[ronnie]

I took my EX today to get the oil changed at Tire Rama (locations throughout Washington and Montana), and the tech guys checked the filters as well. Both the engine filter and the cabin filter were dirty. He was able to get a cabin filter but their O'Reilly Auto Parts supplier could not find an air filter. I checked Amazon and it didn't show one either.

Any ideas where I can get an air (not cabin) filter for the EX?

Thanks,

Ron

 

[Wifey'sInsight]

Like how dirty are we talking? Air filters are a unique thing in that they are actually most efficient 60% of the way through their life cycle. So many service stations convince unsuspecting owners to fork over hard earned cash for a filter that was actually working better than a new filter.

They are designed like this on purpose, if brand new they were most efficient, they would a) last a substantially shorter time, b) become restrictive to flow and hamper performance much sooner.

Most brand new air filters can flow far more air than required by the engine, over time the larger particles clog up the holes in the filter, restricting flow, while also increasing the amount of "debris" that the filter catches. This aging process is calculated, and unless you live in an extremely sandy environment, or are constantly soaking your air filter with water, there is often no need to replace the filter until it becomes evident that performance is suffering, or there evidence of the paper waffling breaking down.

 

[insightfully]

Here's a part number I found on engine air filter for the 2019 Insight: 17220-6L2-A01

I entered a VIN to find this part number these OEM part sites:
https://www.bernardiparts.com/Search-By-Vin-Number.aspx?pf=engine-air-filter
https://www.hondapartsnow.com/genuine/honda~0~17220-6l2-a01.html

The OEM version is relatively cheap, but they are also offered for sale at places like WalMart and Amazon:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Genuine-OE-Honda-Element-Air-Cleaner-17220-6L2-A01/633398053
https://www.amazon.com/ECOGARD-XA11673-Premium-Engine-Insight/dp/B07NDVSXNX

 

[insightfully]

Like how dirty are we talking? Air filters are a unique thing in that they are actually most efficient 60% of the way through their life cycle. So many service stations convince unsuspecting owners to fork over hard earned cash for a filter that was actually working better than a new filter.

From your experience, is there a certain time/distance for a life cycle of an engine air filter? I think @ronnie now has 24k+ miles, having been an early purchaser (end of Jun 2018) and having just returned from a(nother) cross-country trip.

 

[Wifey'sInsight]

I haven't looked at the service interval for air filters in our cars, but I know it's part of one of the maintenance minders built into the DII. Most cars 30,000-45,000 miles or 3 years, whichever comes first. Severe duty applications (mainly unpaved roads, dust, sand etc) divide that in half.

 

[insightfully]

I haven't looked at the service interval for air filters in our cars, but I know it's part of one of the maintenance minders built into the DII. Most cars 30,000-45,000 miles or 3 years, whichever comes first. Severe duty applications (mainly unpaved roads, dust, sand etc) divide that in half.

I ask in part because mention of it actually seems to be missing from the manual and/or maintenance minder list. Oil filter and (cabin) dust/pollen filter are listed, but not engine air filter.

Would it be implied to change the engine air filter along with one of the other items that are listed (attached) -?

 

[Wifey'sInsight]

I ask in part because mention of it actually seems to be missing from the manual and/or maintenance minder list. Oil filter and (cabin) dust/pollen filter are listed, but not engine air filter.

Would it be implied to change the engine air filter along with one of the other items that are listed (attached) -?

It's listed under Sub Code 2. Air Cleaner Element, then in the fine print, it mentions that if you drive in a dusty environment etc... every 15k miles, which leads me to believe the OEM service interval to be ~30k miles.

https://www.knfilters.com/air-filters/33-5090-replacement-air-filter

For those that want a washable filter, one time purchase.

 

[insightfully]

It's listed under Sub Code 2. Air Cleaner Element, then in the fine print, it mentions that if you drive in a dusty environment etc... every 15k miles, which leads me to believe the OEM service interval to be ~30k miles.

https://www.knfilters.com/air-filters/33-5090-replacement-air-filter

For those that want a washable filter, one time purchase.

Ah, "air cleaner element" is the technical name for engine air filter. And helpful to know why the K&N filter was 3x more expensive...

 

[andrew28]

I ask in part because mention of it actually seems to be missing from the manual and/or maintenance minder list. Oil filter and (cabin) dust/pollen filter are listed, but not engine air filter.

Would it be implied to change the engine air filter along with one of the other items that are listed (attached) -?

