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FCP Euro Service Kits

FCP Euro Kits

If you have a severe allergy to pollen, the best thing you can do for yourself is to change the cabin air filter. The cabin air filter for the Porsche 996 911 Carrera sits next to the battery, below the windshield cowl. The filter is exposed to the elements and is around moisture when it rains. Because of that, mold, mildew, leaf debris, and dirt will get trapped in the filter throughout its life. Excess debris will cause a foul smell when using the A/C or heat and can cause harm to the blower motor.

Replacing the filter on the Porsche 996 911 is a relatively simple job compared to other European makes and models. Even for a complete novice, this job won’t take any time at all. While replacing the filter, do yourself a favor and look around the cowl area. Leaves and pine needles will get trapped down there, potentially blocking the water drains. Clogged drains will lead to mold and mildew build-up as the water has no way of escaping.  

 

Porsche models and years applicable:

  • 1999-2004 Porsche Carrera
    • Incl. 4, 4S, and Targa models
  • 2004-2005 Porsche GT3
  • 2001-2005 Porsche Turbo
    • Incl. Turbo S models
  • 2002-2005 Porsche GT2
  • 1997-2004 Porsche Boxster
    • Incl. S models
 

 

Symptoms of a Porsche 996 cabin filter in need of replacement:

  • A musty or moldy smell coming from the air-conditioning 
  • A struggling blower fan
  • Poor window de-fogging

The cabin air filter protects you from any contaminants that may be pulled in by your HVAC system and blown through your car. Over time, these filters get filled with various debris causing them to lose effectiveness. Any blockage will also cause the blower fan to work harder to pull air through the filter. A significantly blocked filter can cause the fan motor to struggle before burning out. 

Additionally, the filter sits in the dark and is kept at a relatively warm temperature when driving. These conditions, mixed with any water or wet debris, are a perfect starting point for mold formation.

 

How long will it take to replace a Porsche 996 911 cabin air filter?

Replacing the cabin air filter shouldn’t take you any time at all. The filter is easily accessible and is retained by a single locking clip. Put aside ten minutes to swap the filters. Additionally, dirt and debris do get trapped around the filter. We recommend taking the extra time to vacuum out that debris to prevent any drain blockages and mold formation.

 

How much will it cost to replace a Porsche 996 911 cabin air filter?

An OE filter replacement from Mann Filters costs around $20. For this job, it’s all you need. 

 

Parts required to replace a Porsche 996 911 cabin air filter:

 

Tools required to replace a Porsche 996 911 cabin air filter:

 

Steps required to replace a Porsche 996 911 cabin air filter:

Step 1: Access the filter

Open the trunk to your 996 and focus on the black cowl area at the back of the trunk. 

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The cabin filter sits beneath the left-side panel. To access it, twist the two locks on the center panel 90° and then remove the panel. 

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Next, use the T25 Torx bit socket to remove the single screw holding the left-side cowl piece in place. Then, pull the cowl piece out of the way. 

04-DIY-Porsche-996-Cabin-Filter_Accesssing-Filter

 

Step 2: Replace the filter

Now you’re able to access the filter and see any debris that has been collected.

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Undo the locking tab on the right side of the filter and then pull it out of the car. 

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Next, fit the new filter into place in the same orientation as the old filter. Then, secure the filter in place with the locking tab.

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With the new filter installed, turn your attention to any leaves or pine needles that may have gathered beneath the filter. Use a vacuum to clean out any of that debris. Ensure that the drains aren’t blocked as well. Take off the other cowl piece and clean that side too.

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Step 3: Refit the cowl pieces

Place both of the corner pieces back into place and thread in their retaining fasteners. Use a T25 Torx bit socket to tighten the fasteners.

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10-DIY-Porsche-996-Cabin-Filter_Refitting-Cowl

Next, refit the battery cover and secure it by rotating the locking tabs 90° back to the right. After that, shut the hood and enjoy the fresh, clean air being blown out of your HVAC system. If you're interested in more DIYs for your Porsche, you can visit fcpeuro.com and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Written by :
Christian Schaefer

Car and motorsports-obsessed writer/editor for FCP Euro's DIY Blog. Constantly dreaming of competing behind the wheel or searching for another project. Owner of a turbo Subaru Forester and a ratty Porsche 914, neither of which are running.


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