How to change your Tesla Model 3 cabin filter

[@SeizetheDIY]

Great video! The only thing that wasn’t mentioned was after squirting the cleaner inside, putting the cover back on is necessary before turning on the AC for 15 min. If you don’t, it’ll blast all the cleaner back out into your car like I did haha!

[@johnrice223]

Saved me the cleanup! Thanks for the advice.

[@spacep0d]

Good point!

[@ILikeVideos1234]

I saw this too late but you got my upvote

[@brandonmoseley1024]

I came back to see this after I turned my passenger floorboard into a bubble bath. 😂😂

[@SeizetheDIY]

@@brandonmoseley1024 hahaha!! Ya, I did too

[@investmentanalyst779]

Just did this for my model 3.... they took the advice... the bolt is now on the bottom. (2021 Model 3)

[@alexandramerrick3283]

I should've read this before I started because I searched and searched for the top one, but found the same!

[@mermaid717]

Awesome! I'm about to do mine, mine is a 2020... I wonder if mine still has the bolt on the top.. I'll find out soon 😂

[@DeBo-ii5sd]

@@mermaid717did it ? 😂 I’m about to do mine in a hour !😂

[@ilovejimmy913]

@@mermaid717mines 2020 too.. did u figure it out?

[@ilovejimmy913]

@@DeBo-ii5sdDID IT? lol

[@DimitriSLouis]

I could tell this was the video I needed because the first 10 seconds is me every time I get in my car for the last 4 months.

[@dvracecom]

Thank you for the video. Mine took a T20, not an Allen wrench. I watched the video, grabbed several different sized SAE and metric Allen wrench and started on the project, saw the hexalobular head, grabbed a few of Torx wrenches and finished the job.

[@tomacquistapace233]

Yes, they are T20 on my 2020 M3

[@FaisalKhan-kj4wh]

My AC would stink when turned on during really hot days. Just followed your instructions including the vent and duct cleaner, Omg I can't believe I waited so long. It feels like the system is flowing better because my filters were filthy and smells fresh now!!

[@MegaLifeChanging]

To help prevent mold, turn off AC before stopping and run fan on high to help get rid of moisture

[@CryptoPivot]

That’s right!!

[@rouchar]

Good idea for something that could be automated. Fans without AC don't use much power anyway.

[@jayswinney83]

I think Tesla took your advice about swapping the bolt and clip. I'm replacing the filter in my m3 (purchased Dec 2020) and it was flipped.

[@gamingmuscles]

They absolutely did (M3 2021). I just changed my filters for the first time and the bolt was at the bottom. Thanks for the video!!! P.s. it was impossible for me to I unclip the ambient light, but it was also not necessary

[@jeffreychan7403]

Same… late 2021, was impossible to unplug the speaker for me… pulled off the plastic housing and the wires were still in :/

[@krantea]

Such a timely video . Since 2 days I've noticed a dirty sock smell in my M3. Life saver !

[@cathyschlumbrecht8465]

This clip was of great help. But more impressive is your patience & calmness. Finished mine in approximately 45 mins - 1 hr. Thanks again for your help.

[@Magnum2PI]

my corolla takes about 2 minutes

[@bspalteh]

I tried this, thanks for the video. I didn’t disconnect the speaker and just moved the plate aside with speaker attached. The clip seemed hard to remove and others have broken it. I also didn’t remove the orange wire clips, I just move the whole thing with wires aside. The rest was ok, a pain to access but not bad.

[@quinnschelske5063]

just got that stank smell - did not realize it was such a common problem! ty for the vid

[@techguy3507]

1:42 "and the speaker". Hahaha. He doesn't show or explain that. No one explains how to disconnect that speaker. Easier to unscrew the 2 screws that hold it in and let the speaker dangle.

[@justinmarks9304]

For real!

[@edmundorivera5825]

My filters didn’t come with the pry tool and wrench. Relax, alright? My old man is a television repairman. He’s got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it. Couldn’t have done it without this vid. Thank you.

[@kevo212]

Thanks Trev, just replaced my cabin filters with these and the cleaner you recommended. Much needed after 3 years, I started smelling mildew from the AC... I'm surprised it lasted as long as they did.

