing two trim panels, a torx bolt, and having to upgrade my flexibility stat were fun though.

Both my Ford fusion and Ford CMax were much more difficult to change. Tesla is not unique but they certainly could’ve done a better job.

 

[todd2fst4u]

There’s a seller on eBay that makes a magnetic cover to avoid the torx screw gymnastics. $20.
Just search for “magnetic cabin air filter cover”.

“Torx screw gymnastics” are still required to install the magnetic cover initially.

 

[Magnets!]

What filter are you guys using? I see a lot of different options online. Not sure about a HEPA filter as I wouldn't want the filter to be too restrictive.

 

[PJFW8]

I used the Tesla part. (If memory serves it was made by Bosch) After market filters are of unknown and inconsistent quality. Why take a chance? The Tesla part is not overpriced.

 

[GPinzone]

There’s a seller on eBay that makes a magnetic cover to avoid the torx screw gymnastics. $20.
Just search for “magnetic cabin air filter cover”.

Hmmm... It also comes in a bright orange. That is a great idea.

 

[AdamMacDon]

What filter are you guys using? I see a lot of different options online. Not sure about a HEPA filter as I wouldn't want the filter to be too restrictive.

I got one of the "HEPA" filters and honestly I didn't find it any more restrictive. However I found it less effective than the OEM filter at stopping smells. I'd recommend going with OEM filters, that's my plan moving forwards.

 

[Magnets!]

ok, thanks for the advice on OEM filter. Short of a visit to a service center parts counter, is there an online source?

 

[1965Falcon]

Model 3 Air Filter

There you go!

 

[SilverStand]

I'm the guy selling the magnetic filter covers.
They are now for sale at Silver Strand Design

They have been redesigned for greater compatibility across model years.