How to Replace the Air Conditioning Filter in a Lexus RX?
3 Answers
Method for replacing the air conditioning filter in a Lexus RX: 1. Open the engine hood; the air conditioning filter is located near the passenger side, covered by a plastic panel. 2. Unscrew the bolts on this plastic panel, then peel off a section of the front rubber strip to remove the panel and reveal the air conditioning filter. 3. There are clips on both sides of the air conditioning filter; pull these clips outward to remove the filter. In terms of powertrain, the Lexus RX is equipped with a 2.7 to 3.5-liter inline four-cylinder double overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine. Thanks to the inclusion of a Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, the Lexus RX achieves higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
My family owns a 2016 Lexus RX, and changing the air conditioning filter by myself is no problem at all. First, sit in the passenger seat, empty the glove compartment in front, and then pull it down firmly—it will get stuck. Look for the small clips on both sides inside, gently pry them open with a screwdriver, but don’t use too much force to avoid breaking them. After pulling out the compartment, the filter is inside. When removing it, pay attention to the direction marked by the arrow—the old one is usually very dirty, so just throw it away. When replacing it, choose one with activated carbon, as it can filter pollen and dust, which is especially helpful for people allergic to pollen. I usually replace it once a year or every 15,000 kilometers, costing only a few dozen yuan, saving hundreds in labor fees at the dealership. The whole job takes less than 10 minutes, and the tools needed are just a regular screwdriver and a flashlight—even a beginner can handle it. Just remember to press the clips tightly when reassembling, or they may become loose and cause noise. By the way, when buying filters online, I prefer to choose OEM-compatible parts for better cost performance.
I've been driving an RX for several years and have become quite familiar with changing the cabin air filter. Before starting, prepare the tools: just a Phillips screwdriver will do, and you can buy the filter online for cheap. When working on it, first remove the glove box on the passenger side, lower it into position, and you can remove it by pushing the bottom slot with your finger. Then pull out the filter box, take out the old dirty filter directly, and avoid dirtying your hands. Remember to insert the new filter in the direction of the arrow; if inserted incorrectly, it will cause air leakage and poor performance. The whole process is quick and can be done in less than 15 minutes. I recommend changing it every 15,000 kilometers; otherwise, the air inside the car will be poor, especially for kids who may cough easily. I usually clean the surrounding dust while at it, wiping with a damp cloth to prevent odor buildup. The benefit is saving money—DIY once saves about a hundred bucks. Also, I remind first-timers not to rush, take it slow to avoid damaging the clips, which is a common mistake.
