Been lurking here for some time now, but I figured it was finally time to contribute to the knowledge base.
I picked up a cherry 2008 200 Series a couple months ago and have been baselining it ever since. This past weekend the cabin filter was on my list, but I wasn't expecting it to be as challenging as it turned out.
As most probably know, the cabin filter is located in the glove box, and the HVAC system needs to be set to recirculate in order to remove and install the filter. Failure to set the system to recirculate keeps the accordion looking flap covering the filter and blocking access. If you follow the instructions it's a 2min job, but if you don't its still a 2.5min job as you just press the recirc button and expose the filter.
The problem arises when dealers, shops, or previous owners don't follow the instructions and and grab the recirc flap and force it up. Typically breaking the linkage or damaging the servo motor, and limiting the HVAC system to JUST recirculation, or JUST fresh supply. There are a handful of posts here on 'Mud detailing that exact issue.
And that's exactly what happened to me. However, I was able to fix the issue by taking apart the glove box and access the cabin filter and recirc flap door.
Start by checking the status of your recirc door. If its down, press the recirc button to cycle the system. If it's up already your 90% done with changing your cabin filter.
If your cabin filter was stuck or appeared broken like mine, your next step is glove box removal. Start by removing the lower valence. It has just four clips on the bottom side. Also remove the side knee pad on the dash itself. It has four clips around the edges and just pops off.
Next, undue the four bolts attaching the lower kick panel and knee airbag to the dash. There are two 10mm bolts on each side, and two clips on each edge.
I picked up a cherry 2008 200 Series a couple months ago and have been baselining it ever since. This past weekend the cabin filter was on my list, but I wasn't expecting it to be as challenging as it turned out.
As most probably know, the cabin filter is located in the glove box, and the HVAC system needs to be set to recirculate in order to remove and install the filter. Failure to set the system to recirculate keeps the accordion looking flap covering the filter and blocking access. If you follow the instructions it's a 2min job, but if you don't its still a 2.5min job as you just press the recirc button and expose the filter.
The problem arises when dealers, shops, or previous owners don't follow the instructions and and grab the recirc flap and force it up. Typically breaking the linkage or damaging the servo motor, and limiting the HVAC system to JUST recirculation, or JUST fresh supply. There are a handful of posts here on 'Mud detailing that exact issue.
And that's exactly what happened to me. However, I was able to fix the issue by taking apart the glove box and access the cabin filter and recirc flap door.
Start by checking the status of your recirc door. If its down, press the recirc button to cycle the system. If it's up already your 90% done with changing your cabin filter.
If your cabin filter was stuck or appeared broken like mine, your next step is glove box removal. Start by removing the lower valence. It has just four clips on the bottom side. Also remove the side knee pad on the dash itself. It has four clips around the edges and just pops off.
Next, undue the four bolts attaching the lower kick panel and knee airbag to the dash. There are two 10mm bolts on each side, and two clips on each edge.