"Air Cleaner Element" is the engine air filter. Honda recommends cleaning(probably by shaking out the larger debris and using a vacuum) it during the 1st 15,000 miles or 1st year. Replacement should be done at 30,000 miles or by year 2. The only exception is if you drive in dusty conditions where the recommendation is replacement at 15,000 miles or 1st year. The same applies to the cabin/pollen filter.


Part numbers:
80292-TBA-A11 (cabin/pollen filter)
17220-6L2-A01 (engine air filter)

 

[ronnie]

Yes, good memory insightfully. My wife and I just finished another cross country road trip (6,000+ miles) and the car now has over 25,000 miles on it.

 

[ronnie]

That Amazon link says it's COMPATIBLE with 2018 Honda Insight. And it "Usually ships within 1 to 3 months."

 

[insightfully]

That Amazon link says it's COMPATIBLE with 2018 Honda Insight. And it "Usually ships within 1 to 3 months."

LOL, good thing there are other, cheaper and close-by options then. It's about the same price (~$15) for OEM version, or you could opt for the washable one that Wifey'sInsight mentioned (~$52).

 

[Wifey'sInsight]

Any Honda dealership should be able to get it, I'll see if I can locate any other brand filter that may work.

 

[andrew28]

That Amazon link says it's COMPATIBLE with 2018 Honda Insight. And it "Usually ships within 1 to 3 months."

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N4KPFQ7/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1


Shows 1 left for me with a $10 rebate if you're referring to the K&N.


Edit: Looks like the wrong part. It has an R after the model number. :sad:

Here's a part number I found on engine air filter for the 2019 Insight: 17220-6L2-A01

I entered a VIN to find this part number these OEM part sites:
https://www.bernardiparts.com/Search-By-Vin-Number.aspx?pf=engine-air-filter
https://www.hondapartsnow.com/genuine/honda~0~17220-6l2-a01.html

The OEM version is relatively cheap, but they are also offered for sale at places like WalMart and Amazon:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Genuine-OE-Honda-Element-Air-Cleaner-17220-6L2-A01/633398053
https://www.amazon.com/ECOGARD-XA11673-Premium-Engine-Insight/dp/B07NDVSXNX

The amazon link isn't OEM, Ecogard is aftermarket.

 

[insightfully]

The amazon link isn't OEM, Ecogard is aftermarket.

Fair point... however, it's the only one that currently comes up in Amazon if you search for the part number (17220-6L2-A01). I think our car sales volume is too low for generic versions to exist. That, and the price for OEM/genuine filter isn't that bad...

 

[andrew28]

Fair point... however, it's the only one that currently comes up in Amazon if you search for the part number (17220-6L2-A01). I think our car sales volume is too low for generic versions to exist. That, and the price for OEM/genuine filter isn't that bad...

The Honda genuine filters are not that much more expensive than aftermarket if you buy them online(I usually buy them from Honda dealers on eBay). I have done that with my previous Honda vehicles and will continue to do it with the Insight. :smile:

 

[Insightful]

I put in a K&N filter on my car my previous one because I think it might be better for the engine but also to catch those crooked oil change places that try and sell you bogus things. I found that when they know you have done mods or have aftermarket accessories they don't try to pull stuff over on you. My wife won't take her own car in just because of that, I do it.

 

[Wifey'sInsight]

Just a bit of advice for those less comfortable with "quick lube" places, and their sales tactics. You don't have to buy any additional service/parts.

I'm normally quite frank with the person at the counter, that I appreciate any suggestions, but that I will do the work myself. I've been challenged a few times about "if you do your own work, why have us change your oil." I normally respond that I'm there because with the coupon it's cheaper, or I blame the weather/being busy etc...

If it's your significant other, let them blame you. "My boyfriend/husband etc... will fix it, thanks for letting me know." "My S/o will kill me if I get more than an oil change". Same sales diversion tactics are easily employed in the car purchase process as well. I really love the car you showed me, but my s/o and I discussed budget, and I really can't spend more than x amount (total OTD price, never let them shift the focus to payments)

 

[andrew28]

Reasons why I don't go to quick lube shops

• Lack of faith the job is done right first time
• Sabotage my car to sell me services I declined
• Not intentional sabotage due to lack of experience/responsibility

I know this doesn't apply to every quick lube shop but the shady ones outnumber the honest shops. :sad:

 

[andrew28]

Has anyone changed their air filter and air cabin? I wanna change mine, but I need a guide on changing them with pictures. I got 37k miles on my insight.

The engine/air filter is a little different from the Civic. Anybody know if you need to detach that plug after unlocking the metal tabs to lift open the engine/air filter box?