I think the filter is contained inside the blower assembly - at least it appears so from the diagrams. If it's just a foam filter then I'll wash and thoroughly dry it, if it's more fancy then I'll replace.
I think the filter in the blower unit is just to stop dirt getting on to the motor. This rarely needs replacing if it is, but I may be wrong. I'd go down the route of replacing the pollen filter, which sits between the engine bay and cockpit, open up the air ducts and give them a clean, then run an air conditioner cleaner through the car. They're about £5 from Halfords and make the air smell very 'new' inside. £210 all in wasn't too bad, glad it's fixed. I recently had to replace all four injectors and pipework on my car, needless to say it cost a lot more.
The only filter in the P12 Primera is that one mounted on top of the blower motor, apparently. From autodata:
That looks a lot easier than my service manual makes it look, I will have a look at it over the weekend. Good call on the aircon cleaner Fishlock, will definitely give that a try. How exactly do you use the product? Is it this?
Your service manual procedure is for completely removing the blower, cabin filters are (generally) an every-other service item so should be reasonably easy to get to. Generally those cleaners are basically a case of opening the windows, putting the blowers on gently then emptying the can into the cabin air intake and letting the magic happen. Do the filter first and see if it sorts it.
OK so I couldn't wait, and went out armed with a screwdriver. This is what I found: Vile, and it stinks of stale diesel. I have already ordered a replacement. If I continue to get the stale smell the next stop will be the A/C bomb approach
Good thinking, without it in you can tell if the rest stinks too, although judging by the colour of it I'd say that's probably the culprit.
Honestly mate, that filter ****ing stinks! So much so that I binned it immediately and still can't get the pong off my hands. Will evaluate the aroma on my way home, but the car does need a general deodorising wash inside anyway (I broke my cardinal rule and smoked in it while this was going on - I figured that it stank already ). It'll never be like new, but I think it can be a lot more pleasant than it currently is.
