Depends on the climate/humidity. I used these exact filters and even coil cleaners, but given it's 1000% humid all the time year around in Gulf of Texas area, we have to do it every 6 months to keep the smell away.
However you should not install a HEPA filter in a car that doesn't already have one! its a thicker more dense filter which will make the vehicles HVAC system work harder (and wear out faster) if you use a HEPA filter.
Awesome tutorial. Thanks tesla queen! Also, there is a pry tool which pops those rivets out very easily. It's made specifically for trim panel removal. It has a screwdriver handle which is nice
Ok I been wanting to share this because I haven’t seen a video out there about replacing filters on a 2023 model y (My Model) yet, but the screw is on the top like your 2018 model 3 which drove me crazy when I discovered this. I was excited to knock this out quickly after watching all the videos of the Teslas with the screw on the bottom. I was baffled by this decision from Tesla. I cursed them out throughout the whole filter swap having to contortion my body for longer than planned was not fun at all. Not looking forward to doing it again and I’m due as I am in Florida and of course the AC is blowing all the time not mentioning all the condensation in between the temp swings as well. If anyone has a model 2023 and later with screw on bottom please share if it’s actually on the bottom. Thanks Kim for making this video that finally got me to share my ordeal. I think I may need to stretch weeks before I take on this task again. Love what you guys do on this channel.
All the pinay nurses in london are applying for California. It’s the inplace now. Their great nurses. Very humble & work fast , 1 pinay nurse is the work of 2 or 3 norm nurse. California sure sounds a nice place
I purchased my Model 3 in December 2023 but when you look at the VIN it was manufactured in April 2023. I just bought the filter. I didn't need it but it was $31.50 with Kim's discount code so I couldn't pass up on the offer.
With the air filter, there is an issue under the hood, its how rain water is being channeled and deflected and with what happens when the Tesla is not in active use. What happens is now that water gets pulled in when in normal use it gets blown away. Someone else made a video on this topic, and what to do under the hood.
Because I live in such a dry climate, I've never had smelly mold develop in the climate control system like you experience in Georgia. I did, however, swap my previous Model 3's filter a couple of times for a HEPA alternative -but it is *NOT* an easy job. The good news is that my I5's filter is much more accessible: you access it by removing a cover in the back of the frunk. I already installed a HEPA filter in there! Easy peasy! Takes 1 minute!
If you break those little white clips that hold on the right console panel you can't buy them. As I'm writing this I'm waiting on service because they had to order me an entirely new panel (which won't cost me anything since it's under warranty). Tesla why so complicated?
I had a loaner from Tesla that smelled like the cleaner that are used to clean the public toilets. I think they sprayed something in the AC to try to get the smell out but not succeeding.
Well I had them in for 40000km without any problem. then I let Tesla do it, they charge here 250CZK (like 12 US$) and I do not make the effort myself for that money
This is a PITA, seems like I clean mine and within the next heavy rain it stinks again. I’ve just started using recirculating and that eliminated the smell.
Like this is a Tesla issue , every car need replacement cabin filter ,doesn't matter climate , or anything other than simple just move the car and this filter will collect all kinds of particles so...
Tesla engineers are placed cabin filters at very difficult to reach positions Its hard to change by average driver. (Poor Americans ) 😢😢😢. Fresh air intake beneath the motor cover has big design failure . This opening let water inside ??!! Japan cars are much user friendly for example Honda jazz(fit) air filter can be replaced by a teenager 😂😂😂
I strongly suggest that you never DIY your Tesla while it is under warranty... and never use non-Tesla parts. If you DIY and then notice a sound in that general area, Tesla will not fix it and claim it was caused by your install of the new filters. If anything ever goes wrong with the HVAC system, Tesla will claim it was caused by your non-Tesla filters. This is especially true during your warranty period. Even after warranty, Tesla will not reduce or otherwise cut you a break with repairs if you have non-Tesla parts that effect the functioning of the vehicle put onto your car. Also, my understanding is that the design flaw, at least in my 2018 Model 3, if that the filters literally lay against the coils and get wet. Bad design. Thankfully, I live in San Diego and have never had a bad smell. But I also do not regularily use the AC.
