Cabin filter filled with snow

[Sascwatch]

Has anyone had their cabin filter pack full of snow? Went through 2 Canadian winters with my 2020 and never had an issue, first snowstorm with my 2022 and I lost all air through my vents while driving causing my windshield to freeze up on the inside. Not very safe in -40 windchills and 50mph winds.


This is an extreme blizzard right now, so maybe it’s just a fluke. Hopefully not a reoccurring problem. Ecodiesel in 4wd with tow haul mode handles the 2ft drifts without any issues tho. Filled up my fuel tank yesterday and added winter anti gel to prepare for the crazy temps.

Tried to keep recirculate on the rest of the drive home and discovered that it returns to fresh air on its own every so often.

 

[Darksteel165]

Did you get snow under your hood?

 

[Dewey]

I should check mine. Been running deep drifts all day with snow packed under my hood.

 

[smashweights]

I can't imagine snowflakes getting sucked as ll the way into there. They would have to go through the wiper grate, sideways around the frame then up and setting the air chute and down into the filter. You sure it's not frozen condensation? Pictures for the visual folks.

 

[Sascwatch]

It looked just like snow to me, all of the pleats were packed and some loose snow was on top of the filter. It happened suddenly and I had the fan speed on 4 or 5 while driving through blowing snow and whiteouts.

So many accidents and stuck vehicles in my area, I wish people would get the message and just stay home when it’s like this. My brother works at a quick lube shop and they were busy all day with customers.

Most roads in town had multiple vehicles stuck and people who weren’t properly dressed for -40 windchills trying to push, what a crazy storm for December.

Ontop of all this my remote start doesn’t work due to a check engine light related to a NoX sensor. Been waiting since mid September for that and still no eta. Unfortunately getting camvap (canada’s lemon law) and customer care involved after the holidays.

 

[jkm312]

That is definitely snow in your cabin filter. I've seen enough of it lately to know snow when I see it.

 

[Fatherof3]

More than likely it was just a fluke . The conditions were just right for it to happen . With the truck bringing in outside air through the filter and the blowing snow ( white out conditions ) it just sucks in the air with the snow and with the freezing temperatures the snow doesn’t have enough time to melt before it get sucked into the air intake .

 

[NJC1684]

Same happened to me today. I had to pull over and remove the filter in order for my windshield to defrost. Truck had been outside for a couple of days.

 

[Sascwatch]

Same happened to me today. I had to pull over and remove the filter in order for my windshield to defrost. Truck had been outside for a couple of days.

I think that could have had something to do with it, the high winds and blowing snow forcing it under the shroud and into the hvac intake. Once turned on and warmed up it moves to the filter and clogs it right up.

Does anyone know if the recirc door stays closed if you switch from fresh to recirc right before parking the truck? This could possibly prevent this issue.

 

[zlman]

Happened to my 2020 this week. Never thought to check the filter and took it to my dealer who discovered exactly what you have pictured. This is a first for me in 3 winters with this truck.

 

[dork17]

Had a few snowstorms the last few weeks, I noticed the other day that there was practically zero flow to the rear seat vents. Well today after another blizzard I had practically zero airflow on max setting, windshield wouldn't defrost and I could hear airflow restriction from behind the glovebox.

Low and behold I took out my CAF and it was PACKED with snow. Even above the filter was packed, a good chunk of it fell onto the fan below when I took the filter out. Vacuumed the snow out and cleaned the filter, reinstalled and it's night and day. Rear seat vents even have strong flow now.

Must have been gradually building up in there over time. Not sure how to prevent this, because I always brush the snow off the windshield and under the wipers in the cowl area. Looking at the meshed area below the windshield I can see snow inside of there.

TLDR, if you park outside in winter and your airflow from the vents has been diminishing, check your cabin air filter. I'd wager that it's full of snow.

 

[mcknz323]

sad news, I got a 2025 1500 and i just had this problem today. so this is not corrected. mine was frozen solid when i pulled it out. 3 month old truck. i also think it was installed upside down. I will get a new one and install it correctly and see what happens. I sure hope this is not an ongoing problem. I owned a 2018, and a 2022 and never had this problem

 

[dan fillion]

I had this issue happen 3 time in the last 2 weeks the first time they said you need to change your cab filter its dirty but it was frozen solid today i just brought it in again i had 1 inch of snow on top of the cab filter so no heat they told me we know there's a problem but we can't do anything about it so straight in to the manager's office and he told me there's a bulletin about it and they're gonna look a it what a joke.