[@dduffy7271]

lol o hill

[@Teslavangelist]

Smell secured. Looking to do this on my 3. For vent spray, filters, and labor Tesla was going to charge $130. I'll try myself first

[@-Brandon_]

Ridiculous $130. How’d it go for your DIY?

[@Teslavangelist]

@@-Brandon_ haven't gotten around to it yet lol. But I so have the two replacement filters

[@T3chAndThings]

Just changed my air filter and I’m glad tesla heard you cause it’s much easier to change in my 2022 model 3

[@angelabc2494]

Great video. My car was smelling like a disgusting mess, after doing this, it smells like a fresh load of laundry lol. I bought the ac pro duct and vent cleaner from autozone. Worked perfectly

[@JackMott]

My October 2021 model 3 does not have that orange wire in the way, and the bolt is at the bottom now, heh.

[@IWatchAndLearn]

It’s been 6 months now, What do you think about these filters? Are they better or worse than Tesla’s original filters?

[@sommershow5577]

Guess we will never know 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Hextavo]

One year later... We will still never know..

[@jamilsabbatt9942]

Ive had the same one in my closet for almost 2 years and wanna know before i do this

[@tarasboyanovskiy9719]

It’s been 2 years. Any update guys?

[@Crawdoodle]

@@tarasboyanovskiy9719he died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Rip 🪦

[@jaspal2370]

These new filters are amazing. Don't waste your money buying the expensive one. Just buy the xtenchor one! I've had it for a year almost no problems.. only fresh air!

[@piercechan]

The clips and panels were a real pain to put back on! Least fun thing I have done in years

[@SoullessGingerAdam]

Do you have a video on how to change the USBC ports in the front? Both mine are fried.

[@BertoJA876]

After doing this cabin filter replacement will it reset the notification on the dashboard stating the climate control system needs to be service?

[@RyanLestage]

The timing of this, started getting that smell last week!

[@camleborgne6121]

Much appreciated for the video. Super straight forward, took me maybe 10 minutes

[@spacep0d]

Thanks for the concise, music-free tutorial! I ordered the same filters. Gonna give it a go tomorrow. Looks pretty simple, and agreed on the Tesla engineers swapping the bolt position with the clip. By the way, a way to make it easier to deal with a difficult T-20 torx bolt is with a 1/4" socket set and ratchet. This way you can ratchet loose or tight without all of the resetting needed in that tight space with the torx tool included in the filter kit. Saved me a ton of time and aggravation. Obviously don't over-tighten.

[@80vac]

Thanks for the video. Was able to change mine. The bolt is now at the bottom 2022 M3

[@tigerbballer44]

I think they listened because I did my 2021 and it was a piece of cake

[@whitewolfstudios4727]

Nice video! I just did mine and I think I'll just order the service technician next time.... No wonder it costs so much to get it replaced by Tesla, this was a real PITA!

[@TheArmorersFix]

Kept it easy. Thank you!

[@x3treesah]

hahaha your reaction in the beginning was me during the summer !! 😂

[@InfoZenn]

I just changed the filters in both my and my wife’s model 3 using this tutorial. I didn’t bother disconnecting the speaker cable or the clips on the orange cable(I had less working space as a result though). It seems like it took forever to change mine. But after doing one, my wife’s was a breeze. Thanks for the guide!!

[@Oliviamed891]

Did you vacuum the filter area as well?

[@jecademar]

I noticed after you finished spraying the foam you let the air run for a while in recirculation mode. Is that recommended? or better to do it with fresh air coming from outside?

[@spacep0d]

Logically, this makes sense and it's what I would do.

[@aberdeenbelfry316]

Seems like a poor design and hard to get to.

[@BradGarcia]

The only really hard part is the bolt. As Trevor said, Tesla needs to either replace the bolt with another tab, or put the bolt at the bottom so that you can use a regular screwdriver to get to it, instead of needing a tool with a right angle to fit up in there.

[@jasonstrand8542]

Thank you so much! I live in Wyoming and can’t really take the car to get serviced very easily in the next state over!?! Your video was perfect length and super helpful! Thanks again for taking the time to film this:)

[@M1cRaa]

Air flow pressure dropped significantly with this Hepa filters?

