How To Easily Replace ● Cabin Air Filter On Tesla Model 3 !

[@jasondotter1932]

Chris - this is the most concise and complete instructional video I've seen on the intrawebs in a long time! Fantastic job editing and voicing over with every detail needed to remove and replace this piece. Normally I have to fast forward and search around for the information I need, but you cut it down to exactly the details required. Keep up the great work!

[@chrisnotap]

Wow! Thanks for that great feedback!! I appreciate that!

[@nfinity10]

Exactly what I was looking for! Took me all of about 5 minutes to complete the entire process. People complaining here may need to just take a few breaths and sip a nice cold drink lol. Thanks for your great work!!

[@chrisnotap]

Glad it helped!

[@keijuhl]

Just did this in my Model 3. Took about 20 minutes. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@chrisnotap]

Fantastic!

[@NakedBlastoise]

Just changed mines thanks to you. Advice to all, do this during the day time lol

[@chrisnotap]

Glad I could help

[@troy3456789]

I always vacuum the empty filter socket out. I get a lot of junk out like that. You can get thin vacuum cleaner attachments to help make that easier. Clean everything as best you can before installing the new filters.

[@chrisnotap]

That's a great tip!

[@scottluebke5012]

1. This video makes great sense and covers everything you need to know. 2. I've been working on my cars a long time, and this actually was a lot harder than I imagined it would be. Getting the pieces to fit back correctly and actually snap together was a real pain, and you're going to be working in very uncomfortable positions. Took maybe 20 minutes beginning to end, could do it in 10 minutes now. But it's definitely trickier than I thought it would be.

[@franklong6269]

Great video. Simple, to the point, no verbose conversations, good advice. I just changed the air filters on my 2022 Model 3. I bought it used, and it appears that the air filters have never been changed. it has 78,000 miles on it.

[@Cole-ft4rr]

That is a ton of miles on a 2 year old car!!! How much did you pay? Guessing around $18,000?

[@franklong6269]

@@Cole-ft4rr Yes it is a lot of miles, I agree. After the $4,000 federal rebate, I paid $18,800 for the car. I have never seen a 2022 Model 3 with any amount of miles on it sell for $18.000 from a dealer. It might be different with a private sale. Most 2022s with similar mileage sell above $25,000 - $28.000 miles if they are in good condition. An important point with this vehicle is that everything about the car was immaculate except the wheels. The paint, the interior, the glass, the interior touch screen, everything looks brand new. Also, Recurrent rated that battery capacity at 95% - Reccurrent evaluates the charging, range and battery capacity based on the vehicle's own records. It is actually probably closer to 96%. Also the battery is under warranty up to 100,000 miles, as is the electric drive train. I just charged it at home with my Tesla Universal Wall Connector to 100% yesterday day, and it showed 256 miles of range, and that is with 19" wheels, which lowers the range by around 5-7%, according to reviews I have read. So, I probably have lost only 4% of the charging capacity. I also own a 2009 4-Wheel Drive Toyota Tacoma which gets about 15 mpg in town (roughly). I was paying around $75.00 - $80.00 to fill up my tank at approximately three times a month. So around $250.00 a month in gas if I didn't drive a lot. To date, I have driven 1548 miles so far and in mild weather I am getting near 4.5 miles per KW. This summer in AZ, where I live, that has gone down to about 3.25 miles per KW because temperatures have been between 105 -115 degrees F. That gets me about 200 miles of range in very extreme conditions, which is still very good because I don't drive slow. My TOTAL cost to drive the 1548 miles Also, this Model 3 has a 63.3 KW LFP battery, which you can charge to 100% without worrying about losing capacity. It has the fast Ryzen CPU, which enables full-self-driving capability. It has matrix headlights, the cold weather package and a nine-speaker audio system. So it has almost every upgrade that the refreshed "Highland" Model 3 has and it's about $24,000 cheaper than buying a new Model 3. Keep in mind that there was no federal rebate for the RWD Highland Model 3 when I bought my car. But even now, with that $7,500 rebate, my car is well over $15,000 - $17,000 cheaper than the new RWD Model 3. Because solid-state batteries are going to be coming out in 2025, I think it is a waste of money to buy a new Tesla. Think about it, in a year to two years, it is quite possible that the Model 3 will have 600 miles of range, will charge efficiently in cold and hot weather, will not lose nearly as much range in cold and hot weather and will charge from 0 -80% at a Tesla supercharger in less than 15 minutes. It also will maintain over 90% of its capacity for at least 4000 charging cycles. Our current EVs will be dinosaurs by comparison. Right now, my Model 3 is the most reliable, trouble-free car sold in China, the largest auto market in the world. It is turning out to be the Toyota of EVs. Solar LFP batteries are coming out with a 10-year, 90% charge capacity guarantee, and they are very similar to the LFP batteries in my car. So, this Model 3 should easily go 200,000 - 300,000 miles while maintaining over 90% of its battery capacity. I did some rough math calculations and if I drive it 70,000 miles, the car will have more than paid for itself with just gas savings. I have had to buy floor mats ($125.00), change the cabin filters ($30.00) and clean the radiator ($15.00 for a can of coil cleaner), but everything works really well. It was a lot of work to clean the radiator, but it improved the cooling of the vehicle greatly. So, in a couple of years, I will be able to sell my Model 3 for about what I paid for it, and it will have already paid for itself in gas savings compared to driving my Toyota. All that and I get to enjoy the amazing software, convenience, speed, power and economy of a $50,000 luxury vehicle and the car will pay me $15,000 - $20,000 in profit when I sell it. It will sell because it is the most efficient, reliable EV sold right now because Tesla has worked all of the bugs out. Someone like me will buy it just to save huge amounts of money on gas, and it should still have over 250 miles of usable range (in temperate weather). This all assumes that I don't have a failure in the heat pump or another major component, but for nearly a 100% return on my investment, I am willing to take that risk. i can take the 15K - $20k I sell it for and put it down on a new Tesla.

