Cabin filter arrow direction question

[Bido0y]

I pulled the factory cabin air filter out of my 2021 Toyota Rav4 (OEM, never been changed till now), and noticed the arrow on the side was pointing up when I slid it out of the housing, I always thought airflow arrows usually point down, so now I'm second guessing myself, I checked a couple videos and some people install them with the arrow down, others say Toyota mounts them with the arrow up because the airflow comes from underneath, kinda surprised there isn't a clear answer on this considering it's straight from the factory

Trying to figure out what's actually correct, I dont think I would want to go with "whatever fits" if there's a right way

 

[Document-Guy-2010]

Yeah, it's confusing, I know. Toyota's OEM filters often have an UP arrow that refers to orientation, not airflow. But the actual airflow in the RAV4 goes downward, so aftermarket filters marked "airflow" should point down. I think you can match the dirty side of the old filter, it's usually on top, confirming the airflow direction.

 

[Fist bump]

Did you check which direction the blower fan pulls air from, under the filter or over it? That'll tell you if the arrow should point up or down, since it's always meant to follow airflow.

 

[DerpyDoodle]

Yeah, it's confusing, I know. Toyota's OEM filters often have an UP arrow that refers to orientation, not airflow. But the actual airflow in the RAV4 goes downward, so aftermarket filters marked "airflow" should point down. I think you can match the dirty side of the old filter, it's usually on top, confirming the airflow direction.

agree, if your new filter has an arrow that says "AIR FLOW" on it, that arrow should be pointing down, towards the floor.
If it only has an "UP" arrow, you should install it with the arrow pointing up, to match the car's housing.
It's a weird quirk, but the most important thing is that the air flows from the top (where the filter sits) to the bottom (towards the blower motor).

 

[Alan]

Hey @Bido0y, Toyota’s a bit quirky with this. If your filter just says “UP,” match the factory orientation, but if it’s marked “AIR FLOW,” point that arrow down toward the blower. The main goal is that air goes from top to bottom.