Where's the Cabin Air Filter?

[WalkerHobbs5]

So, I just bought a 2003 Bonneville SLE to replace my Bonneville SSE that was just totaled. I am trying to replace my cabin air filter, but I think the previous owner put a plate over the air filter holder so you can't access the cabin air filter location. Does anyone know how to work around this, maybe replacing it through the glovebox? If possible, post a picture of the air filters location so I know if the plate is suppose to be there or not. thanks!

[ddalder]

The filter is not accessed from inside the car. There is a removable cover at the base of the windshield near the passenger wiper blade. Two tabs pull back toward the glass and the cover lifts off. Not all cars had this option installed. If it didn't, you will need the plastic frame the filter clips into as well. You'll be able to tell once you remove the cover.

Here's the cover as seen from the engine compartment. If there is something under the cover blocking access, you'll have to dig in and see what and why.

[WalkerHobbs5]

Could you post a picture of the filter with the cover off? that would help me a lot!

[ddalder]

Hopefully someone can help with that. I've got hundreds (if not a couple thousand) pictures of my car in various states of disassembly and I can't find one of that! My Bonneville is at a storage facility for the winter or I'd simply go take one for you. Sorry :(

[WalkerHobbs5]

It's all good man! I appreciate your help! I'm sure you'll be helping me in the future!

[nos4blood70]

Push the two tabs and remove the cover. There's another tab inside which release the filter and it's bracket. All these parts are brittle plastic, so be careful with them. Patience over force.

[Archon]

There's a techinfo article regarding changing the filter. The pictures are no longer view-able, but the text explains it pretty well.
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 13626.html

If you have Chrome or Firefox, you can view the pictures by installing a plug-in as explained toward the bottom of this post:
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 50778.html

[ddalder]

If you have Chrome or Firefox, you can view the pictures by installing a plug-in as explained toward the bottom of this post:
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 50778.html

I have been unable to do this. I added the extension to both browser but now it's not working in either Chrome or Firefox. It used to but it seems something has changed.

[WalkerHobbs5]

Found out today that some Bonnevilles come with a plate over the cabin air filter hole and others have the filter and its frame. I was told that if you have the plate, you will need to buy the filter frame and the filter. Then cut the plate out and maybe another plate that is blocking the air flow, then insert the frame and filter and you're on your way... Hopefully, it will be that easy. If anyone could provide me with any help that would be great!

[ddalder]

That makes no sense. To have a cover over that hole seems like it would block air flow. Whether there's a filter or not, that's the entry point for air into the vehicle HVAC system. GM stopped installing the frames and filters in any trim level for 2004 and 05 (at least). I'm not sure if it was still factory installed in the 2003 SSEi or not. My car, which I purchased as a dealer demo, did not have the filter (again, it was only available in my year as a "dealer installed option"). It had no plate, simply wide open under the cover you see in my photo above.

Where did you get this information?

[Roadrunner]

My 03 did not have one.
I only had to get the plastic frame and it went right in with no other work.

[00Beast]

Never seen a plate in there, and none of the Bonnes (4 Bonnes, all 2000+) came with OEM cabin filters, at least none that were there when I had them. Should be just a matter of getting the filter with the bracket and finessing it in there. I'd like a picture of what you're working with.

How to post pics: http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 46080.html

[96 SSEi]

MY 2000 SSEi has the plastic filter frame and the molded cover.

[ddalder]

In 2000 and for a few years (again, I don't know the cutoff), all SSEi's got the cabin air filter installed at the factory.

[WalkerHobbs5]

Well, as you can see, hopefully, there is a plate blocking the hole for the cabin air filter. It is fixed to the frame/firewall of the engine bay with heavy duty epoxy. I tried to use a Dremel tool with a cut-off wheel. I would advise against using this because the epoxy will find its way to your fan then the fan will push the epoxy into the car. Plus since the epoxy was extremely tacky I broke four cut-off wheels. I finished by using a utility knife or a x-acto knife. I would suggest taking the plastic panel that runs across the car, under the hood, off. It makes installing the filter much easier. then just slide the filter and frame in the hole then I bolted it down because it seemed like there were bolt holes that lined up.

[ddalder]

Can't see a picture...