[@franklong6269]

@@Cole-ft4rr Actually, I am finding that priding fluctuates quite a bit based on supply. When Hertz dumped hundreds of Model 3s on the used car market, the cost for used Model 3s went down. Now that Hertz has sold almost all of its Model 3s, the prices of used Model 3s are increasing because there is less supply. My car had 77,314 miles on it when I bought it and it had one owner. I suspect that it was used as an Uber or Lyft car. What struck me about the car is that it is in mint condition. No chips or dings on any of the glass. The paint looks brand new and the interior is nearly perfect. I have had the edge of the wood trim on the driver's side door come up a little bit, and it needs to be glued down, but it is barely noticeable. I live in AZ and we have had a string of high temperatures between 105 -116 degrees F and I posit that has caused the wood veneer to come loose at the edge of the door. But that's it, the rest of the interior looks brand new. When I bought my Model 3, Hertz was just starting to sell its used Model 3s. Fortunately, mine was at a fairly low price. I paid $22,900 for it, but I qualified for the Federal rebate and got $4,0000 off of that cost. So I paid $18,900 for it, plus a $500 dealer fee (which all dealers charge - Hertz charges the same fee). Note that I didn't buy my Model 3 from Hertz, and I am glad that I didn't. From what I have seen, the used Model 3s from Hertz are beat up pretty bad. The interior is scratched up, often severely, the bodies of the cars have dings and scratches, and the glass is chipped. I bought the car because my Toyota 4-wheel drive Tacoma gets about 15 mpg in the city and I was paying $80 - $100 to fill it up every time I got gas. I analyzed JUST the gas savings and calculated that if I drive my Model 3 approximately 25,000 miles, it will have fully paid for itself, including tax and license. This doesn't include insurance, and it costs me about $800 to insure it for six months. I did some rough ROI calculations (I'm an engineer) on the money I spent on the car. I came up with a return interest rate that buying the car gives me on the money I spent of approximately 8%. That will increase significantly after I have driven $25,000 miles and the car has paid for itself. But consider this key point, I don't have to pay ANY taxes on that 8% return on my money , none, and there is minimal risk. I checked, and right now, I can sell the car for over $18,000 on the used market, probably higher because it looks like it is brand new. So, it beats just about every other financial investment you can make. Currently, I have tens of thousands of dollars in a 5-month CD, and I am only getting a 5.2% return on that money. So after I drive 25,000 miles with the Model 3, it will double the ROI of my CD account. One other interesting point is that when I bought the car, it had a 95% range rating from Recurrent, which is very good. It turns out that the previous owner did not change the interior air filters or clean the two radiators on the car. As I learned about the Model 3 I was surprised to find out that it actually has TWO radiators, I thought it did not have any. My radiators were absolutely covered with leaves, twigs, dirt, smashed-on dead bugs, and even the top of an aluminum can. I was able to clean most of this out and I used a pressure steam cleaner to clean the radiators. Subsequently, my Recurrent range rating went up to 97%, which is exceptional! Because I have the LFP battery, I have virtually the same range as a new 2022 Model 3 RWD would have. This should increase my resale value significantly. I hope this long comment has been interesting to you.

