My guess is that the funk results from the humidity and condensation that happens when running the AC. That is, it doesn't happen much if you don't use AC, and explains why there's no smell in Nick (67K miles). Filter still gets dirty, of course.
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Cabin Air Filter Replacement Questions
- Thread starter PianoAl
- Start date
Thanks
I get the smell every year and it's definitely the filters getting wet. If these expensive filters still do it I won't be buying them. I've used multiple different kinds and now it just makes sense to buy the cheapest until it smells again.
It's too much a pain in the neck to try to remove the filters without cleaning the coil and see if the smell remains. If I'm in there I'll use half a can of $19 Klima-Cleaner and use the other half the next time.
If it really is just the filter that would suggest the activated charcoal they all contain has pretty much worn itself out.
I don't care so much about filtering smells I just don't want to clog up the evaporator. If somebody meade a pleated reusable stainless steel screen filter I'd be all over it if the price was reasonable. However, if I was in dusty area I think I'd continue the disposables.
I finished replacing them. They were not that dirty (old on the left, new on the right).
So, if you rarely use the AC, I don't recommend changing the filters unless they smell.
So, if you rarely use the AC, I don't recommend changing the filters unless they smell.
stopcrazypp
Well-Known Member
Yeah that's the dilemma. You don't really know that until you take them out or at least open the panel to look, but if you reach that step, might as well replace them.
Here's a question:
Do they get just as dirty when using the heat as when using the AC?
If so, perhaps mine were clean because we live far from a city??
Do they get just as dirty when using the heat as when using the AC?
If so, perhaps mine were clean because we live far from a city??
I've been using HEPA filters for air pollution research for decades. If they aren't dirty, smelly, or have a hole in them, they don't really need to be replaced. Some last 20-40 years if maintained. Same should apply to Tesla's cabin filters.
Also, I thought I read that the software was changed to blow air past the HEPA filters for a little bit, after the car doors were locked/closed, so that any moisture would be drawn away from the coils.
Also, I thought I read that the software was changed to blow air past the HEPA filters for a little bit, after the car doors were locked/closed, so that any moisture would be drawn away from the coils.
stopcrazypp
Well-Known Member
Looks like a infrared transmitter LED and a microswitch (is it pushable?) What is on the back? Doesn't look like anything that would be part of the car as I can't think of anything that uses infrared. Did you find it inside the car or did you mean underneath?
Only thing I can think of that has a photodiode (to detect ambient light) is the sensor in the windshield, but that one is a long board:
NEW TESLA MODEL 3 RAIN SENSOR 2017-2022 1110860-00-D 1462944-00-A | eBay
Parts Catalog
It's part of the windshield camera housing:
SalisburySam
Active Member
Another downside to NOT replacing filters on the regular is the higher amperage used by the motors sucking the air through the clogged filters. This translates to higher-than-necessary electrical use. Same effect for replacing normal filters with HEPA or MERV13’s or higher; even though clean they’ll add load to blower motors by reducing airflow.
The pcb shows what looks like a manufacture date of 27th week of 2016. Very unlikely part of your car.
MLXXXp
Member
It looks like there used to be a 4 pin connector over the white square on the back. The pins have broken off and the ends are still visible in the holes on the top side.
What ever it is, it was probably originally in a case or housing that allowed you to press the button. It could have been part of an infrared remote control of some sort. I agree with others that it's unlikely part of the car.
MLXXXp
Member
@Rej Padua,
Thinking about this further, is the LED actually darkened or is it clear and we're actually just seeing the dark PCB through it in the photo? If the LED case is clear, it could be a white LED instead of infrared. Also, the push button might have been activated by a mechanical mechanism instead of by a human.
If both cases are true, the part could have been for illuminating an area when a door or something is opened. For example, the button could be activated by a glove box door and the LED would light the interior of the glove box.
I'm not saying this is specifically what it is. I don't know what parts are involved with illuminating the glove box. It's just an example of what it might be for.
stopcrazypp
Well-Known Member
Yeah, I thought of that also, it really depends on if the LED is actually dark or if it's just how it looks in the photo due to relections. If it's a clear LED, there's a bunch of different assemblies it can be part of, including the door buttons, window switches, dome lights, etc.
oreobbq
Member
While the recommendation may be 2 years, I prefer to replace the cabin air filter more often.. sometimes every season. There are some factors that play into it: the conditions you’re driving in (desert, etc), if the filter gets moldy or smells, miles driven, and how often you use the air. If you can do a visual inspection, it’s easy to smack some of the debris out and blow it out with compressed air. If you’re going through the trouble of accessing that area though, you may as well replace.
What is a bit counterintuitive is a clogged filter might be more effective at filtering.. at the cost of less air flow and more strain on your air system.
What is a bit counterintuitive is a clogged filter might be more effective at filtering.. at the cost of less air flow and more strain on your air system.
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