Many Toyota cars are equipped with a filter for the air that enters the passenger compartment, which reduces the amount of dust and debris inside the ventilation system. It should be replaced every 16,000 km or according to the instructions given in the vehicle manual; this is an easy part to change, so you don't have to go to a mechanic.
Steps
Step 1. Purchase a replacement filter
You can buy it at your nearest Toyota dealer, online or at an auto parts store.
Step 2. Fully open the dashboard drawer and remove the screw located on the bottom edge
Pull the ring from the arm and out of the cylinder on which the screw is located; be careful not to lose the small parts.
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On Highlander models you should be able to remove the ring (located under the dashboard drawer) without removing the screw. Leave the compartment closed as you remove the ring and open it later.
Dashboard drawer screw of a Highlander model
Step 3. Press the sides of the door towards each other and pull to move the tabs beyond the edges towards the front of the dashboard
Lift the entire compartment off the hinges.
If you feel too much resistance, try to lift the door by pushing towards the back of the drawer, rather than towards the sides; this method is ideal when the previous one does not work
Step 4. Remove the plastic cover by squeezing the tabs towards each other
There should be on both sides, even though the attached image only shows one.
Step 5. Remove the old filter by pulling it towards you
Keep it facing up to avoid spilling dirt.
Step 6. Insert the replacement
The arrow that says "Up" must be pointing up and towards you, as shown in the figure.
Step 7. Snap the cover into its slot
Step 8. Put the dashboard drawer back on its hinges and push the tabs so they snap behind the dashboard
You may need to squeeze the sides again, just like you did during the removal process.
Step 9. Put the ring and screw back in place on the lower right edge
Advice
- The 2009 Camry models do not have the side arm screw: just squeeze the spikes on the pin to disassemble the drawer.
- Whenever you park the car, it is worth setting the air recirculation mode, because it seems that the mice love to sneak into the ventilation system and make their nest right above the filter; the recirculation mode closes the vents.
- If you have allergies or live in a very dusty environment, change the filter more frequently.
- The 2009 Camry manual instructs you to release the side tabs by pushing them towards the bottom of the drawer, instead of pulling them forward; this method works when you don't get any results by pressing the sides.
- Between one replacement and the other you should shake or clean the filter with a vacuum cleaner to remove the largest residues; however, remember that this piece is not built to be reused indefinitely.
- On the 2006 Highlander hybrid model the dashboard drawer is deep enough and the door opens wide enough for you to reach in and change the filter; the cap comes off easily and there are no tabs to press.
- Take advantage of the opportunity to clean the drawer as well.
- The 2011 Sienna car manual instructs you to release the side tabs by gently squeezing them from both ends; however, this technique does not work, as they are too hard to press. Try pushing them towards the back of the drawer as you pull towards you; this "trick" has led to good results on several cars.
- On 2005 Prius hybrid models, there is a snap-in clip in place of the screw on the bottom edge of the drawer; squeeze both sides to pop the ring out, you can also help yourself with a pair of pliers.
- In addition to waiting for the car to reach a particular mileage before changing the filter, you can also wait until the plants you usually park near have stopped releasing pollen, leaves or needles.