There is no flaw, it's your environment. If you live in a damp, humid location, you will get mold. If you live in Arizona or Nevada, you will never see it.
Definitely the worst design flaw of this car. Can't believe they designed the cabin air filter to be so difficult to reach. You literally had to bend over backwards to remove it.
When working on any car, it's advisable to wear safety glasses. As you were on your back looking up, debris from the dirty filters could fall in your eyes which isn't fun. I changed ours in our '18 M3 the first time but paid the service ranger the second time since it is painful for this old fat guy to get under there and was worth the money for myself
The only 5 star channel on utube , in my opinion , Nobody explains things in videos as well as these two. I’m waiting for a model y revamp. Like most of us.
It doesn't matter how often you change the filter and clean the coils. Once you have a hot, humid day, which is every day in South Florida, guaranteed to smell horrible. I've had this issue with my 2021 model y long range since the 2nd month I had it. These filters do help but nothing stops this problem 😢
We just found a solution that actually works, changing out filters do not work I read on Reddit to run the heat on high for 4 hours & set precondition to high heat . I ran the heat on high for an hour & set the precondition on high heat every morning & so far the smell is gone.
@vivianle8941 for me I don't find that necessary. This smell only occurs initially when the car first starts up on a humid day. Once the air is running for more than 5 to 10 minutes, the smell is perfectly fine
Depends on the climate/humidity. I used these exact filters and even coil cleaners, but given it's 1000% humid all the time year around in Gulf of Texas area, we have to do it every 6 months to keep the smell away.
FYI, my 2023 MYLR has a Bioweapon Defense Mode. I think she mentioned only the X and S has it.
That screw is my arch nemesis
However you should not install a HEPA filter in a car that doesn't already have one! its a thicker more dense filter which will make the vehicles HVAC system work harder (and wear out faster) if you use a HEPA filter.
Awesome tutorial. Thanks tesla queen! Also, there is a pry tool which pops those rivets out very easily. It's made specifically for trim panel removal. It has a screwdriver handle which is nice
Ok I been wanting to share this because I haven’t seen a video out there about replacing filters on a 2023 model y (My Model) yet, but the screw is on the top like your 2018 model 3 which drove me crazy when I discovered this. I was excited to knock this out quickly after watching all the videos of the Teslas with the screw on the bottom. I was baffled by this decision from Tesla. I cursed them out throughout the whole filter swap having to contortion my body for longer than planned was not fun at all. Not looking forward to doing it again and I’m due as I am in Florida and of course the AC is blowing all the time not mentioning all the condensation in between the temp swings as well.
If anyone has a model 2023 and later with screw on bottom please share if it’s actually on the bottom. Thanks Kim for making this video that finally got me to share my ordeal. I think I may need to stretch weeks before I take on this task again. Love what you guys do on this channel.
Thanks for watching!
I live in Southern California and have no problems with the filters after 2 1/2 years. Model y 22.
I live in so cal and have a 22 Y ..I may be lazy but I’m not taking it all apart only to not have the filters ready to install..Just ordered..
All the pinay nurses in london are applying for California. It’s the inplace now. Their great nurses. Very humble & work fast , 1 pinay nurse is the work of 2 or 3 norm nurse. California sure sounds a nice place
omg, I just replaced mine... I genuinely wanted to start crying like 15 mins in
Adam Davenport has a proper fix for this. See his video called "This design flaw makes Tesla’s Model 3 smell bad (PART 2)"
Thank you !
Exactly, and Tesla still hasn't addressed the issue.
I purchased my Model 3 in December 2023 but when you look at the VIN it was manufactured in April 2023. I just bought the filter. I didn't need it but it was $31.50 with Kim's discount code so I couldn't pass up on the offer.
Safety glasses, shmafety glasses. Put a link for the yoga/pilates class I need to take to be able to contort myself to do this repair.
With the air filter, there is an issue under the hood, its how rain water is being channeled and deflected and with what happens when the Tesla is not in active use. What happens is now that water gets pulled in when in normal use it gets blown away. Someone else made a video on this topic, and what to do under the hood.
The filter is not the only thing. Tesla Service also is able to do a special flushing out of the air conditioner system. Ask them about it.
