Cabin Filter Replacement

[wlong01]

Don't be alarmed by the black color when you remove it. That's the OEM's original color. When I changed mine at 12k miles I thought the filter was totally dirty because it was black. I'm used to seeing white filters when they're new.

 

[123373]

Don't be alarmed by the black color when you remove it. That's the OEM's original color. When I changed mine at 12k miles I thought the filter was totally dirty because it was black. I'm used to seeing white filters when they're new.

So is it black because it’s a charcoal filter?

 

[yrwei52]

No, they are different. 2017s is smaller. BTW the cabin filter from factory is charcoal-style filter so dont throw it away just because it looks black.

Well I cant really speak for the US version and I have to admit that the part numbers are different between the 2016.5 and the 2017 but Ive just been and popped mine out just in case I need to see about getting a different spare but they are identical in dimensions;

Sorry for giving out wrong info on 2017 CX-5 cabin filter. When I took the cabin filter out from a 2017 CX-5 at my Mazda dealer checking out if it's charcoal filter, I did feel it's smaller than mine. But the cabin filters between 1st-gen and 2nd-gen CX-5 are indeed the same based on the part number. And yes the cabin filter in 2017 CX-5 from factory is the charcoal type which is not available from US Mazda OEM parts.

Went to Mazda dealer yesterday and took more pictures on 2016.5 CX-5's new charcoal cabin filter from factory, Mazda genuine non-charcoal cabin filter with P/N KD45-61-J6X, and Mazda Value Products non-charcoal cabin filter with P/N KD45-61-J6X-MV. From the comparison picture below we can see the picture you posted earlier is Value Products with white plastic frame instead of black. Value Products cabin filter is about $10 cheaper than Mazda Genuine Parts on list price.

View attachment 216193

 

[Anchorman]

Aye, Toyota do an “Optifit” range in the UK which basically means they buy in cheap to compete with the aftermarket. Could be made anywhere but probably somebody like Fram who are quite happy to sell them on in a plain box.

 

[Anchorman]

So is it black because it’s a charcoal filter?

Yes, the carbon acts as a secondary filter like in a kitchen cooker hood. You can also get a carbon activated filter which is electrically charged to attract dust by static.

 

[Nelson de Leon]

Yes, the carbon acts as a secondary filter like in a kitchen cooker hood. You can also get a carbon activated filter which is electrically charged to attract dust by static.

Problem with carbon activated is that they lose their "activation". I was under the impression that the activated carbon helps remove the moist and smell.

 

[ddtigger1]

Once a year. So simple and inexpensive.

+1. Yes once a year..

 

[korean_mazda]

I change mine yearly. I change the engine air filter also at the same time. It takes a little more finesse to open up the engine filter casing but still easily DIY.