2002 S60 AWD

Wile hunting down the reason for water entering the passengers foot well, I decided to check out the cabin filter, checking to see if it was wet. I bought this car in August 2013 and I am still learning my way around it.

I opened it up to check the filter and I became a bit confused. I see a filter near the firewall, it looked black.

I was expecting to see a filter that I could pull down and out but there was no such filter. Did the previous owner remove it because they were having problems with water? Maybe I should leave it out?

Looking online at parts I see this - "Volvo used 2-different Filter Elements on these applications, one is approx. 1" thick and the other is approx. 1-1/2" thick "

What are they talking about, two different sizes.

Apparently icon only or icon with text means something. My recirc button has a picture with text.

 

I found the answer on IPD and their video cleared up the confusion. I can use either one but not both at the same time.

 

you either have a paper filter or a thicker carbon filter.

 

Mine has the thicker carbon.

My Volvo dealer said that I can use either and the paper actually allows greater air flow. Since I have lived almost 61 years on this earth without carbon activated filters filtering my air, I may opt out for the paper.

My personal opinion of the carbon filters is a bit of overkill with sprinkling of marketing.

To me the benefit of the cabin filter is to keep dust from getting to the fans and debris collecting on the evap. So a paper one will work and I will get more air flow.

But IPD does have a carbon aftermarket for $17.....so I am tempted.