[@nuandlarry]

How do you remove the wires from the speaker and light? I’ve been poking and pinching and pulling the plastic pieces for 30 min and just gave up

[@LeeCharlton-b5g]

Excellent Video, huge help TY

[@tacomandood7371]

3:10 “We’ll spray the foam in there liberally” Conservatives in US: NOT IN MY COUNTRY That’s always my first thought when people say “liberally” haha. Thanks for the video, I’m getting to the point where I have to do this but I’ve been putting it off. Question: did the activated carbon filter make a difference?

[@psha8178]

I heard "literally" and not "liberally".

[@Highiq92]

Did the changing a few days ago or lets say i tried and a few question came to my mind..how did you unplug the speaker... I was afraid to rip the cable apart from the connector because it would not come of the Cover... These white clips that came of... you put them on the interior part or back at the console.. makes more sense on the thing you remove because they might fall off when you put them in the console..

[@heathermccoun9994]

Unscrew the two bolts do not pull

[@JoeS97756]

Those style filters won't get moldy like the stock ones. Also some tips. Recirc on rainy days and always use carwash mode when washing the car.

[@ginsburgsatxsatx7517]

Did the swap out take care of the smell? Our car is not even 7 months old and we have that smell.... It seems to be just when we turn the air conditioning on if it's humid out...

[@ramonvargas3434]

Great help thanks 🙏

[@JeffEdmondson]

Second time doing this in 3 years. Good video, guaranteed to have cut up knuckles after your done

[@krismaly6300]

Awesome Thanks for educating the community and appreciate your volunteering Thanks to team Please please keep posting some more videos of howvto take care of each every thing in Tesla Thanks

[@Sache0190]

After 15 months of ownership still no bad smell from my airco...i wonder how you got that so quickly.

[@lawrencemcclammy4686]

Mine got it pretty quickly. As did most of the commenters here. It’s a common issue for people who live in more Wet climates. The system holds the moisture in after the air conditioner turns off.

[@nateLegakis]

Clip at the top and bolt at the bottom. Good idea.

[@thediesel387]

I was about to do this but then I checked and Tesla mobile service charges almost the same exact price as it would cost me to buy the 2 products you had used and do it myself so how could I not let them do it right in my driveway?

[@jacbuc1]

How often would you say they need to be changed?

[@herozero12th]

Have to replace mine in one year ownership in Toronto area. Imo every year.

[@UpliftSpac3]

Where do I buy small orange tool?

[@yesla4tesla]

I did the same thing a week ago with the same filters. They are holding up nicely. Isn't it fun getting that first filter down the hole? That was the hardest part for me.

[@yesla4tesla]

@@teslaownersonline5805 lol, yea very true. The bolt was a tough one. I was on my back, my feet up on the headrest. Thankfully I didn't get stuck. l:)

[@implode573]

I'm struggling with this right now. Ugh. It keeps getting stuck.

[@yesla4tesla]

lol, when I did it, I had thoughts that I would need to call the wife to help pull me out.

[@CarboneBBB]

1 year update please :D Would like to know if the new filters seem to work any better?

[@Aaddaammaattiioonn]

Just from my personal experience, I installed these in my car last summer. I started having problems with my heater this past winter. According to Tesla, this filter blocked airflow to the compressor which resulted in them having to change the heater itself.

[@CarboneBBB]

@@Aaddaammaattiioonn thanks for the reply! I've also had heater issues and it needed to be replaced a couple months ago but this seems to be something common that has happened this winter to a lot of model 3's 2018-2020 and that doesn't include the recall for the ones with a heat pump. I've been using the Tesla filters and while I can see Tesla's argument where these filters restrict airflow, it's plausible that the heater died for a different reason, I think it was a result of a software update like the heat pumps but I can't prove it.

[@kwazimoto]

@@Aaddaammaattiioonn I imagine as soon as the Tesla techs got in and saw after-market filters they immediately attributed the problem to your filters and not to a potential fault due to their system. We've also started to notice the stinky sock smell in our Model 3, and this video is the first I've looked at, and I think to avoid me breaking anything, and to avoid any potential problems with after-market filters, I'll just schedule a Tesla tech to come out and change the filters for me. Seems like Tesla really did not want folks changing out their own filters.

