2008 Pajero LWB, Sand Enters Cabin Via Aircon
 

I've had this car for about 5 months and never had this problem before.

Only the fan was switched on (no cooling), set to fresh air from outside. I started getting bogged down in a dune and when the car started kicking up sand I stopped the car. And stopped the fan. There was sand all over my hood.

When I started the fan again (as I waited for advice on how to get out of the dune), it pumped sand into my cabin. Sand everywhere, coming in through the air vents.

I always thought there was an air filter for the fresh air that would stop any sand from coming through. (had a nissan sunny earlier and they actually advertise that they have the most effective aircon filter in saloon cars!).

Was I wrong or is there something wrong with my fresh air inlet?
I don't think the sand should come in so freely.

RE: 2008 Pajero LWB, Sand Enters Cabin Via Aircon
 

its called the cabin filter here.
hav u check yours,is itinstalled?

RE: 2008 Pajero LWB, Sand Enters Cabin Via Aircon
 

Any hints on how I can check this on my own ?

RE: 2008 Pajero LWB, Sand Enters Cabin Via Aircon
 

sorry mate,not familiar with your model.
try to search forit at the blower unit.

RE: 2008 Pajero LWB, Sand Enters Cabin Via Aircon
 

The cabin air filter is located behind the glove compartment. Is your Pajero a GCC model with a 3.0L V6 by any chance? IIRC, cabin air filters only come on the 3.8L V6 models.

RE: 2008 Pajero LWB, Sand Enters Cabin Via Aircon
 

this is a common problem in all vehicles. and anyone whos been around a lot of snow will know that when you start up your car after a snowfall at about -20C and you turn on your windshield defrost heat, you tend to get a thin layer of fresh snow powder inside your vehicle. it really pisses me off but i have noticed that in my 2008 Lancer this never happend. at least not yet. but other then that, every other vehicle (used and new) has done this at least once.

i take it as a fact of life and just something you cant do anything about. but if there is a fix that would be nice to know.