I have 2  2005 subaru LLbean outbacks and just got around to changing the cabin air filters.  PITA.  Question; neither subs had a filter in the holder and since I bought one of them new it has not been changed and mistakenly left out.

 

Is it common for subaru's to come without the cabin air filter?

Is this common to the 2005 outback series?

Do subaru's come without the cabin air filter installed and if so why?

 

Just curious.

 

 

monk in NC

it was an option in my 03. But they were all built with the capacity to receive the filter.

 

 

basically, if it was a standard feature on the model you bought - someone forgot to install it.

 

digging around at cars101.com might get you an precise answer, but I doubt it's worth the hassle.

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/99-do-yourself-illustrated-guides/19317-diy-2005-outback-cabin-air-filter-replacement.html

You might want to combine the two posts you started or delete one.

As I mentioned, the early 05s had a design flaw that hindered installation of the tray that holds the filter.

The above link (googled subaru cabin filter replacement) describes taking apart a great deal of the interior as well as someone who just cut a hole and slid it in.

Edited November 29, 201411 yr by brus brother

My 2002 Forester has the cabin air-filter housing, but had no filter installed when new.

 

I've since installed my own filter, made from a reusable/washable furnace filter, cut to suit.

The filter medium is fairly coarse, so only keeps out larger particles like insects and leaves.