[@Cole-ft4rr]

@@franklong6269I think that’s a fantastic price for the condition that you described! Here’s to many more miles!

[@franklong6269]

@@Cole-ft4rr Thank you for your kind words. Do you own a Tesla also? Just curious. If you do, which Model did you choose?

[@sooz9433]

You just make everything look so simple..😂 Thank you Chris. It's good to see you again. 😊

[@chrisnotap]

Thanks for that!!

[@brucemillar3015]

This is the most complex cabin air filter replacement I've ever seen. The simplest one is in my Buick Lucerne: you open the hood and flip open a small panel on the firewall, and there it is. Go figure.

[@scottluebke5012]

I agree. Was way trickier than I thought, and kind of a pain. Had a VW Passat like your Buick. Open hood, release a little plastic door, remove filter. Literally takes one minute.

[@SeanMcDonnell33]

this is the best one. hopefully it moves to the top of the youtube search results for model 3 air filter replacment soon. thank you!

[@chrisnotap]

Thanks for that great feedback!!

[@frankcoffey]

I just did mine. First problem is one of the white clips fell down inside the console near the firewall. I was able to get my hand in there and get it out. Another one was in the slot and that one I put my finger behind per your instructions as I was removing it to keep it from going back into the console. Also, it's hard to get the pins back in those black plastic push in clips if you have already seated the ring. Put the pin part way in before inserting them into the holes so you won't have that problem. Took me two tries to get that panel back in position I had to push the speaker cable back into a cavity to get it to pop in right.

[@uodige1]

Thank you for the easy to follow instructions. I was able to replace my old cabin filter!

[@CapybaraCM]

Hey Chris, much appreciated for putting this video together. Was always daunted to change air filters on my ICE cars but after watching and following your tutorial on the model 3, I was inspired to try on my other cars as well. So much money saved. I think I’ll pass on the oil changes still though🤣🤣🤣. And bonus, my wife appreciated the new cabin filter on her Model 3. Extra bonus points for me🤙

[@JSchocker]

Phenomenal and concise guide for doing this. Extremely helpful and informative. Thank you so much!

[@chrisnotap]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@asteck007]

Billions of $ spent in engineering and they couldnt figure out how to make this process easier .... unreal.

[@ValorMediaTN]

@@asteck007 thought the same thing lol

[@sergeantcasiano8416]

Chris, you made this process very easy and I got it done in no time. Thank you for the quick and straightforward video!!

[@chrisnotap]

Glad it helped!

[@fishbob86]

I just love your videos, I honestly think I could listen to you talk about anything. Thank you

[@chrisnotap]

Wow, thank you!! That's is really nice feedback!!

[@bladimirgenoves1080]

Thanks for the video. I'm not convinced Tesla made the right choice to hide the cabin filter all tuck in down there. I had to do some yoga to replace it. BTW great video.

[@MarcusHouse]

Hey there Chris. Just replied to your question on my comment thread. Was in here literally a few days ago watching this one. Love your work. Thank you!

[@chrisnotap]

Thanks for that Marcus!

[@linabear55]

You make it look so easy! Going to be ordering soon and trying this out!

