Why You SHOULD CLEAN your Hybrid Battery Cooling Filter!

In this video I'm going to show you why and how to clean your hybrid battery cooling filter. This is a step by step process on how to remove, inspect, clean, and re-install your filter. This is from a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid. Your Toyota hybrid will have a similar/exact setup.
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Full Rav4 Hybrid Review below.
• Rav4 Hybrid: How's it ...
Rav4 Hybrid shown in video equipped with the accessories below.
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[@ms.b9093]

My mechanic says this is the single most important thing to do to ensure the battery lasts as long as possible. Clean at every 5000 mile oil change interval and completely replace at 20,000 miles.

[@automatereviews]

Sounds like you got yourself a good mechanic.

[@Zeek800]

I go by the recommendation of another KZbinr who specializes in Toyota vehicles. Inspect the filter after 2 or 3 months depending on how much driving you do and if you have dusty roads, or shedding pets etc. if the filter is clean give it a light vacuum and reinstall. Lengthen the time to 4-6 months for the next inspection once again depending on dust, pets etc. he suggests doing it every 4-6 months after that. A couple other important suggestions are, never put water bottles, bags of ice or other liquids on top of the back seat. In them event that liquid gets onto the seat and with the hybrid battery being under the back seat, you don’t want to get water, juice etc. on the battery. NEVER put a blanket, coat, shopping bags etc. in front of the hybrid battery cooling vent. They first Prius vehicles didn’t have a cooling system for the battery and while the batteries lasted a long time there were more battery failures until the cooling vent / fan were introduced. This KZbinr I mentioned worked as a Toyota Tech with a specialty in hybrid systems. In over 1000 hybrid services he had only seen 2 battery failures. You did an awesome job removing the Phillips screw on the cover. No matter how long I turned the screw on mine during the first inspection, it wouldn’t come out. I had to break it ( harder than you would think ) after buying a new one. At the 2nd inspection once again the screw wouldn’t come out even after turning it over 20 times. On Toyota forums I have seen numerous owners who had the same issue. That little plastic screw cost me almost $3. Good video though.

[@automatereviews]

Thanks for sharing what you have seen/learned elsewhere. Yeah the screw was a bit of a pain lol. $3 seems steep for one screw. Maybe they did it on purpose to generate some revenue. lol.

[@LouisHansell]

Excellent video. Straightforward demonstration of how and why to clean that filter. Cleaning or changing this filter, and changing the oil regularly, will keep your RAV4 running for many miles.

[@automatereviews]

Thank you. Maintenance goes a long way.

[@schsch2390]

Looked at my 2015 Camry Hybrid filter a year or so back and it was surprisingly pristine in appearance. Differs from this vehicle and access is behind L rear seat cushion. KZbin video for method. Worth checking every few years as it is not difficult to access.

[@jP-nw7nm]

My man’s you need a WHOLE new filter! 😂

[@michaeltammaro482]

Buy a NEW Filter! Jiminy Cricket! What are you kidding me??? LOL.

[@automatereviews]

I know crazy! Performing maintenance as prescribed by the manufacturer.

[@truthbetold89]

A new battery cooling fan filter is around $10-$20, depending on where you live. You're better off just replacing it.

[@Koza480]

Exactly right!

[@barbararosario8329]

Where do we buy the new filter?

[@daan111ful]

Hybrid Battery Cooling Fan Service and Upgrade must also been done greets DDS

[@tiennghe7143]

Thanks 😊

[@automatereviews]

Your welcome

[@Musicheadmantha]

Thanks for this video. I'm considering purchasing a used Rav4 hybrid. Any other advice you have is well appreciated!

[@automatereviews]

Your welcome! The Rav4 Hybrid is a great all around package. Toyota hybrid power trains are very reliable and have generally less wear and tear on the combustion engine since it doesn’t run as much. Also much less wear on your brake pads since the hybrid utilizes regenerative braking. I average 42mpg easily on the Rav4. Pre 2019 model the fuel economy won’t be as good. if you can avoid the 2019 model year and go newer go for it but I wouldn’t be scared of it. It was the first model year of the new generation. Good luck on your search.

[@stevanpetrovic5548]

👍👍👍

[@michaelplays2449]

A warning message came on my car about the Hybrid cooling system, i get my car serviced by Toyota dealer every year when the warning came on my car was due for a yearly service so i sent the car to them and told of the issue which arisen.Theysaid they cleand it and it hasnt occoured since but it has only been a couple of days.I am wondering however has it been done on previous services............?

[@automatereviews]

I don’t think it has ever been done unless you specifically recommended it. For whatever reason, this item is not included in a regular interval, just up to you to do it if you’re driving in special conditions according to the manual. They list it as excessive idling, police, taxi, or door to door services as when to clean it.

