I want to install a cabin air filter in my '03 SLE, but I can't figure it out - can't let a sinkin filter get the better of me.. The car didn't come with a filter so I'm not sure how the new one goes in - it'* a flat filter 12"x8" or so. There doesn't appear to be anything to hold the filter... Any one know, or have a pic for me?

Thanks.

Marty

Yea, I can get you a pic give me a bit.

Once you have your new one, just grab the old one and pull it out. You don't have to be afraid of breaking it since you have the new one. It sort of snaps into place, so you will have to give it a little tugging at first.
There are no clips. It simply goes in with one end folded over. You'll know what I mean when you pull the old one out.

I think his problem is he doesnt have one to go by....

Right, there'* no filter in there, so I have nothing to go by. I would really appreciate a pic, thanks.

Marty

It'* a brand new car!!!
And it doesn't have a filter.? That should be the responsibility of the dealer....unless you bought it used??
The new filter will be flat but it will have a 3" portion that can bend over. When you install it, you will hold the folded end so it is bent down. When you push the fiter all the way in, the bent down portion will be inserted into another track. It will look like an L when it its final position.

Right, it is a brand new car and it should be provided. But the closest dealership is 70+ miles away and I don't have time for that (but it may have to wait until I can). I thought I could buy the cheap filter and just put it in. I tried as you described, but there doesn't seem to be anything in there to hold the filter, it just lays in there... I'm obviously not getting the right idea. I would still appreciate a pic if someone has one.

Thanks.

Marty

Are you missing the plastic cover for the filter? Is there a big hole in the left side of your engine bay below the windshield?

The plastic cover is there. When I remove the cover, there is a metal brace on each side, below the cover, and toward the rear I can see the air intake hole and the top of the fan blades. I tried the filter in there, but it doesn't seem to be secured by anything. I can't seem to make it stay, it just falls down. I've double checked the part # and the filter is as described above. I'm begining to wonder if my car is missing something... Maybe I'm missing something This stinkin filter is making me feel pretty dumb... :(
Thanks for your help.
Marty

Here is the cover:



Here is the filter (Yes, I know its dirty).



Here you can see the filter removed. Notice on both sides the track that the filter slides into. The filter goes in large end first with the small end hanging down and folded under. The small end has tracks below the large end tracks.



Hope this helps.