[hallux]

Checked my air filter today (first time in 14 months). While I had the case open I noticed an extra element in the "clean" side of the box. I live in NY so I have a PZEV 2.5, which may make a difference. I saw no mention of this element in the manual and the part store had no mention of it in the filter book so I'm assuming it never gets changed. I'm just curious what it is if anyone happens to know.

Like most others, the parts store didn't have the cabin filter, I'll have to source that from Subaru most likely.

 

[Saint J VT]

Isn't that the air intake sensor? There is a wire connection just at the exterior top of that, no?

 

[rasterman]

Like most others, the parts store didn't have the cabin filter, I'll have to source that from Subaru most likely.

Mail order the CAF. You'll save at least 50% vs the corner store, more like 70% vs the dealer.

 

[mikelipke]

There is a larger Wally World near my home. They have the cabin air filter for $18 something. It was a Fram. I looked at it and it had charcoal embeded in the filter media in case someone outside passes gas, I guess. Or maybe inside.
Anyway, they have them.

 

[plain OM]

I noticed an extra element in the "clean" side of the box. I live in NY so I have a PZEV 2.5, which may make a difference

.

Yes, the PZEV has that extra element behind the air filter. It's a charcoal-type element which is designed to capture fuel fumes that can escape from the manifold just after the engine is stopped. Just as with the evaporation emissions system charcoal canister that works with the fumes from the gas tank, this one traps the fumes and releases them when the engine is restarted and air is drawn in through the air intake. I'm not aware if there's a routine replacement schedule but I doubt it, as is the case with the charcoal canister.

 

[bradze]

so is that filter only there on the PZEV models?

 

[plain OM]

so is that filter only there on the PZEV models?

It is part of the PZEV equipment package, but I don't know if that excludes others, or if it might now be being added to others.

For more info on Subaru PZEV, see: Subaru PZEV Technology - Subaru Technology - Subaru Canada. The filter is shown and explained lower down on the page, along with other modifications.

The added "filter" has been discussed here before, e.g:

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums...performance/46540-post-air-filter-filter.html

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/66-problems-maintenance/35224-filter-mesh-behind-air-filter.html

Also see: http://opposedforces.com/parts/lega...arger/air_cleaner_and_element/illustration_2/. The U5 and C5 designations for part #6 refer to California spec and PZEV. (http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums...9555-subaru-destination-codes.html#post379106)

 

[hallux]

Looking on subaruonlineparts.com I see they list a W/California and a w/o California for that part on the 2011. Oddly, the W/California costs LESS but has the extra filter and the filter is not listed on its own.

So, it's not a service part I'm assuming? I won't worry about it and will just drop in the new filter.

 

[plain OM]

So, it's not a service part I'm assuming?

Right. I presume it's replaced only if somehow found to be defective or broken, same as the charcoal filter for the fuel tank.

 

[Tysauce]

I know this is an old thread but i figured better than starting a new one. I just found this charcoal element myself. I pulled it out before doing any research ofcourse. The question is, do I need it? Is it strictly for california emissions. I cant imagine there will be any harm in leaving the charcoal filter out. Will there?