Heater: 850: Cabin air filter, would you fit one?

[andreweorr]

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Hi All, would you recommend I get a housing and filter for the cabin air intake? I’m tempted to do so but curious as to why Volvo didn’t install one in the first place, what have you done with similar cars? 1996 850R (from Japan). Thank you 🙏

[Luxobarge]

Mine didn't come with one and so I got the housing and filter and fitted one - I suffer from hayfever, and it definitely helps with this, and anyway it's nice to know that the air coming in is relatively clean. Also stops the heater fan getting crud in it. However, the filter DOES need cleaning (I do mine with a compressed air line) or ideally replacing every now and again, I'd suggest cleaning every 10k miles and replacing every 20-30k.

HTH

[andreweorr]

Thank you, that helps a lot! I just ordered both parts from PFS, I don’t suffer from hayfever but like the thought of filtered air in the cabin, and sparing the fan motor. Did you notice a reduction in fuel/oil/general engine bay smells when you fitted yours?

[Luxobarge]

I didn't notice any difference in smells in the car but then I don't never had any smells in the car, if you do then I'd suggest addressing the source of these, you shouldn't be getting oil or fuel smells from the engine at all, let alone inside the car!

[RollingThunder]

My 850R wasn't fitted with one from the factory, and being another hayfever sufferer I fitted one as soon as I realised they were available. In my case I got the genuine housing from a S70 being broken on ebay - I believe any P80 platform car will have the correct interchangeable part.

It works a treat until I open the windows

[ITSv40]

Having seen the crud in an old filter that needs changing it is a no-brainer not to fit one if they are available. I would much prefer the crud in the filter than in the car.

[andreweorr]

Thanks all for your help. I do need to address a smell coming into the cabin, which I think is coolant, but I'm not sure what that might smell like if in the cabin.

When I got the car (about a year ago) it had a broken thermostat (stuck open). However, I recently changed the coolant and the car has not lost a drop in the 1500 miles since I replaced the thermostat. The heater core, and carpets, are dry. I haven't inspected all the lines but like I said, no coolant loss. Oh, and no residue on the inside of windows.

Engine oil seems untainted by water. There is a touch of positive pressure when idling and so I'm working myself up to a PCV replacement. The vacuum lines all seem intact except for the line that comes from the main PCV hose to connect with the right angled section that connects to the driver's side of the inlet manifold. That has always been broken and therefore open/leaking. It could be fuel I'm smelling.. from that, do you think?

[cyclogenesis]

My 850 didnt come with one with the end result of a heater matrix change at significant expense due dashboard out. The filter stops debris entering the fan and then pebbledashing the heater matrix which then leaks.

[V7Ovlov]

I've recently just changed mine out for the first time since ownership, albeit mine's a V70(might be able to retrofit the housing to an 850?), it looked like the factory cabin filter from 1999 with how much debris was crammed in there.

After swapping out, it feels like the air is fresher coming into the car, and a distinct musty smell on the interior has disappeared.

For overall air quality and smell in the cabin, I'd say absolutely fit one if not there already!

[Bob]

I don't think the 850's were factory fitted with them, my 1995 850 T5 didn't. I fitted one as they 'should' be fitted if you have AC or ECC. Less dust comes in through the vents. Needs changing annually unless you are high mileage then sooner.