Is this filter dirty?

Is it time to replace this filter? Dealer said it is wanted $46

 

Doesn't look too dirty, but it's well worn. I would replace it.

 

I recently got an OEM off Ebay for $26 and free s/h.

 

How many miles? What kind of driving conditions?

 

Doesn't look too bad yet. But see Post #4 above. How many miles ? What you want to also check is the cabin filter. It seems they collect dirt faster than the engine filter. LOL

 

10,401 miles and it's a year old. Just pavement driving.

 

parts.toyota sells them for $20

 

That's a good price!

 

Yes the catch is shipping but most of the time orders over $100 ship free.

 

A way to check air filters is to use a light up against it and see if you can see light on other side. On yours it looks like it has a PRE-FILTER on it that you may have to lift off of it if you can. If you see light it is okay.

 

Then it's a bit early according to the schedule. I wouldn't change it yet. Mine didn't look bad at 15k/ 1 year, but I had a lot of desert miles in fine sand, so I changed it.

 

It's a OEM Toyota filter, i've never had one with that filter thing on top....seems like it wouldn't let much air pass.

 

Yeah, the current Toyota parts don't have the prefilter. I tried to save my prefilter, but it was attached at too many places.

 

No. doesn't look dirty by the pics.

 

Looks like the OP's filter is good for another year, IMO. That white pre-filter on top of the filter was on my 21' 4R, And I seem to recall it was on the original filter on my 10' FJ Cruiser. (?) Maybe just the original filters that come with a new vehicle from the Factory have this added ?

 

I have replaced the original filter with the one above they both had that pre-filter. Part #

$29 17801-38051 Genuine Toyota - FJ CRUISER AIR FILTER NEW - 17801-38051

17801-38051

I always thought it was strange.

 

You can get away with it. But buy a new one so you have it, but if you compare you will replace it. lol

 

I have one on hand actually, it's hard to tell how dirty it is with that pre-filter it seems to be glued on, i have been buying all my filters etc from toyota directly on there website it's cheaper than the local dealer for some reason.

 

Looks good to go.

 

I’d replace it. That’s one of those cheap maintenance items. 20ish bucks. Piece of mind for me.

 

I just took mine out this weekend to look at it at 15k and it looks about like that. Back in it went.

if you look in the book standard schedule is 30k I believe and severe service just says inspect at 15 and only replace if necessary.

 

It’s fine,

 

Hold it up to a bright light, or the sun and look through it. You may be surprised how clogged they get with fine particles. I just replaced mine that looked like that and compared to the new one, a big difference. Had approximately 20K on it.

 

Local dealer told me the ones with the white pre filter are no more .

 

My dealer provided me a prefilter one recently. I actually saved it in garage because it was not needed yet. After the LA firestorms the LA basin was covered in soot and ash for weeks. My cabin air filter was a mess. The engine air intake behind the wheel well seemed to protect my truck form sucking up the ash.
I will take a picture later today of the box Toyota part number.
I remember something about 2 versions of engine air filters.

 

There are very good aftermarket brands from RockAuto.
Just look at the ratings before buying.

 

something fishy going on, I just bought one three days ago
from a dealer and the parts guy acted like he was doing me an under the table favor. Genuine Denso replacement filter.

 

I swear, the cabin filters get dirty at twice the rate of the engine air filters.

 

Same. Its ridiculous how dirty and the amount of garbage makes it to them, let alone how they loose there structure.

I swapped my engine filter for a "lifetime" AEM which has been great for years now with just brushing it off. Don't think i could get away with a lifetime in cabin filter (If there even was one).

 

I guess filters catch fine particles that can wear engine parts by abrasive damage. A lot depends upon your environment where you drive.
Desert with sand & dust will clog faster than woods and grasslands.
I would be cautious with a filter that does not catch small particles.