I have a 2011 Silverado LS Crew 4x4. I wanted to install a cabin filter so i bought the retro kit. Seemed like a ridiculous (and expensive) process, but whatever ...

I have a 2011 Silverado LS Crew 4x4. I wanted to install a cabin filter so i bought the retro kit. Seemed like a ridiculous (and expensive) process, but whatever the truck stinks. So today I remove the kickplate and the configuration is nothing like the retrofit youtube videos. My neighbor's 2010 Sierra SLE Extended is exactly like the videos. i can find no online images that match my configuration to determine if i just have to continue to live with the smell or whether there is another filter installation option. even with automakers idiosyncracies across trims, i was still a little surprised in the difference. i have changed headlights on mine too so i supposed i should not be surprised at gm engineering ineptitude or unnecessary trim variations. any thoughts on how i might improve cabin air quality? thanks in advance.

Try some evaporator coil cleaner to help with the odor.

Interested in this topic as I also have a 2011 LS, though an extra cab. Also, what is the retro kit?

Find nilodor spray or similar and spray into vent between windshield and hood while fan on high.
I had to do this after farmers were spraying pig [emoji90] in our area on the fields.

Also the SLE model may have dual zone ac/heater.


2013 Silverado LT CC 1500 Z71 5.3 4WD 3:42’s all stock

Some pictures of what yours looks like might be helpful.

I also would suggest a spray cleaner of your evaporator coils. I had a musty smell when mine would first come one. I used this Kool-It foaming spray. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007PHD0S It worked pretty well. Several applications may be needed depending on what the fins look like. You insert the supplied long hose up from underneath into the drip tube so that it goes right into the evaporator box and onto the fins.

bent-1 wrote:Interested in this topic as I also have a 2011 LS, though an extra cab. Also, what is the retro kit?

It's a kit you can buy to add a cabin air filter to trucks that didn't come with one from the factory...

https://www.dormanproducts.com/gsearch. ... it%2520Kit

I thought I read somewhere that the difference in the configuration has to do with either having Auto Climate Control or Standard Controls.

Yup. The base trucks have the work truck air box. No dual zone, no filter.


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I can confirm this - my 07 1500 LT truck with the standard climate control does not have the cuttable access door. I have seasonal allergies and I pinpointed driving around in my truck really fires them up so I wanted to try changing the filter.

I bought the kit already and will have to return it. Long time lurker here but I had to create an account to add this in case someone searching comes across it. Do not spend the 60 bucks until you look under the dash and confirm! If you can change yours, you will see the plastic piece that receives the screw for the retrofit door. If you do not see that screw hole, that is instant confirmation that you cannot change your filter.

I really am flabbergasted as to why, especially the work truck line wouldn’t have it? Maybe they figured it would get too clogged and cause problems from all the work the truck does? Now I’m wondering if anything actually filters the air. Incredibly stupid. I am going to remove the glove box for another reason and will hunt around and see if maybe it’s there, I doubt it, though