[Tony Liscio]

:?: Where in the manual can I find the mileage the upper air filter is to be changed? I am at 10,k miles and changed the lower one 2 times.
Yes! dirty air in the area I live.

Thank You.
Tony Lisico

 

[d3z]

Which "upper" air filter are you speaking of? The main air filter is in the black box above the engine. On the '04s, this lid has a filter-like thing in it. Is this what you're referring to? I don't think it needs to be replaced. Given that it is fused to the top case, it sure doesn't look like it is supposed to.

As I understand it, this top thing is to capture fuel vapors, and isn't really a filter.

Dave

 

[V8Cobrakid]

I heard it's for fuel vapor too. Help reduce emissions even more. If you are worried about emissions, blow the unit out with air. the cleaner things are, the easier air flows.

 

[mrv]

:?: Where in the manual can I find the mileage the upper air filter is to be changed? I am at 10,k miles and changed the lower one 2 times.
Yes! dirty air in the area I live.

Thank You.
Tony Lisico

<scratching head> I've only seen two air filters mentioned for regular maintenance in the Prius Passport to Performance (scheduled maintenance guide). One is the engine air filter, and the other is the passenger cabin AC filter.
Depending on which model year you have, and what country you're in, they've got different replacement times, strangely enough... I take it that you follow the compressed "Special Operating Conditions" schedule for either short trips, or driving in dusty areas.

US Prius Passport to Performance guides are here: http://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/sm ... icle=Prius

 

[Tony Liscio]

Upper engine air filter 2004 Prius Tideland Pearl#7

Yes, it is incased in the Engine Air Filter Cover. seperate upper air filter part no. 17812-2120. lower engine air filter part no.17801-21040.
2months after I took delivery of my 2004 Prius,I was told the upper filter is full of carbon crystals. How can you clean that? Does it need replaced and when?
Thanks,
Tony Liscio

 

[richard schumacher]

"Full of carbon crystals"? Did a Toyota dealer tell you that?

Take it to another dealer and get a second opinion. *Don't* tell the second dealer any of what the first dealer said.

 

[BIF]

"Carbon crystals?"

Aren't those what we typically call... um..."diamonds?"

If your Pius is making diamonds, I'd be sure to learn how to change that filter myself!

 

[Tony Liscio]

Upper engine air filter 2004 Prius Tideland Pearl#7

My Error: Charcoal not carbon. Like the stuff for cooking out. Sorry.

 

[richard schumacher]

Come to think of it, it would be completely normal for a vapor canister to be filled with charcoal granules.

What prompted dealer #1 to make this observation, anyway? Are you having symptoms of a problem? Did someone get frustrated with the lack of user-serviceable parts and tear apart this filter looking for something to work on?

 

[d3z]

Looking at this filter, it obviously isn't intended to be removed. You have to break the plastic pieces to get it out.

Having charcol in it would be what I would expect, given that it is supposed to absort fuel vapors. I suspect this mechanic is trying to pull one over on you.