Hello,

I got replacement FRAM air cabin filter (CF11182) and it’s slightly bigger than the frame. I had to squeeze it in very tightly.
can you take a look at this and tell me if it’s fine to use it like this?

best,

 

Not ideal...but it is better than having none.
Don't have to go that many years back to see that Honda didn't even have a replaceable cabin filter.
My 98 Prelude does not have one.

 

There seems to be a gap on the left... Why? Some air filters have "fins" that you have to align on the "rack". Sorry, I might not be using the right words as English is not my primary language...

 

Turn it 90 degrees the stiff edges go on the left and right.

 

This is clearly why you should only buy OEM Honda parts.

 

First off, I think the filter might have fit for OP had they rotated it with the stiff edges on right and left as opposed to top and bottom. (as someone else had mentioned)

Video here from someone else (CF11182 and 2013 Honda Fit) shows it in its proper orientation:


That said, I also just bought the FRAM CF11182 cabin air filter and it doesn't properly fit into the filter tray of my 2012 Honda Fit. I've tried rotating it and even flipping it over.

For mine, it's clear they improperly switched the length and width dimensions and put the stiff edges on the wrong sides.

Either I got a dud due to bad quality assurance or FRAM has updated the design and switched the length/width dimensions and where the stiff edges go. This is an issue because there are plastic fins that stick up from the tray to help lock the filter in place. If the dimensions are not proper and the stiff edges are in the wrong place, the filter won't fit. In other words, the filter can fit if I rotate it, but now the stiff edges are top and bottom as opposed to left and right and as a result, it doesn't go all the way down into the tray because the plastic fins are in the way (because the filter is now rotated with the stiff edges at the wrong location). Since the filter doesn't go all the way down, the filter + filter tray can't be put back into the filter assembly and thus this filter is useless.

Another thing I've noticed is that the filter in OP's image has 3 stripes of glue and this is also something I see in images shared by others (for example on amazon) and the youtube video I linked above. However, mine did not have the 3 stripes of glue which further gives credence to the theory that FRAM has updated the design for this CF11182 model (for the worse).

Now I have to go waste my time returning this and finding another one. This is going to be a pain for the seller as well in accepting the return (wasted return shipping), all because FRAM either cut corners in designing this or cut corners with quality assurance. Big thumbs down, FRAM.

 

English is my first (only) language and I don't think I could have done better. Good on you.

This is my thought too. I have similar issues with both of our Toyota's and my Honda Fit. My brain wants to do it the way the OP did but it only fits the other way. Every time for me. I never learn.

 

I've bought the NAPA ProSelect 229101 Cabin Air Filter twice now for my '13 and it fits perfectly. You might want to give it a shot.