[@winningfreak1]

Perfect, easy to do. Thanks! Took 5-10 minutes at most

[@roborocko]

This is not how older models are made. It's similar but filter door screw is in a different location (top of the panel). Older models are more difficult.

[@craigwhite9699]

Clear and concise. Much appreciated!

[@NeilMasters-t5t]

This video is the best and most concise and ez to understand Tesla model 3 filter replacement 👏

[@chrisnotap]

Thanks for that!

[@NewEdgeFitness]

Best video on the topic! Thank you very much, I just changed the cabin air filters in my Model 3.

[@RichardT2112]

I don’t even own a Tesla, but watched the video one the less 😂 A good reminder to change the filter on my vehicles! Cheers from Vancouver!

[@danielpark625]

Thanks for showing step by step instruction.

[@TheDolkNess]

Straight to the point - nice and detailed! 👌🏼

[@Obankenobi]

Perfect! Thanks so much, going in now. Looks like you also have a white cat ;-) One note: my 12/2019 Model 3 has the Torx screw at top of panel, hard to see and definitely tough to get a tool on. Otherwise a pretty easy job

[@DannyxL]

Great, very straightforward video!

[@vrindakandel9819]

Thank you. Right size video with All info needed.

[@Michael-Makes-Stuff]

Holy cripes… Elon didn’t design that very well. What a giant PITA. Thanks for showing us how to do this! 👍🏼

[@stevenz933]

Agree 100% PITA! My Hyundai and Lexus are a piece of cake when it comes to changing the cabin filters. Elon, you can keep your Tesla!

[@vasil7410]

Try it on a RHD car. The user manuals for RHD regions still have the LHD description but the process is far harder again. I gave up half way through, after figuring out the user manual was a complete dud and after watching KZbin videos.

[@noelbaudy5371]

It's literally on teslas website

[@Toxxenn]

My ford was the same way

[@mr.anderson70]

The right rear spark plug on my uncle's Sunbeam Tiger was even harder than this.

[@mikemayfield5172]

Chris, you always make it look so easy! Please do a video on how to change the cabin air filter on my 2019 Ford edge!

[@chrisnotap]

If I find a friend with a Ford Edge I will!

[@jond46687]

Really helpful and clear video many thanks

[@Sonegativebro]

Thank you man. God bless you

[@chrisnotap]

You're welcome!

[@PeterLech1]

Great video, but on earlier models, the T20 screw on filter door is hidden ON THE TOP, not on the bottom. I spent too much time looking for the freaking screw.

[@IslesKin-gg2do]

Excellent video! Very throughout. Thank you!!

[@corporatehustlekickz7351]

Beautiful guide !!!

[@leefamilytx]

Thank you Chris!

[@andyhu1742]

Amazing video. Thank you so much

[@TweakedProductions]

Your video was really fun - thanks for doing such a good job

[@chrisnotap]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidsmith6001]

I am just going to say it Chris. Not due but clearly way over due to be changed lol. Thanks for sharing and making it look so easy.

[@chrisnotap]

It's amazing how long these filters can go without slowing down the air flow.

[@jeffsanders6697]

My screw that holds in the filter cover is at the top and it is behind the dash even after the bottom dash cover is removed. I’ve been trying a over several days to get the screw unscrewed as there is no space to turn the supplied star screw driver and my body keep aching trying to get in position.

[@johnreese3762]

I think I've got it!! Thanks!

[@mikecox3659]

Don't want a ev but enjoy your videos.

[@SeanMcDonnell33]

do you reccommend cleaning the condensor with foam cleaner as others have suggested?

[@richyme86]

Every how long should they be changed? Every 3 months like the houses?

[@chrisnotap]

It all depended on where you live and the roads you drive. I would check them once a year. In normal circumstances they can go for 3-5 years without needing replaced

[@TrevorMcCall-hb1qk]

A great guide for this DIY, HOWEVER, a few thoughts if I might. First, when I lowered the top panel under the glove box, the speaker wires were soldered to the speaker; there was not a plug. I just moved the panel aside and could get to the vent. Unlike the video, I had screws on the top and bottom of the filter compartment. The bottom was easy, but the top one was a bear! Particularly if you are 6’3” with big ole man hands. The space to remove the screw is tight. You also need to shine a light up there. I ended up setting a lawn chair next to the door and then laid on my back with my upper torso in the car. Then I could wedge the tool up there and unscrew it a quarter turn at a time. I am thinking the creator elected not to replace the top screw in a previous filter change. I will do the same.

