I would guess it had to change, since this insanity must stop.


I finally got around to change the cabin air filter in the 2012 S60.


I did use the four different you tube videos to finally figure it out, but WHY would any manufacturer/engineer design this crazy replacement operation?


Two of the videos had instruction for a different install.


Perhaps it's the R version.


The '12 has to remove the fuse panel against the firewall.
This is a difficult removal.


Good luck to all.


DIY Cabin Filter Replacement


This link has the best info.

 

It isn't that hard. Push the tab on top of the fuse panel or just pull it off and remove the cabin filter. I can take my time with it and do it under a minute. If you think that's bad try doing a cabin filter on a P1

 

I'm sure there are worse.
I only thought that in a time of tech/engineering/smart design that it would be easier.


You are right, that after you get it out and look at it, it's not that hard.


My Avalon:
Open the glove box. No wrench/torx, etc.
Open the snap in door.
Remove/replace the filter.
Snap the door cover.
Close the glove box.

 

It can be done in a minute without tools.

If you want to pull the kickpanel, that write up is wrong. They are T25 screws, not T20

 

that's one other point. There are 4 different instructional helps on the WEB.


The 2012 T5 that I have has T20 screws that MUST be removed to get access to the fuse panel, that also must be removed for RE installation.
I did get the filter out without removal of the fuse panel, but there is NO WAY to get it back in, without moving the fuse panel.


Also, NAPA had two different sized filters (one square and one rectangular) for the replacement in their search. I just went in and asked for the filter without seeing the actual filter. I got the wrong one the first time. but they were good about finding the other after I brought in the actual filter. The Mann (correct) Charcoal filter was $29.

 

If yours had T20 screws, those are wrong. They all had T25. A T20 driver will likely still remove a T25 screw, it just won't fit as snug. You can do all of them without removing the panel though. Yours is no different than any P3.

 

I just bought a 2012 S60 T5 and am also trying to change out the cabin filter. This fuse box that seems easy to some is driving me nuts. I have simply not been able to get it away from the clip that holds it in. I found the tab at the top, but it's pretty far back and I can't get a thumb on it. I can (barely) get my index finger on it, but I don't think with enough force to push it up while pulling on the box at the same time. I've also tried simply pulling on the box from top, middle, and bottom with almost enough force to break it, to no avail. It just ain't coming off! I also tried pushing a small screwdriver blade under the tab, but without being able to see it, that proved too difficult. Is there something I'm doing wrong? Any suggestions?

 

I know exactly what your talking about! It's a very small area, and you can't even see what your doing. But believe me, it's just a little plastic clip that's holding it on. You'll see when you pull it out, and that's what's happened for me the last 2 years I've pulled it out, just wiggling and pulling, and trying to depress top of fuse cover, and it came. Simple snap in when finished. Good Luck!

 

Well, thanks to your encouragement and a hint, I tried it again. I added wiggling to pulling (and a few well placed words), and off it came indeed!

Having just purchased this car, I was anxious to inspect the old filter and guess what? No cabin filter at all. There is now....

Thanks again!