[@Aaddaammaattiioonn]

@@kwazimoto yeah, have tesla do it. It’s not worth any potential problems.

[@Hosander2202]

I can’t tell what part of the car you are working on. Where is all this done?

[@EastwoodFabrication]

Seriously?

[@cocoliso1946]

What kind of foam dud you spray?

[@LeeKenshin7]

PSA: I took my 2019 M3 in for service today and apparently my ptc heater needed to be replaced (it was already replaced less than 2 years ago). They found corrosion or external material on the ptc heater fins. During pickup, customer service mentioned that one of the reason they stopped the evaporator coil cleaning service is because of this very reason. There goes ~$800. Guess I won't be getting my evaporator coils cleaned anymore.

[@patrickorourke2315]

Thanks for the video, just helped me install my air filters!

[@ede4345]

I think I missed up my light when I disconnected it. How do you turn it back on? I connected it back but it’s off now. I open door and nothing comes on .

[@nicholasfowler3783]

Uhhh, there was hair and bugs and gross stuff in the bottom filter. Is it cool to vacuum it out?

[@Popcornbeetle]

Thanks for this. Is it possible to drop something in the filter compartment? Asking because after my service center did the filters, I have a rolling rattle in the car. I’m afraid it’s in the ducting somehow and none of it is accessible!

[@calibergemini]

I nearly dropped the cover panel itself inside so I believe it is very easy to drop some thing inside the compartment. Something like the small allen key can easily fall inside if not careful.

[@Popcornbeetle]

@@calibergemini would it have been recoverable? Assuming the filter compartment connects the ducting shown in this video

[@calibergemini]

@@Popcornbeetle maybe a technician can... I know I am not that capable...lol

[@eIektrinis]

Dammit this is absurdly difficult :)) what year car is this? I hope it's easier on 2022

[@orsonstarbuck]

Dude, where are you working? Is this the drivers side by the feet or the frunk or where?

[@tw1898]

passenger side -- under the glove box and on the side of center console

[@hilarycorbi6149]

I couldn’t see where you had to unscrew it. Can you please tell me

[@stillak]

Are the stock cabin filters low quality? My car started getting the smell with only 40000kms

[@IntermissionNovel]

Great tutorial!! Thanks!

[@nateLegakis]

Does this work for the 2022 model?

[@ericklopez7319]

thank you for the video Trevor, very good as usual, keep up the good work!

[@StephenDavisZio]

What size Allen wrench ?

[@phat_gunpla_etc]

how long you had your car before you change the filter?

[@tw1898]

Tesla says every two years. At least in my case (NYC area, fairly damp at times, dusty others -- and today, smoky from the wildfires in Quebec), I'm going to start doing in annually.

[@michaelramming109]

My filters look exactly like yours, but the tabs are on the opposite side, so I can't face them with the carbon towards the back or the tabs will be hidden.

[@michaelyarmas4423]

Thanks for the video, Tesla change the bolt and next time could you start with wide shots as to be able o orientate myself with what/where you're doing! thanks;-)

[@SethCShort]

I just asked my Tesla service dept and they’ll do it for me for $58.50, which is only 14 bucks more than buying the filter you suggested. Call me lazy but I think I might just have them do it instead. 😂

[@ilickspam]

how long did it take for you to change your filters again after using these?

[@inelonwetrust9169]

Perfect timing as I prepare to replace mine.

[@paperc07]

Only problem I seen and it might be cause it's still new is the ac doesn't blow as hard like 68 is the new 74. It's gotta be cause it's so new but idk

[@yngkicks]

Thank you for sharing this video!

[@rossmcgrath4361]

You’ll be happy to know they did in fact flip it 🤙🏼

[@alexanderdrakh5237]

Thanks so much!!

[@philiprogers5772]

In my book, that seems like a lot of work to change a filter.

[@ElonAccessories]

Totally agree. I see why Telsa needed to place the filters there but it is not convenient to change them. Knowing Tesla and how fast they iterate, it wouldn’t surprise me if we see a better placement in newer models.

