We just changed the cabin air filter on our 2006 Honda Civic. Although the technicians at Honda said it wasn't bad, we were concerned about the amount of air blowing into the car. When we removed the old filter, it was filthy, covered with debris and partially collapsed. So it was more than necessary to change it. My question is: we found a lot of debris behind the filter and removed it. Is it possible that this was some sort of insulation that degraded? Should there be insulation behind the filter housing? Or was this just 11 years of dirt and fabric debris that accumulated there? On a good note, the fan is now blowing quite a bit stronger. And I'm hoping the air conditioning will work better too now that the filter is clean. Thank you for your help.

 

no it was just debris from the outside that made its way in

 

Thanks. I went back out to the garage to take a better look and really think we had a rodent making a nest there. It probably chewed up insulation from somewhere else in the car and this is what I saw. I'm glad it's all cleaned out now but am rather concerned that when I specifically asked the Honda rep to check the cabin air filter last time I was in for maintenance, he told me it was getting dirty but didn't need changing yet. This was only 2 months ago and the fans had been feeling weaker for much longer than that. Any idea who I should complain to? I cannot believe that the 2 different Honda dealerships I have dealt with have never bothered to check the cabin air filter.

 

Yup, you definitely had a rodent in there. Try to keep the circulation button on, so it wont get in again. I cant believe cars dont have some type of mesh to keep this from happening.

 

Thanks. I'm not sure how keeping the circulation button on will help but we'll do it. We had lived on a farm property for several years but moved to a city 3 years ago so this nest must have been from that time. Still, I think I'm going to figure out how to check the engine air filter and make sure that one is clean too. I have no record of it being replaced and we purchased the car used in 2010. It seems a long time to go without changing it.

 

there is a trap door right on top of the cabin air filter that lets fresh air from the outside. This trap door has no mesh and or anything protecting it from any rodent climbing in from the engine bay. Thats why I keep mine closed.