How do you replace the dust and pollen filter?

ANSWER : Your car has a dust and pollen filter to help keep debris from entering the air box in your dash and to filter particulates from the air blown into the cabin. You might be more familiar with this as the “cabin filter.”

Like your engine air filter, your dust and pollen filter needs to be changed periodically.

However, Honda does not recommend that anyone other than a mechanic replace these filters. Just getting to them requires a lot of work and a lot of removal of dash components. Honda recommends having the filter changed every 15,000 miles.

ANSWER : Hello there. You might to read this article about the P0171 OBD-II trouble code; as it will give you ideas on causes and possible solutions.

ANSWER : If your Civic is equipped with a dust and pollen filter, it needs to be changed periodically. This filter sits behind the glove box and is responsible for filtering the air that makes its way into the cabin. Over time, the filter will clog up with dirt, dust and debris. As that happens, the airflow through the filter is reduced. You’ll also find that your windows fog up more easily. Replacing the filter isn’t easy, and Honda does not recommend you do this on your own as it requires a significant amount of teardown to reach the filter.

ANSWER : Hi there. Are the gaskets missing, or one of them missing? A missing line gasket for the fuel line at the top of the filter can allow fuel to leak past the fitting bolt and spray dangerously on hot components. Is the leak coming from the line itself or around the bolt that attaches the line to the filter? If the line is leaking it has to be replaced, if the filter is leaking it has to be replaced, and if the leak is coming from around where the line and bolt meet then the gasket is probably missing. If the gaskets are missing or deformed from overtightening they need to be replaced. You may need to contact the dealer to get these gaskets. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to safely and accurately determine what is needed and avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a fuel leak inspection.

ANSWER : The cabin air filter should be replaced every time you have an oil change. This keeps the air in the cab clean at all times and keeps the AC and heater working in good condition. The filters are not a warranty item because they are like an oil filter, they get used and replaced on a maintenance schedule. There is no effect on the cabin air filter because the evaporative canister is located in the back of the car and the filter is in the cabin near the engine compartment. If you feel your filters are getting clogged too quickly, seek out a technician, as one from YourMechanic, who can complete a filter inspection to determine if there are any problems.

ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Your head is in the right place. While gas these days is held to some better standards, its very possible to collect debris in the tank over time. Considering the mileage on the vehicle, replacing the fuel filter is a great idea anyway, and you should definitely do so. They are quick and easy to do, but you need to be careful with the fuel lines. Also make sure you install the filter in the correct direction. If your fuel pump is original, then you may want to consider replacing it as well. Running a vehicle to empty can hurt the pump. It is also a great time to inspect the tank for debris. For more help replacing either fuel component, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

ANSWER : Hi there. The two codes you’ve listed might indicate different problems than you’ve been told are the root source. The P0171 code means that, on the first bank of the engine, the fuel system is running weak or a vacuum leak exists near this side of the engine. A lean condition occurs when the engine either receives too little fuel or too much air. P0442 is present in vehicles that have a small leak in the EVAP system. Some of the causes of the EVAP code include a faulty or loose fuel cap, EVAP system line leak, charcoal canister leak, a fuel tank leak, or perhaps a failed vent or purge valve. The mass air flow sensor might be the right replacement for the first code, but there are other possible sources. It might be best to have a professional mechanic complete a check engine light inspection, so they can isolate the source of these codes and recommend the right repairs.

ANSWER : You are using the correct filter. I looked at the photos that you sent but the photos do not show the entirety of the threads. Even if such are shown "clearly", when it comes to threaded parts, it only takes a fairly minor defect in threads to make assembly difficult. If you cannot visually detect any gross amount of damage to the threads, the thing to do is manipulate the oil filter as you attempt to thread it on. That usually works. Given your description, in your case, it would appear that there is some very minor defect, perhaps a metal splinter or the like, that is preventing the engagement of the first thread in the filter. That is not exceptional (it happens) and thus to get it to engage you will just have to inspect and try again. Don’t force it though. With reasonable measures, if you truly cannot get the filter to engage, the external threads will have to be restored. If you have enough access, you can gently use a thread file or use the appropriate die. If you want these steps performed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request an oil filter base repair/installation and the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.