[@LaurentVitalis]

I found the location of the air filter in the Polestar 2, by accident. You open the glove box, push 2 latches on both sides, the glove box fully opens. The air filter is hidden behind there. No screws, no nuts, zero tool needed, a 45 seconds job.

[@elijahevo6859]

@@LaurentVitalis that's how most Honda air filter replacement is, in Ford tho it's not as complicated if not more than Tesla

[@Shaverboy516]

Yes totally agree, way too much work involved in changing these filters.

[@ramshambo2001]

Great video thanks!

[@johnkianka6339]

How much of the duct cleaning spray did you use? Ty

[@tw1898]

Me, the whole can -- the coil cleaner, that is.

[@bigdougscommentary5719]

Does this resolve a vinegar odor or a mildew order?

[@oscara8746]

Give us an update on how they are doing now?

[@kerryseabrook7866]

It’s a T-20 torx key btw.

[@grhodes3536]

Worked great!

[@Aaddaammaattiioonn]

So I installed these on my model 3 last summer. A few weeks ago, I started having problems with my heater. I brought it to the service center and Tesla claims these filters were blocking airflow to the heating element. Tesla swapped them out to the oem filters and one week later my heater stops working again. Tesla told me I might have to replace the ptc heater. Im worried how much this is going to cost. Anyone else with this problem? 😔

[@Aaddaammaattiioonn]

Update: Tesla changed the ptc heater in the car. They covered it under the warranty. Really grateful it was covered.

[@haimause9797]

thanks!

[@businessmanph]

could not get the orange wire clips off for the life of me. just unscrew, uncover, and change filters.

[@BoycottHollywood]

I had to watch it about 50 times to figure out what changed between 1:29 and 1:32. It looks like you turned 90° clockwise. This confused tf out of me.

[@Anthony__420]

On the Tesla site they don’t spray the evaporator. Why would you have to if the filters were in place.

[@ScottBuscemi]

Just got a quote from Tesla Service and it includes the cleaning spray.

[@oh5383]

My Tesla they charge extra for spraying. I had Tesla swap out my filters first and the smell was still there. I had found out they didn’t spray. I had to pay them again $150 to spray and replace filters again. Smell was now gone. So I recommend spraying. Still shocked Tesla wouldn’t honor it and made me pay again.

[@amott070478]

It may just be me, but you jumped right in. It was hard for me to understand where you are in the vehicle. I think I need a beginner version of the tutorial.

[@rodx]

You’re 100% correct. Not sure why he just jumped in without saying where he was going or what panel he was pulling n

[@jdelbrid]

They could put a winged bolt in that tight spot instead of using a allen head bolt. Moving it would be a lot more expensive, I believe.

[@S2kDude36]

Changed mine today, last time was 2.5 years ago. It's a T15 Torx, and you will need to clean up the puddle of liquid on the floor of your garage after you are done.

[@tw1898]

I put a pan under mine. It starts to drip out even before turning on the AC and fan.

[@st3vo_16angeles6]

Hi Trevor! I like the stance on ur car! Did u install coil overs or just springs? Also, did are u running Spacers?? ✌️

[@BrianCaines]

I think it's better if you put the cover back on before you let it air out the foam otherwise some might come out of the hole

[@ultralaggerREV1]

I remember the HEPA filters being much bigger on the Model 3

[@mikaelpettersson5916]

IF you are going to replace your filter might as well install a hepa one. Hepas are not that expensive. (Some sa they last longer some don't)

[@wileymarm0t]

Thank you for demonstrating the change. I’m so glad Tesla made this easy to change - NOT!! When you made your suggestion to the Tesla engineers I think you meant to suggest, “Hey Tesla engineers, eat your dog food and make this less of a horrible experience.”

[@harliederosa9731]

Maybe it’s just me but this looks complicated as heck I hope I don’t mess this up

[@tw1898]

It just takes patience and persistence. Confusing the first time you do it; a little easier the second (though I'm going to do it a year from now rather than wait two years as I did this time).

[@MoeRubenzahl]

Good video but one difference for me is that I could not pull the orange wires. But no worries: you can just leave them attached to the filter cover. Getting that Torx bit off (and back on) was difficult; I used a Torx bit on a long extension. Thank you!

[@guttagutta420]

@charleshodgson2052😂😂😂😂😂