Because I live in such a dry climate, I've never had smelly mold develop in the climate control system like you experience in Georgia. I did, however, swap my previous Model 3's filter a couple of times for a HEPA alternative -but it is *NOT* an easy job. The good news is that my I5's filter is much more accessible: you access it by removing a cover in the back of the frunk. I already installed a HEPA filter in there! Easy peasy! Takes 1 minute!
So does the smell only appears after the filter goes out or it always has it even with a new filter ?
Thank you Kim! I love your videos! ❤
WEAR SAFETY GLASSESS ! ! ! Especially when laying on your back - it's way too easy for something to fall in your eyes.
not for something like this...
Ahahahaha
There is also foam cleaner to spray in the filter cavity to clean mildew out of that area.
so installing these filters gives you "bio defense mode"?
Very impressive DYI, thanks, now I have to find out how to do this for the model X.
Thanks Kim. Great informative video. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
If you break those little white clips that hold on the right console panel you can't buy them. As I'm writing this I'm waiting on service because they had to order me an entirely new panel (which won't cost me anything since it's under warranty). Tesla why so complicated?
No way is this super easy
What about the air flow with the aftermarket filters? Supposedly, some filters make the motor work harder?
No difference we can tell
Kim you're absolutely amazing
I had a loaner from Tesla that smelled like the cleaner that are used to clean the public toilets. I think they sprayed something in the AC to try to get the smell out but not succeeding.
Good job, Kim...
Does that company make an air filter for the Model X? I didn’t see a link for it. Thanks. 😊
Well I had them in for 40000km without any problem. then I let Tesla do it, they charge here 250CZK (like 12 US$) and I do not make the effort myself for that money
This is a PITA, seems like I clean mine and within the next heavy rain it stinks again. I’ve just started using recirculating and that eliminated the smell.
7:38 My Model Y has a bio defense mode!
Just bought one
Had been contemplating for a while now. Thanks!
Like this is a Tesla issue , every car need replacement cabin filter ,doesn't matter climate , or anything other than simple just move the car and this filter will collect all kinds of particles so...
Tesla engineers are placed cabin filters at very difficult to reach positions Its hard to change by average driver. (Poor Americans )
😢😢😢.
Fresh air intake beneath the motor cover has big design failure . This opening let water inside ??!!
Japan cars are much user friendly for example Honda jazz(fit) air filter can be replaced by a teenager 😂😂😂
this is the case for all cars its crazy how often people forget to swap out cabin air filters
Most cars don't get a mold smell
Thanks for the video. It seems I have this problem every year. Might try these filters.
Those hard-framed replacements are kinda hard to install but not terrible. I've done it once a year after 1st smelling that funk...blech
Almost worth cutting a slot in that cover. They could've made it easy, replacing HVAC filters is easier than that
Stinky but not exactly “fatal”
Don't you hate engineers? You need someone like Bill Nye the Science guy to figure it out how to replace a damn filter in that car! 😂
Does adding these non OEM filters void your warranty or not?
No, almost nothing aftermarket voids warranty. Huge misconception.
th-cam.com/video/hSDaBY8L680/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_n5p14PeDWH-9CkM
Does anyone know why they have 2 filters?
One big filter would be hard to get out. And the ventilation needs this surface area to pass through without too much effort.
I am impressed by your technical skills, and your great informative videos. keep up the good work 👍
I strongly suggest that you never DIY your Tesla while it is under warranty... and never use non-Tesla parts. If you DIY and then notice a sound in that general area, Tesla will not fix it and claim it was caused by your install of the new filters. If anything ever goes wrong with the HVAC system, Tesla will claim it was caused by your non-Tesla filters. This is especially true during your warranty period. Even after warranty, Tesla will not reduce or otherwise cut you a break with repairs if you have non-Tesla parts that effect the functioning of the vehicle put onto your car. Also, my understanding is that the design flaw, at least in my 2018 Model 3, if that the filters literally lay against the coils and get wet. Bad design. Thankfully, I live in San Diego and have never had a bad smell. But I also do not regularily use the AC.
Thank you for this video Kim! I bought filters with your code! It was like $31 or something. I hope I help make you a billionaire!
☺️ thanks for your support!
Tesla has fixed this problem in my 2023
are those filter for Model Y too? So you get the HEPA filter in the cabin filter too beside the ones in the frunk?
