Cabin Filter Question

[whitedragon551]

I was noticing my AC would get warmer when I stop at lights, but its freezing cold when driving so I checked the cabin air filters and I found I dont have any. While I was in there I checked the evaporator for debris and the blower for gunk. What I found was some form of metal filter in the black box behind the glove box. It appears to be absolutely nasty. How do I get this black box out or this filter out to clean it?

Images of what Im seeing are below:

[audtatious]

Yeah, that's a mess. I don't have an answer but you could go through the FSM to look at the exploded views and removal steps:

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/QX4/1998_QX4/

[whitedragon551]

Yeah, that's a mess. I don't have an answer but you could go through the FSM to look at the exploded views and removal steps:

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/QX4/1998_QX4/

Went through the AC section and didnt find anything. What is that piece called?

[Towncivilian]

The metal box is the evaporator core. It's pretty difficult to gain access to if I recall correctly. I'd just vacuum it off as best you can, and install a cabin filter following these instructions.

[whitedragon551]

The metal box is the evaporator core. It's pretty difficult to gain access to if I recall correctly. I'd just vacuum it off as best you can, and install a cabin filter following these instructions.

The metal you see is from where I could fit my hand and scrape it off. Vacuuming wont do anything. It needs power washed.

I want to clean it off before I install the cabin filters. Adding cabin filters to that mess will only restrict everything more.

[Towncivilian]

HA-18 is the best diagram I can find of the cooling unit. I'm not sure how exactly to gain access to it. There are several screws and a couple metal clips holding it on, but even after removing those I don't know how to continue exposing the evaporator core.

[whitedragon551]

HA-18 is the best diagram I can find of the cooling unit. I'm not sure how exactly to gain access to it. There are several screws and a couple metal clips holding it on, but even after removing those I don't know how to continue exposing the evaporator core.

Well I guess that leaves me 2 options. 1) Pay my mechanic to figure it out or 2) Use some sort of chemical that can clean that crap off that isnt harmful to humans as the system runs. Id like to get this figured out since its 100+ all week here.

[Towncivilian]

Brake cleaner might work, it evaporates quickly and should clean it off pretty well - it's just a bunch of dust after all. Put something under the opening and spray away.

[whitedragon551]

Brake cleaner might work, it evaporates quickly and should clean it off pretty well - it's just a bunch of dust after all. Put something under the opening and spray away.

I actually have some of that. Ill start disassembling again tomorrow.

[whitedragon551]

Well got it done this morning. I didnt take anything out. Just disassembled the glove box area.

Grabbed a can of AC Safe Coil Cleaner at Home Depot for $5 for a can. Water solluble, citrus scent, high foaming, industrial AC Coil cleaner.

Spray the inside about 3 times and used an adjustable nozzle spray bottle to rinse it off and just dried up the excess with a towel.

After shots:

[audtatious]

Nice. Let us know if that takes care of the issues you have been noticing.

[Towncivilian]

Looking a lot better! Install a filter now to prevent the core from getting that nasty build up again, and to enjoy fresher air. No need to use the OEM filters. I've found that a NAPA Gold (Wix rebranded) filter kit is nearly identical in construction and quality to the OEM filters.

[whitedragon551]

Have one being delivered to work. I get steep discounts through Auto Value for parts. Got a Wix filter for $20 delivered. Now to just dremel that plastic out.

[whitedragon551]

Is the clip necessary to hold the filter in? Mine didnt come with one. I figured it would come with the filter.

I got Wix Part number: 24863

[Towncivilian]

Yes, you will require a clip. I believe the NAPA Gold filter kit I purchased came with a replacement clip.

[whitedragon551]

Yes, you will require a clip. I believe the NAPA Gold filter kit I purchased came with a replacement clip.

Called Napa. I also get a steep discount there. They said none of their air filters for these vehicles come with a clip either. Ill just make one out of a thick paper clip.

[Towncivilian]

Strange, I am probably misremembering. I can't find a part number for the clip. Hopefully a paper clip will work fine!

[whitedragon551]

Strange, I am probably misremembering. I can't find a part number for the clip. Hopefully a paper clip will work fine!

Ive got a plan. Should work perfect. Ill post images tomorrow morning before work. Its 102 out here right now.

[Camelfilter]

I think you already have a clip. It's that little metal guy down at the bottom of the black box that isn't currently doing anything. I believe it is there for the dealer to instal the optional filters (or not).

Course I could be wrong, but that's what I used for my instal...

[whitedragon551]

Only black clip I have holds the top and bottom of the black box together between the screwed. Is that not necessary and used for the filters?

[Towncivilian]

I'd imagine it is necessary since I have one and my PF had filters from the factory. It helps keep the box together.

[whitedragon551]

I'd imagine it is necessary since I have one and my PF had filters from the factory. It helps keep the box together.

I took that clip off and the box never split apart by hand. Seems that its pretty useless. And it conveniently is the same exact size to fit around the airfilter and the tab that holds it in so I used it.

Ended up picking up a Dremel 3000 as well with the 4 different sized collet set and 110 piece accessory kit as well for future projects like this. Ill end up using it today.

[whitedragon551]

Update

Air feels colder coming out driving. Alot colder. However, when I stop at a light it doesnt feel as cold.

How long should I expect it to take to cool down this black monster with AC set to full blast on 65*? Normally my drive home from work is 10-15 minutes at best and in 90-100* heat Im still sweating by time I get home.

[Towncivilian]

Naturally it will take much longer to reach cold temperatures after the car has sat in the sun for a while (heat soak). My PF does the same thing, but perhaps not to the extent of yours. I don't think it's "sweaty" hot for more than 5-8 minutes after putting the A/C on full blast, though. Make sure the A/C condenser is free of significant bug, leaf, or dirt build up. Use Simple Green and a garden hose to clean it off.

[whitedragon551]

Naturally it will take much longer to reach cold temperatures after the car has sat in the sun for a while (heat soak). My PF does the same thing, but perhaps not to the extent of yours. I don't think it's "sweaty" hot for more than 5-8 minutes after putting the A/C on full blast, though. Make sure the A/C condenser is free of significant bug, leaf, or dirt build up. Use Simple Green and a garden hose to clean it off.

Where is the AC condenser located?

I took the QX4 to the car wash and made sure to spray the radiator down since the grill is mostly open.

[Towncivilian]

The A/C condenser is in front of the radiator, so you've probably already cleaned it.

[whitedragon551]

The A/C condenser is in front of the radiator, so you've probably already cleaned it.

I wasnt very thorough. It just sprayed through the grill for a second. I was more or less trying to get bugs off.

What else can I try after cleaning the condenser?

Obviously it doesnt need a recharge or have a leak if its blowing cold when the vehicle is moving.

[Towncivilian]

You can perform the self-diagnosis procedure on page HA-35 of the factory service manual to see if that gives any hints. Also ensure the A/C compressor belt is tensioned properly and looks good in general (no significant cracks, etc) - see MA-13.

[ptgerald]

WhiteDragon

My 1998 QX4 doesn't have filters either. Any chance you could take some picks and do a walk theough of modding and adding the filters?? Thanks

[Towncivilian]

WhiteDragon

My 1998 QX4 doesn't have filters either. Any chance you could take some picks and do a walk theough of modding and adding the filters?? Thanks

http://www.courtesyparts.com/instruct/i ... 03_01.html