Cabin filter Fram or OEM FORD
When I replaced my own I typically used Fram Fresh Breeze air filters with carbon. It made my car smell good more than anything.
If you still have the car, or run into this issue again, YES, the baking soda cabin air filter works. IMO Fram makes the best ones. I had almost your identical problem. As soon as the filter dies, the cigarette and perfume odors spew from the vents. I also did the ozone and vinegar treatments. I also had no luck with the carbon filters. The only thing that worked for me is the Fram baking soda cabin filter.
fram cabin air filter. been using them forever on all my cars. and also their engine air filter.
Just get a multi layered, charcoal infused filter for cleaner air inside the cabin. Fram makes a good example and it's available at all Walmarts.
I bought a Fram/Arm & Hammer cabin filter from Walmart for about $20
I’ve had good results with FRAM fresh breeze cabin air filters. They block out quite a bit of exterior smells.
Some of the reviews are iffy like for the Fram one. Ended up ordering the Fram Fresh Breeze let's see if that works it's been smelly turning on my AC lately
Go to Part Source. Take your filter in and see if it matches the CF11819 FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter for $30 dollars. Note, some of the filters on Amazon do not have the same amount of pleats as the OEM or the FRAM.
The aftermarket ones like Fram with charcoal have noticeably restricted airflow for me. As I understand it, using the thick ones that restrict airflow can cause issues with the blower motor and resistor overheating and failing since there's not enough airflow to keep them cool (similar to operating with clogged filter).
Just remember, you get what you pay for. I don't recommend buying aftermarket filters on Amazon or eBay even if it is the OEM or a name brand. The quality is spotty at best and some of the reportedly "OEM" and brand name items are likely counterfeit. I've bought some really sketchy filters from Amazon and eBay that made my 18 Elantra's AC sound like an airplane especially when on low settings. The Amazon one came with thousands of positive reviews and the eBay one claimed to be OEM, but both suffered the same problem. I swapped the last one out with FRAM cabin air filter from Advance Auto Parts and no more jet engine sound.
Write your review
Help others - share your experience with this part.