Is the cabin air filter in the glove box also known as "the dust and pollen filter"? I looked at mine after 10k miles -- it is filthy. I ordered a replacement. Honda recommends replacing the dust and pollen filter at 15k miles -- there is a maintenance minder code for replacing it. Does the maintenance minder sense it needs to be replaced or is it just on a "timer"?

 

Yes that's the same thing. Obviously it depends on your environment but mine was dirty around 10-12k. If I remember to, I'll pull it out and just shake it out a bit to get the bug bodies or leaves out of there. I just buy the cheapo ones on Ebay or Amazon. Not sure I'd want the k&n replaceable one personally.

 

I have the K&N in my Civic Si and it works really well. I clean it and and refresh it every 2-3 months.

 

I just bought a Fram Charcoal filter online. I too am cheap and on occasionally just pull the old one out, shake it and reuse. But it will def be swapped out at 15k though.

 

yah, i use the fram charcoal one too. i replace it every 2 yrs.

 

Although my cabin filter was very dirty at 10k, the engine air filter only had a hint of dirt on it. Have others observed this too?

 

Engine filter has been good for about 15-20k on mine. I've only replaced it twice so far. This last time with a K&N since it was on sale.

 

Does it have a smell after cleaning?

 

The refresh spray has a slight fresh scent when I spray it on the filter but once it's installed I don't notice a thing.

 

In case anyone is searching for an image on how to orient the cabin air filter. The ribbed side should be inserted such that it faces up, with airflow arrow pointing down.

 

For reference just in case someone else buys a non OEM cabin air filter which doesn't have arrows indicating which side goes down. The side with the ribs should be on the top when you insert it.