If so, how do you replace it?

 

Yes. Remove both windshield wipers, remove the cowl and the filter is there in the recess. Pull out, stick in new one. Very easy to do. Chris "Thermo" Coleman

 

how often should this be done?

 

Accordingto JTIS (Jag's Tech Service Publications) the pollen (cabin filter) should be renewed every 20k miles. I just replaced mine and the old one was pretty filthy!! Lots of dirt, dust, and even leaves.

Spark plugs will be next on my agenda.

 

is there a cheap online resource for jap parts like a pollen filter

 

Humy, I bought my filter through Advanced Auto (aka Checkers/Kragens/Schucks). They even have a charcoal filter if you want to get rid of outside smells. Ran like $20. Not that bad. Chris "Thermo" Coleman

 

Here is a procedure below. When I replaced mine, I put the wipers in the vertical position instead of removing them.

Location of cabin filter:
On the passenger side of the vehicle in front of the
windshield under the cowl vent screen.
Tools:
Standard screwdriver
To remove existing filter:
1. Open hood and locate the leaf screen panel on the
passenger side of the cowl.
2. Using a standard screwdriver locate and pop out the
six snap-on fasteners that secure the panel in place. Please note that one of the fasteners is located
on the upper left side of the panel near the base of the hood hinge.
3. Once all fasteners are removed gently remove the leaf screen.
4. Unlatch and open the hinged lid under the panel.
5. The dirty filter is now visible remove the dirty filter and replace with clean filter.
6. Complete installation by reversing the procedure.
7 3/16"
9 7/8"
1 3/4"
10-

 

sweet, thanks for the info guys

 

what is the cost on an oem filter?

 

About $25.00

 

http://www.motorcarsltd.com/item.wws...p;sku=IN106794

Less than $10 to ship.

 

KEN RULES!![sm=smiley20.gif]

 

just ordered one from Ken, thanks for the link to the item[sm=smiley20.gif]

 

this should be added to the FAQ

 

I tried to remove the wipers when I did this on my 02 x and I found it too much of a hassle... Instead I poped the hood, removed the first few clips and pulled up the plastic piece starting at the windshield and kept pulling it up till half of it was detached from the windshield. I then stuck my fat hands in and pulled out the filter and vaccumed out all of the leaves. I know this is not the proper way but its hell of a lot easier than trying to detach the wipers. Also you folks in the states are lucky only having to pay around $25 for a filter. I went to part source here in canada (a devision of Canadian Tire) and they were asking around $80 plus tax for the filter and at the same time they were asking around $75 for a k&N filter. Ofcourse I didnt buy it, on my last visit to Buffalo I went to Pep boys and bought both of them there for under $80. Key thing here for Canadians is to shop around.

 

Just be very careful removing the cowl. There is a short flange on the windsheild edge. Mine, of course, snapped off a chunk and I had to rplace the entire cowl as it wouldn't seat properly.

 

I changed mine last night and it is hard to get the cowl to sit properly. I don't think I broke anything, it almost looks like a major part of the top portion was stuck on by double sided "hairy" tape. The part right where the wiper arm sits in the cowl is up quite a bit.

 

Had the same problem with my 06 after a pollen filter change. The cowl wouldn't stay down. I took it to the dealer and told them to fix it under warranty. They got heavy handed with it trying to snap it back in place. About a month after they fixed it, it popped up again, and, I discovered they'd cracked my windshield under the cowl. Took it back to the dealer this week, and, now they're going to replace both the windshield and the warped cowl. Be careful with it.

Regards:
Oldengineer