Changing the A/C filter

My Sonata is a 2000 model and now has only 34,000 miles. Today I
figured it was much overdue for its first A/C filter change.

Now, that a real tricky operation, gaining access to the A/C filter.

Anyhow I got it out. It really was rather dirty. I took it in hand
and went to Hyundai dealer parts counter. The parts man did not
appear to be very knowledgeable about this part. At first he said
that the paper element comes out of the plastic frame and is sold
separately. I said "fine", it will cost less that way. After
examining the old filter more closely he decided that the two did NOT
separate. The he pulled it up on his computer and said that they did
not stock this part and a special order was required. He said it
would take two days and I said OK.

Then one of the Techs walked by and the parts man called him over and
said, "look at how dirty this filter is after only 34,000 miles". It
was obvious that the Tech was not familiar with the A/C filters. He
asked "How didja get that outta there?". I simply told him I dropped
the glove box and let it go at that. He alluded that this shop had
never changed out a Sonata A/C filter as far as he knew.

I now am hoping that the part will come in within two days as I am
driving my truck and not the Sonata until I get the new filter and put
it back together again.

Old_Timer (still shade treeing in my seventies)

 

It's ok to run your car without the filter. Some vehicles were not
equipped with the filter from the factory. The cars that have these
filters are still relatively new. I've never replaced one either.

 

I realize that the base model Sonatas did not come with a filter
installed. However, they can accept a filter. I also realize that I
could drive it without the filter but I would rather just leave it in
the garage until I get it back together. Thanks for the reply.

Old_Timer

 

The new filter came in on the special order and is now installed.
Hyundai recommends that the A/C filter be changed once a year. Mine
went for four years and was quite dirty when I took it out.

Changing the filter is kind of tricky on the first try, but now that I
have gone through it once I realize it is not difficult. It only took
me 20 minutes to put it back together.

Old_Timer