[@garydp9760]

On my 21 Venza to install that plastic screw is simply just push in til it bottoms out No need for a screwdriver

[@Zeek800]

Have you tried to remove it yet? I couldn’t get the original one to screw out and had to use a lot of force to break it to get it out after several minutes of unsuccessfully unscrewing it. I put in a new one and when I did an inspection about 4 months later, that screw also wouldn’t unscrew. This post shows to screw it in and I just pushed it in when I replaced the first one. Now this one doesn’t unscrew either. I have to buy yet another one and I’m going to try to turn the screw ( lightly ) next time.

[@orlandoevangelist3363]

In my 2024 Maintenance guide is says to inspect every 5k and clean every 20k miles.

[@automatereviews]

👍 I’m still surprised they don’t have a replacement interval. You would think they would want to make more money.

[@briank10101]

I personally would only replace if filter got damaged, i.e. holes. To me, an old filter that's cleaned is just like a new filter after a month of use. I also lightly tap filter against a surface to loosen the micro dust.

[@user-jb6zt3wj9e]

In the Toyota app it shows to check every 5k

[@automatereviews]

That’s the only thing I can see for any interval. Don’t see any requirements for replacement at a specific time.

[@yungkim4255]

What if I put in air filter at the vent where is air go in.

[@automatereviews]

I personally would not recommend adding a second filter. The more air restriction (more filters and or dirty filter) the harder the fan motor has to work. This will cause the fan motor to draw more amps and potentially fault or reduce its lifespan. This could also reduce the amount of air flow to cool your battery which would not be good. Just clean the filter as Toyota recommends or replace it if it needs it and you will be good.

[@rqlk]

Can I get electrocuted if I touch what is behind that filter, there is a caution sign there that says to not touch it.

[@automatereviews]

I would respect the warning and not try to find out.

[@rqlk]

@@automatereviews good idea, lol

[@Glideslopes]

40,000 miles. You need to replace it. The Tech that works on my 22 recommends complete replacement at 20,000. Clean every 5,000.

[@automatereviews]

That seems like a typical filter interval. Wonder why Toyota didn’t include it in the owners manual? Thanks for sharing!

[@benriefourie115]

.

[@pugloverg6671]

Once a year minimum

[@mikerochwerger542]

Good explanation. My Toyota dealer wants $425 to do the service. This cost seems outrageous! I would appreciate any comments and/or suggestions. Thanks.

[@automatereviews]

Yeah that’s a complete rip off. No way it’s worth that cost. The job is straightforward. Cost to replace the filter if you want to go that route is in the $25-50 range for a new filter just for parts. If you don’t want to do it yourself call another dealer for a quote or a reputable mechanic.

[@daan111ful]

@@automatereviews Hybrid Battery Cooling Fan Service and Upgrade is also important you know

[@ewapoplawski8194]

What about the air filter on toyta rav4 hybrid 2018. Where is located?

[@automatereviews]

It’s the same location but more extensive to get to the filter. I would recommend watching the video below for how to do it. Car care nut does fantastic videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZuqfXpsn8xgg80si=sZ9rIUToIAesk2UQ

[@ewapoplawski8194]

Thank you.

[@automatereviews]

@@ewapoplawski8194 your welcome.

[@schinianelli5547]

why would the filter, affect the mpg the hybrid would get ? it mentions this in the owners manual.

[@automatereviews]

If the filter is allowed to get dirty over time, it could reduce the cooling efficiency of the battery pack. If the battery pack runs too hot, it reduces output available to the electric motors which would reduce your mpg.

[@Zeek800]

@@automatereviewsBingo although I found the fuel consumption is is better during 70-85 degree heat. Not only does doing this simple maintenance help maintain fuel mileage it drastically increases the life of the battery. The newer generation hybrids can quite easily see 12-15 years and beyond. The transmission is not a traditional CVT it is actually basically 2 electric motors that will be problem free for a long long time. The regular hybrid battery is not like EVs with $20,000-$40,000 replacement costs. These are much smaller and less than $4000.

[@benriefourie115]

You vacume won't do anything because you are vacuuming the wrong side

[@automatereviews]

The vacuum was used on the side where the debris collects onto.

[@benriefourie115]

@@automatereviews yebo, but you did the wrong side on the video.

[@automatereviews]

@@benriefourie115 yes you are correct. I rewatched the video. I added the wrong clip on the video with the vacuum cleaning. I did try the opposite side to what’s shown on the video with the vacuum and didn’t have good success with my vacuum. Thanks for pointing that out!

