Replacing Your Ford Explorer ST Cabin Air Filter: A Springtime Must

Spring is here, and with it comes blooming flowers, warmer weather, and, unfortunately, a surge in pollen and allergens. For Ford Explorer ST owners, this season is the perfect time to replace your cabin air filter. Not only does this simple maintenance task improve your driving experience, but it also helps combat springtime allergies and keeps your vehicle's interior air clean. 

Why Replace Your Cabin Air Filter in Spring? The cabin air filter in your Explorer ST is your first line of defense against airborne contaminants. It traps dust, pollen, mold spores, and other particles before they enter the cabin through the ventilation system. According to the AAA, a cabin air filter can capture everything from dirt and insects to allergens like pollen, which is especially important during spring when pollen counts soar. 

For the 40 million Americans suffering from allergies, a clean filter can reduce symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses, which could otherwise distract you while driving. Springtime also brings early blooming due to warmer temperatures, with some regions seeing flowers and trees bloom up to three weeks earlier than usual. This extended pollen season means your cabin air filter works harder and clogs faster. A clogged filter not only reduces air quality but can also strain your HVAC system, leading to reduced airflow and potential damage. Regularly replacing it—especially in spring—ensures you breathe cleaner air and maintain optimal vehicle performance. 

How Easy Is It to Replace? 

Good news: replacing the cabin air filter in your Ford Explorer ST is a quick and straightforward task that most owners can tackle in under 10 minutes—no advanced mechanical skills required! The process involves accessing the filter behind the glove box, swapping out the old one, and installing a new one. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Cabin Air Filter Supplies: You’ll need a replacement cabin air filter compatible with your 2023 Ford Explorer ST. I recommend the EPAuto Cabin Air Filter for its activated carbon layer that enhances air quality and traps allergens, and MERV 13 rated! You will also need a phillips head screwdriver. 

Locate the Filter: The cabin air filter is behind the glove box. Open the glove box and release the side clips or stops (consult your owner’s manual for specifics). Lower the glove box to access the filter compartment.

Remove the Old Filter: Open the filter compartment cover, pry open the the plastic tabs on the sides. Then slide out the old filter, noting the airflow direction arrow. Check the filter—it’s likely packed with dust and debris after a season (or two) of use.

Install the New Filter: Insert the new filter, ensuring the airflow arrow matches the direction of the old one. Secure the compartment cover. 

Reassemble: Reattach the glove box by reversing the removal steps. Make sure it closes properly.

Test Your System: Turn on your vehicle’s ventilation system to confirm airflow is strong and clean. For a visual guide, check out this helpful YouTube video on replacing a Ford Explorer cabin air filter.

While the video may cover a slightly different model year, the process is nearly identical for the 2023 Explorer ST. Why It’s Worth It This mod costs around $12 for a quality filter, like the EPAuto Cabin Air Filter, and takes less time than a coffee run. Compare that to dealership service fees, and you’re saving money while taking control of your vehicle’s maintenance. Plus, with spring allergens in full force, a fresh filter means fewer sneezes and clearer eyes on the road—crucial for safe driving. 

 Pro Tip: Make It a Spring Ritual The 2023 Ford Explorer ST blog highlights how enthusiasts love personalizing their rides, from tinting windows to adding deflectors. Why not make cabin air filter replacement a springtime ritual? Pair it with other seasonal mods, like cleaning your interior or checking tire pressure, to keep your Explorer ST in top shape. Where to Buy You can grab a high-quality cabin air filter from Amazon. I recommend the EPAuto Cabin Air Filter for its balance of performance and affordability. It’s designed to fit the 2023 Ford Explorer ST and includes a carbon layer to improve air quality. Final Thoughts Replacing your cabin air filter is a small but impactful mod that aligns with the DIY spirit of the Explorer ST community. It’s an easy win for springtime, helping you breathe easier and drive safer during allergy season. So, pop open that glove box, swap out the filter, and enjoy cleaner air on your next cruise. Have you replaced your cabin air filter recently? Share your tips or mods in the comments below! 

 Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases through links in this post.

REDTIGER Dash Cam time!

 An unfortunate series of events led to my wife rear-ending a small vehicle.  The guy admitted that he was driving poorly and caused the accident, but insurance used their ancient policy to blame the car in the rear.  Enough of that!  I instantly ordered a dash cam so we can record any future incident.  I opted for the REDTIGER brand, the price is great and the performance is excellent!!

The installation was pretty straightforward, and I used the following parts:

Visit the REDTIGER Store
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REDTIGER Dash Cam Front Rear, 4K/2.5K Full HD Dash Camera $119 (after $30 off coupon)
SAMSUNG EVO Select Micro SD-Memory-Card 256GB $17
REDTIGER 3M Mount F7N Dash Cam with GPS Module $20
REDTIGER F7N Dash Cam Hardwire Kit,11.5ft USB C Port Hard Wire Kit for Dashcam $20
REDTIGER F7N Circular Polarizing Lens, CPL for Dash cam $21

The specs are phenomenal!

• 4K Dual Recording: With Ultra HD 4K (3840x2160P) front and FHD 1080P rear recording capabilities, this dash cam captures key details such as road signs and license plates. It's ideal for providing clear evidence in unexpected situations.
• Superior Night Vision: Featuring an F1.5 large aperture and 6-layer optical lens, along with HDR/WDR technology, the dash cam ensures excellent performance under low light conditions, capturing clear details at night.
• Wi-Fi & Smart App Control: Connect the dash cam to your smartphone via Wi-Fi and manage it through the "Redtiger" app. You can view, playback, and download recordings directly to your iOS or Android device, and share your travel moments easily.
• Built-in GPS: The dash cam's built-in GPS records driving routes, real-time speed, and location, providing crucial additional evidence if an accident occurs. You can track your journey on Google Maps via the app or GPSPlayer on Windows and Mac.
• Reliable Features for Accident Recording: Even when the memory card is full, the dash cam continues recording with its loop recording feature. The G-sensor detects sudden collisions and locks the footage, while the 24-hour parking monitor records continuously with a time-lapse function (hardwire kit needed).
• 18-Month Assurance & Customer Service: The dash cam comes with an 18-month warranty and 24/7 customer service. We offer technical support to resolve any product, installation, or usage issues you may encounter.

AFE Momentum Intake Installation

 Lethal Performance has awesome marketing, they post stuff - I buy it!  Got a great deal on the AFE MOMENTUM GT COLD AIR INTAKE SYSTEM W/ PRO 5R MEDIA (2020-2022 EXPLORER ST) - 50-70076R  

The installation is pretty straightforward, took about 1.5 hours, overall very happy with it!

also checked the oil catch can, got a little bit after 5k miles - another great mod!

all installed and rockin!

A few cosmetics to start

Making a vehicle unique is something that a lot of enthusiasts like to do.  We're in that camp, and want to do things (little to big) that make our Explorer 'ours'.    First up, my wife is LEO, and I love her dedication and hard work.  The 'thin blue line' is somewhat controversial in some eyes, but everyone has opinions and ours is that the TBL stands for the LEOs of the world doing one of the hardest jobs anyone could endure.  Not only is it physically taxing, it takes a mental toll as well.  This Heavy American Flag Metal Trailer Hitch Cover for 2" inch Receivers cover was perfect!  The blue really stands out and love the blackout look :)

Next up were these Hecotrax for Ford Explorer 2023 2022 2021 2020 Aluminum Performance Pedals Set Non-Slip Accelerator and Brake Pedals Cover No Drill Brake Gas Accelerator Accessories (ST) we found on Amazon, they're a subtle touch when you get in the vehicle and nice and grippy too!  You simply remove the stock brake pad, and using a flat screwdriver you mold this one around the steel pedal.  The accelerator pedal just slides overtop the plastic pedal that is stock.  Overall, very nice parts!