incorrigible

The filter does also prevent the entry of dust and debris from entering into the HVAC system. Another benefit other than just breathing cleaner air. I can recall having issues with leaves and such clogging up the squirrel cage fan on my older cars. That was a pain.

Seems all cars have these now. My 2002 Xterra had one and was the first vehicle I ever owned that did.

rogan01

Time Out!!! I am the OP. Just FYI:

This thread was not intened to be about the cabin air filter (pro/con)- only if it needed to be removed to get to and unclog the grommet/drain that collects leaves/debris and may cause water leaks through the cabin air filter on our cars.

I am also interested in the comments about:

1. getting to this area without removing anything and
2, the potentially harmful leak from the stock exhaust? Is this correctable with an aftermarket exhaust?

Thanks to all.

rogan01

How do you get to them without removing anything??? Details or Pics would be GREAT!!! Thank you - this would be a tremendous help.

Art161

I think they look more like pouches than grommets. Look at the battery. Then move your eyes along the firewall a few inches. You should see what looks to me like a black pouch. At first, you might think it is closed at the bottom, but there is a slit there. Squeeze the pouch to get the slit to open and feel around to see if there is debris lodged there. Once you have found the passenger's side pouch, you should be able to find the one on the driver's side. It is about the same distance from the end of the left side of the firewall as the passenger's side pouch is from the end of the right side of the firewall.

Lifter583

"I think they look more like pouches than grommets. Look at the battery. Then move your eyes along the firewall a few inches. You should see what looks to me like a black pouch. At first, you might think it is closed at the bottom, but there is a slit there. Squeeze the pouch to get the slit to open and feel around to see if there is debris lodged there. Once you have found the passenger's side pouch, you should be able to find the one on the driver's side. It is about the same distance from the end of the left side of the firewall as the passenger's side pouch is from the end of the right side of the firewall."-- Art161



now once you find them as well described by Art161...just pull them out and cut off the bottom and pop them back in...it will be clear to you when you pull one out..

bloodybobber

These things are so easy to access with the hood open. Just pull them out. clean them out, stick them back in their holes then pull lightly to seat them. You have to open your hood to check fluids or change them just make them part of your service routine and you will have no problems. If there is large amounts of leaves turn wipers on then key off when they are vertical. A small phillips screwdriver will back out the center pin of the two snap fasteners and the passenger side cowl cover will lift up to reveal the plenum and cabin filter. Scoop out or suck out debris and reinstall as removed being careful to engage all ten tabs into their slots and sealing to the windshield. replace push pin fasteners. Don't make this a big deal its to simple. Catch you later, Bob.

malelo

He guys,
first time i cleaned my grommets after importing the car from the states was really funny.
I removed the passenger side grommet and pull out some "parts". These parts are little bones from an ohio mouse

It depends where you live. Here are a lot of small leaves in the autumn. I have to clean.

Greetings, Mario

mykim72

nice...thanks for the pics!

rogan01

Thanks everyone! Greatly appreciated!!!!

So there is no reason to remove the cowl cover and the cabin air filter to clean these out right?

Art161

Right.