[@benriefourie115]

@Auto Mate Reviews cool man.

[@sadfur8728]

Judicious use blowing with compressed air on the intake side as well should get much more cleared off. Key word being judicious, since clueless abandon likely could blow a hole through it. Keeping your windows closed while driving probably minimizes all the dust and crud building up, since that's all coming from inside the cabin. Either that or breath harder and suck it up with your lungs to help keep it from getting into the filter 😅

[@siderealvision]

you were vacuuming the filter on the wrong side; just FYI

[@automatereviews]

Yes you are correct. Another viewer pointed it out as well. It’s somewhere here in comments land. I had inserted the wrong clip during editing. Rest assured the correct side was vacuumed. Good to see keen eyed viewers who know the direction of air flow! Thanks.

[@siderealvision]

@@automatereviews Glad you cleared that up - I understand the filters can be cleaned a couple of times if you are careful - they may not cost that much to replace, but it is easy enough to vacuum them clean if they are in reasonably good shape 🙂

[@lbcraiders1956]

Toyota try to charge me four hundred

[@automatereviews]

Wow really? That’s som B.S. I would try a different Toyota Dealer if possible.

[@MrPAULONEAL]

Or you could just buy new filters.

[@elguatero]

$12 at toyota dealer

[@MrPAULONEAL]

@@elguatero Probably cheaper than replacing the hybrid battery.

[@tsizzle]

Part number please

[@elguatero]

@@tsizzle G92DH-42010

[@RoofedAsian89]

Worst place for Toyota to put the filter there

[@Koza480]

No wonder the filter is dirty the inside of the car is filthy.

[@automatereviews]

Yeah tell me about it. Good thing there is a filter. Does the wife clean her Rav: NOPE. Do the kids clean it: NOPE. Does the Dog clean back there and not shed a blanket worth of hair: NOPE. So stuck with this 💩 lol.

[@4clover279]

@@automatereviews 😂 🤣

[@TimWraight]

Here is an idea... just replace it after all that effort

[@automatereviews]

Wasn’t much work at all. Pretty easy. I don’t mind a little project here and there. Although the older I get the less I like it. 😉

[@garydp9760]

That's not a lot of effort More of an effort to get on the computer and order it or drive to the parts house to get it BTW, that screw, snaps in, no need for a screwdriver on the install

[@supermanlol67]

Bro they are so inexpensive, just replace it

[@automatereviews]

Your not wrong you could just replace it but if you don’t have to I don’t see a reason why. They make reusable/washable filters for your engine. Toyota has no replacement interval on these, just recommends cleaning it in the manual. Times are tough for some folks and maybe can’t afford to. If someone took that $25 for this filter and instead bought a share of Tesla on Dec 2019, it would now be worth $220. Just how I look at it.

[@elguatero]

@@automatereviews Get a new one for $12 local Toyota dealer.

[@jamie1992ful]

​@@automatereviews times are tough? U have a 40k rav 4 motor pal 12 bucks is nothing..

[@automatereviews]

@@jamie1992ful Fortunately I’m doing good bud. Some folks nowadays not so much since Covid. Just pointing out another way to do something especially if Toyota recommends cleaning it and not replacing it if you don’t have too. Rather spend that money on investments or my kids.

[@sadfur8728]

​@@automatereviews so I'm curious just how often those recommending just replacing it rather than any kind of cleaning actually go and replace them- do they do it every 3 months, or claim they do? What did the filters look like at the intervals they remove and replace them? I'm guessing they look much more caked than ones checked and cleaned on a periodic basis.

[@billmarshall2536]

You waited 20K miles? And you want to instruct people on proper maintenance 😂

[@automatereviews]

Vehicle was serviced regularly at Toyota with the provided 2 years and 24k free maintenance. And regular intervals afterwards. The only thing in the manual about this filter was to inspect if you idle or drive low speeds etc like police or taxi. I don’t so wanted to check it out either way. Glad I did.

[@ky314]

Pretty nasty filter. Your battery deserved a new filter.

[@automatereviews]

I disagree. Filter was cleaned per Toyota recomendation. Filter looked good and no signs of damage. This filter is designed to prevent large particles from entering the battery area, not trap them say like an air intake filter. Filter did its job and cleaned off good. Next interval we will see if it needs replacement.

[@ky314]

@@automatereviews what would make it need replacement?

[@automatereviews]

@@ky314 general condition such as any signs of rips, deformation, or if after cleaning can’t see any light through the filter (plugs). That would be my personal recommendation. But a new filter will always solve any of these if your concerned . I think because this filter is light duty, Toyota recommends cleaning it and replacing it only when needed.

[@johnpugh4294]

This filter is made of paper and fragile