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Flap/cover above cabin air filter: necessary? replaceable?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Schofer, Apr 21, 2015.

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  1. Schofer

    Schofer Junior Member

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    I recently acquired a 2010 Prius III. When changing the cabin air filter, I found some damage (mice?) to the grey flap that covers a horizontal rectangular vent right above the cover for the cabin air filter. As far as I can tell, the flap lets cabin air into the blower, but prevents outside air from entering the cabin.

    About 1/3 of the flap/cover is broken away and missing. The grey flap looks removable (held on by 3 small snaps) but I can't find replacement parts online. I can only find the entire blower unit... not the flap by itself.

    Does anyone know if this flap is needed? Or where I could find a replacement?

    If I can't find a replacement, I'll try to repair it with duct tape or something.

    Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated.
     
    #1 Schofer, Apr 21, 2015
  2. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Sorry, I would like to post an exploded view parts diagram of the component, but that option is not allowed for me by the moderators. They are afraid hat I would try to sell you one. Basically, I don't have one. I'm just trying to help you.

    Can YOU post a photo of the piece, so I can help you identffy it.

    It is necessary or it wouldn't be there.
     
    #2 Mike500, Apr 21, 2015
  3. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    OP, if you have a junk yard that allows you to pull parts from their vehicles, then that would be a good option. Presumably any 2010 to 2015 Prius should have a compatible part.

    Edit: Don't rule out other Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles as well. Try the part on your Prius, if it fits, buy it.
     
    #3 xliderider, Apr 21, 2015
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i think the cover helps to keep from pulling air from inside the dash, and also so the filter won't vibrate out of place.
     
    #4 bisco, Apr 21, 2015
  5. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    That might be rue in areas like Souteern California, where thre may be a few Gen III Prius models in the yard.

    But where I 'm at, the are few and far between.

    Nearly ALL of te pull your own parts places here have only cars that are ten years and older.
     
    #5 Mike500, Apr 21, 2015
  6. Tande

    Tande Active Member

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    Yes!......please, if anyone has a part #, please post it......I have the same issue......I'm sure the OP is referring to the damper/door that activates either the outside air OR the inside air function for the blower......
     
    #6 Tande, Apr 21, 2015
  7. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    I've worked on these since they were cable lever operated in the late1960's. It called a "diverter door."

    The bower assembly on the Prius w/o plug in is part# 8713047140 and lists for $593.52.
     
    #7 Mike500, Apr 21, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 21, 2015
  8. Schofer

    Schofer Junior Member

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    I will get a picture ASAP, but now I'm at work. The problem is not the large white plastic diverter... but rather a flimsy gray piece of material (like cloth impregnated with some waterproofing) that covers a horizontal vent just above the cabin filter cover. I believe it lets air INTO the blower from the cabin but not out... but, I'm not sure since mine is all chewed up, so hard to tell its purpose.

    Anyhow, thanks to all for advice.
     
    #8 Schofer, Apr 21, 2015
  9. Tande

    Tande Active Member

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    About what I figured......not sold separately......I'll leave mine "As/Is".....It will just circulate a little more inside/air, (when in "Out/Side" air mode) with the mouse hole.....Thanks for the correction "Diverter door".....
     
    #9 Tande, Apr 21, 2015
  10. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    That's apparently correct (assuming you meant "prevents outside air from entering the cabin" by bypassing most of the HVAC system, which is what will happen to some small extent with part of the flap missing). You probably could make an adequate replacement from thin flexible rubber (like from a bicycle inner tube), plastic, or cloth. Maybe even duct tape.
     
    #10 CR94, Apr 23, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 24, 2015
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  11. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    Try the parts department at a Toyota dealer.
     
    #11 Okinawa, Apr 23, 2015
  12. Schofer

    Schofer Junior Member

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    This is really helpful. Thanks! Yes, the flap seems like a valve to let cabin air into the system above the blower... and prevent outside air from bypassing the blower and flowing straight into the cabin.

    I'm going to attempt to repair it with tape. But, I'd appreciate it if you (or some others) who have a functioning one can confirm how it should work. (Again, mine is pretty chewed up, so hard to know.) It looks like it is hinged at the top and opens inward, right? Should it cover the entire vent? And, does it open pretty easily... or is it stiff to open?

    Any info about these things will help me make a good replacement. I'm thinking gorilla tape folded back on itself... though that is a fair bit thicker than the original material. Maybe packing tape instead?
     
    #12 Schofer, Apr 24, 2015
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  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    keep in mind the airflow is down through the filter into the fan.
     
    #13 bisco, Apr 24, 2015
  14. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    Yes, hinged at top and opens inward to admit interior air
    Yes, covers the holes
    Yes, pretty easily, not stiff.

    Let us know how your repair goes.
     
    #14 CR94, Apr 24, 2015
  15. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    Is #1 in the attached pic the flap you're talking about? Or #5? Or none of them?

    AC Recirc.jpg
     
    #15 RRxing, Apr 25, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2015
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  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    nice pic! i'm thinking it's #5.
     
    #16 bisco, Apr 25, 2015
  17. Schofer

    Schofer Junior Member

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    Yes, it is #5 in the diagram on the right! I finally know what to call it: "Air inlet control door"

    It is pretty clearly highlighted as *1 in the drawing on the left... you can just make out 3 dots above the inlet, which look like 3 snaps that hold the door in place at the hinge. I'm going to try to pop it out and fashion a replacement this weekend. I'll let everyone know how it turns out.

    Thanks all! People on this forum are so helpful!
     
    #17 Schofer, Apr 25, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2015
  18. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    Yeah - I thought #3 had the arrow pointing to the door... DUH! Gonna change it now... Thanks!
     
    #18 RRxing, Apr 25, 2015
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    so this flap is to provide interior recirculation at all times?
     
    #19 bisco, Apr 25, 2015
  20. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    Yes
     
    #20 RRxing, Apr 25, 2015
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