Pollen Filter Not Cabin Filter

[BWYMAN2112]

Wife has a new 2008 beetle and went to change the cabin filter?
no cabin filter in 2006 they stopped installing them. their is a pollen filter, does anyone know where it is located?

thanks

[pdoel]

They are one and the same.

It's located on the passenger side, under the dash.

You gotta remove the top center of the dash (should just slide back), remove a couple screws, then lift up that top panel.

Then you gotta remove the top panel of where the pollen filter is located. (A few more screws.)

[vibelife]

I had the dealer change mine. It was not too expensive. WHy are you replacing it so soon?

[hestersu]

I was wondering the same thing. The pollen filter isn't changed until the 20K checkup. I just had mine changed on my 06. The filter is under the dash cover on the passenger side (right side).

[Breez]

Be careful removing the plastic panels... just had the service guy change mine (since I am in dusty AZ) and he scratched up my dash REALLY BAD... and now he is buying some new dash parts on his dime to replace the parts he ruined. (and I didnt realize until after he did this that it could have been a DIY job)

So just be gentle

[vibelife]

That happened to me at the dealership, bit I was told that they were already there (right!). I am repainting them anyway.

[Breez]

Originally Posted by vibelife

That happened to me at the dealership, bit I was told that they were already there (right!). I am repainting them anyway.

Yeah, I fought with the manager for about an hour, then I called my daddy. He is the softest and sweetest man... but he was pissed when he showed up. My mom arrived about 10 minutes later and said "you dont know my daughter, and how she is about her car - that scratch was NOT there"

Hahahaha. Yeah, so I am a "grown up" but I just was so frustrated when they claimed that the scratch was there - sure, wear and tear but not a GIANT scratch... so my parents helped save me, and the part is now on order

Many lessons learned

[nyum96]

I change mine yearly and its so dirty... Has anyone here changed theirs, besides taking it to the dealer or a mechanic? It gets very dirty. Just like your AC filter in the house. It comes out black with all sorts of leaves and such. Change it often... It also varies by environment....

[CoriBug]

I just changed mine - ALL BY MYSELF!! Ok, I'm not a big DIY person, so this was a big event. And yes, I did manage to scratch the dash a little. But I learned how to do it and it was nice knowing I didn't have to run to the dealer.

[Benny Beetle]

I change mine every year in the spring. While I'm at it I also remove the panel on the drivers side and clean out the leaves and debris there to. (It's only a 20 buck filter and it's quick to do).

[cep]

I just did one on daughter's '02.

One question, though...what it the preferred method for pushing back the center section of the dash? It didn't just 'slide forward', it took some force.

[Benny Beetle]

I use a screw driver, but I wrap the end of it with a scrap piece of leather to preven the dash plastic from getting scratched or gouged. I then give the screw driver a twist near the edges/corners where the connectors are (alternating sides).

[Duffy]

If the 08's and later don't have the cabin air filters, can they be added? Does the dealer sell kits?

[orienteer]

It will have a pollen filter, I would bet every car does !

It's the same as a cabin filter just different name

Regards, Ian

[Duffy]

Pollen filter . Yes, that's really what it is anyway.

[VW_Factor]

I got around to doing mine today. Not sure why you need to use a screwdriver to pry up the top cover.

Its hard to describe.. But speed is the key. Not a constant pulling pressure, but a quick jabby type yank usually yields the best results. After removing these covers, and seeing the clips. Thats about how it should be done.

Wear gloves if your hands are delicate I suppose.

I dont think this one has ever been replaced. It was pretty nasty.

[99Turbo]

There is another post floating around of things that have been found when the pollen/cabin filters are changed. I know mice were in at least one and I think Harlequin Pixies Trunk Monkey somehow got in hers.

Here it is Replace your cabin filter...who knows what you'll find!

Breez can I borrow your parents next time I take my car in for service?

[VW_Factor]

Originally Posted by 99Turbo

There is another post floating around of things that have been found when the pollen/cabin filters are changed. I know mice were in at least one and I think Harlequin Pixies Trunk Monkey somehow got in hers.

Here it is Replace your cabin filter...who knows what you'll find!

Breez can I borrow your parents next time I take my car in for service?

I found a bunch of dirt, leaves, and the usual suspects.. First vehicle with a cabin filter. I wasnt able to source one here in town that day, so I got my crevice tool for the vaccuum, cleaned the heal out of it, and Febreezed it. Fresh and as clean as I could get it. I'll get one on order here next round of parts.

[got-the-bug]

next time someone DIY's their filter they should video and post it to youtube

[Ccampbell_82]

After reading this thread, I decided to chang mine (2008), but after diggin my way to the filter (or where it should be) all I found was a screen cover over the fan duct. Is this an after market option on 2008, or should their really should be one?