[@hkim318]

The speaker wire wouldn't come out easy so had to give extra pull and ended up breaking it. So be careful!

[@chrisnotap]

It isn’t the easiest to come off. Grabbing the little plug on the end is best opposed to the wires.

[@goingjag]

@@chrisnotap my plug literally broke in half leaving the other half still in the speaker, so I unscrewed the speaker from the panel and tucked the speaker up by the glovebox to get it out of the way.

[@LordBinus]

for the 2019 model its the same location but a lot harder to reach the screw since its at the top, you practically have to lie on your back to see and reach it. Not very diy friendly

[@SalvadorSTMZ]

Great video!

[@chrisnotap]

Thanks!

[@BigMike88]

Thanks for the video bro 😊

[@bubbert]

Would this void my warranty?

[@chrisnotap]

Changing a filter should not void your warranty.

[@TheKiwi1969]

Is there any place where we can get replacement white clips when they fire inwards and get lost ?

[@chrisnotap]

You'd need to check in to your local Tesla showroom

[@oldrrocr]

Thanks Chris, but they used to recommend the duct cleaning foam be applied - if you have ANY odor. (which you just spray in, it foams up and then drains) Are they not doing that anymore?

[@ejohnst4]

They made a software change that continues to run the air conditioner briefly after stopping to eliminate condensation. Of course if it smells used the spray...

[@matthewl1514]

Awesome video. Great detail

[@JRich2180]

What is that a performance model or Standard Range Plus

[@christopheralexander5121]

Does anyone know the size of the torx screwdriver you need? Now I need to buy a set of these tools.

[@chrisnotap]

I'm pretty sure it's a "T20 Torx" bit.

[@christopheralexander5121]

Thanks Chris! Video was very helpful.

[@mfaapex4162]

There was a couple of small white hooks that came out on the very first step and i have bo idea where they cane out from cuz everything was still attached it was before i take out the cover to unplug the light and speaker , any idea what these are ?

[@MrJayPuff]

Thanks for the process. I thought it was going to be way simpler. It is way too many steps. That said I could do it but i would rather just pay $70 to tesla to just do it

[@TimLucasdesign]

My Model 3 had the screw at the top of the filter cap so it was MUCH more tricky to remove.

[@shingooflaherty2239]

Same, 2018 mid range, I was confused when trying to locate the screw at the bottom. Ty for this comment

[@JonLocke7]

Will this fix the smell from the heater?

[@chrisnotap]

What smell are you getting?

[@rd-ch1on]

Do a video showing how to change the batteries in that Tesla

[@chrisnotap]

Ha! That would be a video!!

[@peterjensen6233]

You forgot step #1. First take four years of yoga classes.

[@chrisnotap]

Lol! You're right! It does take a bit of flexibility.....but totally doable.

[@OlGilly]

$50 usd for cabin air filters is absolutely insane! Thank you very much for the instructions though!! 🙂

[@chrisnotap]

After Covid, nothing is cheap anymore.

[@In53cUr3]

hello. my model 3 highland is right hand drive. do i do this on the driver side or the passenger side?

[@deblynne9440]

When trying to remove the wire to the speaker the piece did not come out

[@goingjag]

My plastic actually broke, so I just unscrewed the speaker and tucked it by the glovebox to keep it out of the way.

[@laurieberg2880]

Chris must break the algorithms by not yapping on and on repeating his self for 15 minutes at the beginning of every video.

[@chrisnotap]

I try my best to get right to the point!!

[@TheKiwi1969]

Um light tug and pops out? WTF. Stuck om this part. Going to try to find another video to help me get past this point

[@chrisnotap]

Some do stick in there due to a bit of leaf debris. Just be patient and wiggle and pull and wiggle and pull and wiggle and pull. It will come.

