Do all model years and trim levels of HHR have this filter? I bought my '08 last November with 20,000 miles on the odometer. It appears there is a spot for this filter, but no filter. Could it just be that the dealer took it out and never replaced it. Or do some models/years not have that feature?

 

Maybe the previous owner took it out and didn't replace it for some reason.

 

My guess is that a person or persons (unknown) removed it for whatever reason and didn't replace it. Not a biggie but it does keep things clean which helps them to function better and longer.

 

I am inferring from this that the filter is standard equipment on all HHRs...

This one was bought from the dealer who had sold it new, but had been in some kind of "fleet use" status. Allegedly the dealer's record shows every bit of maintenance done on the vehicle, though I can't lay my hands on it just this moment to see if there's an entry related to the filter.

 

Yeah every HHR has one, as do just about all new cars for the last 10 years or so give or take a little.

 

I waswondering if the cabin filter is as difficult to change as the air filter and what's a good price to pay for one?

 

Nope, it's really easy to change. I've done it twice since I've bought mine. If you open the glovebox, you'll see two tabs, one on each side near the top of the opening. Push them in so the glovebox door can fall open straight down. Then there's a flap with 3 tabs (mine has 2 since I broke one...lol) Open each tab and pull the flap down. That's the filter.

I'm sure someone might be able to explain that better.


Oh, and dealer wanted $45 for one, but you can get them at an auto parts store for like $12.

 

if you are having problems with your AC fan not blowing hard enough, try Removing the cabin air filter. I did it with mine, and I instantly noticed a double in the amount of air that blew out on full fan speed and recirculated air. I have yet to replace the filter, but I hope that a clean filter won't affect the airflow as much as the dirty one did...

After installing the new filter, my fan blows so much harder, and the air smells cleaner. The filter is only 15 bucks at napa, and only takes 5 minutes to install.

 

How often should the filter be replaced?

 

That all depends on where you're located and what kind of driving conditions your car is exposed to. If you drive in really dusty area a lot, you'll have to change it more often than others. I check mine every time I change my oil. Takes less than 5 minutes to do so.

And be sure to remove all the contents of your glove box or it'll be all over the passenger side floor board