By RTtucson

This is one of those easy to do, yet easy to forget about tasks. In addition to being easy to do, it can reap big health benefits, especially if you suffer from allergies. The cabin filter’s job is to filter the air that enters the car interior.

 

Step1 Remove the pop-rivets The first step is to open the hood and remove the left side cowl cover. This is that black piece of plastic that covers the neck of the windshield washer container. It is held in place with four plastic pop-rivets. To remove them simply pry them up using a small paint scraper or flat bladed screw driver. (Note: there is a special fork shaped tool for removing these rivets available at most auto parts stores. It’s a good investment if you do a lot of work on your car.)

 

Step2 Remove the windshield washer tank Remove the two 10mm bolts at the left side of the windshield washer tank, then the one on the right side of the tank.

 

You don’t need to disconnect the fluid hoses from the tank, just lift it up and set it aside so you’ll have room to access the cabin filter.

 

Step3 This plastic box is what you'll find in newer model PT Cruisers instead of a cabin filter Note that the newer model PT Cruisers do not come with a cabin filter installed, just an empty plastic case! Whatever came installed in your PT Cruiser, the next step is to remove it. There are two more 10mm bolts that hold the cabin filter (or plastic box) in place, one located in the upper left corner and one located on the right side. Remove these bolts and set them aside.

 

Step4 New and used filters compared Here’s a photo of a new filter, and one removed after six months of service. The moral here is: you can either buy a filter or be a filter.

 

Step5 Installation is the reverse of removal. Bolt in the new filter using the two 10mm bolts that held in the old one. Set the windshield washer container back in place and bolt it back down using three 10mm bolts. Place the cowl back in place, with the opening over the neck of the windshield washer container. Fasten the cowl to the car using the four pop-rivets. Use a rubber mallet or gently tap with a hammer to snap them back into place.