Yes, for both 3&Y
@@ItsKimJava nice! double HEPA!
I don't think there are any in the frunk. However, Tesla's documentation is typically ambiguous and insufficient so wtf knows.
Yes model Y has the HEPA filters and the 2 cabin filters.
@@AGRIMES11 I know but if I can use this HEPA filter I will have all HEPA filters, cabin and frunk.
Did tesla fix this design flaw in the new model 3 highland?
What’s the flaw?
There is no flaw, it's your environment. If you live in a damp, humid location, you will get mold. If you live in Arizona or Nevada, you will never see it.
I wonder if other Teslas can be engineered to be like the cybertruck to have the air filter in the frunk.
What a nightmare of a design flaw from Tesla engineering.
Compared to a normal car, that's not even close to a nightmare.
@@CorwinPatrickYes it is. Most other cars easy peasy.
thanks
Definitely the worst design flaw of this car. Can't believe they designed the cabin air filter to be so difficult to reach. You literally had to bend over backwards to remove it.
Glad it doesnt exist in any current Teslas.
Actually the 2024 Model Y has bio weapon defense mode
Confirmed. I have it 2024 Model Y
Horrible design to have the filters buried under 3 covers and a difficult to remove screw.
Awesome!!! Thanks.
A bit harder on RHD cars as you have the wheel etc in the way to getting things apart. Still not too hard a DIY
That’s what you get for driving on the wrong side of the road
@@HubstepCamaro ha ha. 35% of the world's population. Just saying 😊
Goodness you are a gorgeous repair technician.
Thanks Kim ! Good information as usual. I recently did mine 🇨🇦
Oh my gosh 😊
Model y has bio weapon defense mode as well 7:39
Very grateful to see you do this, because I will soon need to change my filters. Tesla's documentation is typically ambiguous and insufficient.
Maybe wear a mask when getting in there to get the filter out so you don't breathe in the dust particles
When working on any car, it's advisable to wear safety glasses. As you were on your back looking up, debris from the dirty filters could fall in your eyes which isn't fun. I changed ours in our '18 M3 the first time but paid the service ranger the second time since it is painful for this old fat guy to get under there and was worth the money for myself
I;m just gonna pay them if they'ed ever open up our new local service center in high point nc.
Yeah the older I get the harder it is to contort myself to do this.
Bad design by Tesla for getting to air filter.
Model Y has a bio defense mode..unless I am missing something
I’ve tried these filters. They still end up stinking.
@7:44😊
Teslas biggest problem is rust in the side sills and rust on the front upper control arms ... they really should do more winter testing.
Ever heard of Owatrol? I use it everwhere, even to protect wood. It works.
😂
The only 5 star channel on utube , in my opinion ,
Nobody explains things in videos as well as these two. I’m waiting for a model y revamp. Like most of us.
Thanks for the kind words!
It doesn't matter how often you change the filter and clean the coils. Once you have a hot, humid day, which is every day in South Florida, guaranteed to smell horrible.
I've had this issue with my 2021 model y long range since the 2nd month I had it. These filters do help but nothing stops this problem 😢
We just found a solution that actually works, changing out filters do not work I read on Reddit to run the heat on high for 4 hours & set precondition to high heat . I ran the heat on high for an hour & set the precondition on high heat every morning & so far the smell is gone.
@vivianle8941 for me I don't find that necessary. This smell only occurs initially when the car first starts up on a humid day. Once the air is running for more than 5 to 10 minutes, the smell is perfectly fine
Many cars don't have these filters and you could remove the filter and leave it out.
They should have fixed this a very long time ago, but persisted 2018-present. Really big problem. Is it even fixed in highland?
It’s not a flaw. 😂
@@Greenspaceservices you're kidding right?
“There you go” drinking game
I had the “stinky sock” smell and was pretty disgusting. Terrible design flaw and made especially worse since it’s a real pain the ass to replace it.
😂😂 Gas Cars don't tend to have this Oder Problem no matter what climate they are in being that more than 60% of drivers never change Air filters
she thinks she's smarter than Tesla engineers-are all TH-camrs like this?
😭😆
With such keen insight you should be reviewing for Rotten Tomatoes..