[@YaRight2986]

No mention of cleaning the coils, that needs to be done

[@CheaddakerT.Snodgrass]

I guess that KZbin money has been good. 😅

[@chrisnotap]

It's not actually my car! A friend wanted them replaced so I offered to do it for her.

[@segagenesis1989]

@@chrisnotap I should have known! Something told me that you don't own a Telsa! And so I checked the comments and my belief was confirmed! 😊

[@chrisnotap]

@@segagenesis1989 They are an amazing car! If I were to buy electric, I would definitely be looking at Tesla.

[@kkilometer]

Sorry this does not apply to a 2018 Tesla model 3. The HVAC system looks really different than in your video

[@norcalvirg]

I dont get it, I have a 2018 model 3 and mine doesn't look like this, or any of the videos on KZbin.

[@manninggrinnan621]

The 2020 Model 3 had the screw at the top. Almost impossible to remove.

[@TheKiwi1969]

Yeah, my tesla model 3 2018 LR like that. Can’t even see the damn thing. Think I have to be upside down laying down to see it

[@Morpha-Ahprom]

💖

[@andypeterson2126]

This looks way too hard

[@chrisnotap]

It's actually pretty straight forward.

[@noelbaudy5371]

Unnecessarily complicated design

[@Mikelo220]

"easily"

[@freetolook3727]

Wow, that filter was pretty nasty!!

[@texastriguy]

This horrible design and the tendency of the lower filter to trap water and other debris is why the Model 3 has terrible problems stinking of mold and mildew.

[@troy3456789]

I don't have a tesla, but I change mine out in my wife's car and my tacoma. I clean out that filter socket as best I can with a thin vacuum cleaner tube and wiping it out as best I can. If mold is a problem, it would probably be good to spray something like an antifungal inside there and let it dry before putting in the new filter.

[@chrisnotap]

Your best action to take to stop any musty odours or mold from forming in the air box of your Taco is to not use, or use it only when necessary, is the re-circulation button on your heating / a/c system. By doing this you will always have fresh outside air flowing through keeping everything dry. If you have it on re-circ all the time, this creates problems.

[@troy3456789]

@@chrisnotap Thank you Chris. I live in a high desert climate, so I have not seen mold in our cabin filters yet. Mold is rare here.

[@monkeyrun]

wow the bottom filter is so wet and gross.

[@goingjag]

I'm guessing you park outside a lot. The is a company that sells a filter that you can put under the frunk that might cut down on that because it catches the crap before it gets down that far. I got it on Amazon when I thought I was getting these cabin filters. I think it's a good idea for you to consider if you get a lot of debris.

[@Thomas-Skaa]

why did you buy 1 mill subs, 5k views. bro I have 2k subs have no uploaded in 5 years and id get more views if I uploaded today

[@chrisnotap]

Buy 1M subs? Some videos go viral. And some don't. You have no way of knowing how a video will do until you hit the "SAVE" button to publish it.

[@MrPrist-kp8fp-theonetrueprist2]

first =D

[@freetolook3727]

Congratulations on your victory! Here's your participation trophy! 🏆😂 =D

[@johannesgutenburg9837]

cringe

[@ZenithClarity]

How rich and ignorant do you have to be to buy one of these?

[@troy3456789]

People do not get to choose what they like and what they don't like. All they can do is witness their opinions and their likes and dislikes of various things.

[@chrisnotap]

Have you had the opportunity to be the passenger in one or get to drive one?

[@ZenithClarity]

@@chrisnotap nope. What does this cost? Also what's the feasibility of sustaining this vehicle?

[@chrisnotap]

@@ZenithClarity We will run out of fossil fuel. It is finite. What is the next option?

[@ZenithClarity]

@@chrisnotap really? Run out of fossil fuel? You really believe that?

[@Darkamerica91]

Great video but you need to vacuum your car.

[@allprofits3092]

I will NEVER buy a Tesla again mark my words I’ve never hated a car more nothing but problems Tesla never answers the phone or willing to help I am completely in shock how this company stays in business hasn’t been sued to death yet completely unethical disgusting company