^^^ +1. very easy install, too. and i found that one of the bottom screws holding the glovebox assembly was missing, and that's the rattle that's been annoying me for a while (i thought it was the front passenger door) - fixed that and now pretty happy with no rattles, and nice fresh air out the AC vents.

 

The activated carbon ("charcoal") pre-filter is grey - actually black... the heppa filter though is white (maybe cream) - unless it's already dirty, then it would look grey.

Every filter I've ever seen (including in home heppa with activated carbon) have been this way.

The carbon pre-filter is just for odors… the HEPPA pleated filter is what helps clean the air.

 

For some reason, I had the mildew smell come back after a few days even with the grounding gear HEPA filter.

 

Odours can only be reduced/removed when they pass through the carbon filter medium, so are only effective on odours coming from out-side the car.

Mildew smell comes from the coils and other components past the filter. It's the reason that my instructions suggest spraying an A/C conditioner into the airbox, and running the fan prior to installing the filter. This will kill most of the existing mold and mildew spores, and the filter seals the system, helping to prevent any new ones from getting a foothold in the moist coils and re-growing there.

One thing that I've had really good success with is to load isopropyl alcohol into one of those spray atomizers (bought in kitchen stores to spray cooking oil), and spray it into the box with the fan running on high. It doesn't add any lingering smell, and after replacing the filter, I haven't had any issues of mildew smell since.

 

I did that with the neutra air spray. but nonetheless the the filter was much better than OEM.

p/s the airbox is the vent under the in cabin filter right? thats where i sprayed the stuff.

 

Yes, the squirrel-cage fan is right below this. It sucks in out-side air through the filter, then blows it across the heater and A/C coils, and then into the vents of the car.

You have to spray enough of the deodorant/fungicide/germicide to kill the spores and mold growing there. It may take a few applications.

The alcohol worked well for me, and didn't have any residual odour.