Do you mean that your have two filters with the carbon on top of the other one? That is not like my standard filter. Perhaps someone was being creative.

I do use a single-unit carbon impregnated replacement filter (carbon side up).
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The carbon filter is located in the top part of the air filter housing. It sits above the pleated air filter. Not sure why there is a non-removable filter pad in this housing. What is the purpose? This came from the dealer as is when bought new in 2014. Does anyone know if this can be removed and why it is there to begin with?

 

Why would you want to remove it? It's part of the design from the factory. My 2008 has the same thing.

 

It inhibits air flow. The design is not such that it was in the original engineering. I suspect some EPA or state thing. looking for answers not more questions.

 

Apparently you came in here with all the answers. If you want to know if it is a state regulation, then look it up with the state. We don't know or care where you live.
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it's to absorb the oil/fuel vapor that could go out the intake when the engine is stopped.

 

Thanks Octane. That is interesting. Do you know if it inhibits efficiency or performance? Is there a concern for these vapors?

 

I'm guessing the actual air filter will restrict airflow a lot more since it's pores are a lot smaller than the ones on the charcoal filter. If you are looking at gaining performance, losing 5 pounds of bodyweight would probably get you more performance than removing that filter ;-)

 

It is also a sort of muffler for the intake noises.

 

Ignor this post, I mistakenly thought of the "cabin filter".....
Are you referring to the black foam filter shown in the attached picture? If yes, I believe that is for in-cabin recirculation; since there is not much dust to deal with within the cabin Toyota don't expect that filter requiring change anytime soon (even if it does, can be done by removing the screw/assembly).

 

Lot's of discussion on this in the 4.3 forums.

Example #1

Example #2

 

At first I thought the question concerned the cabin filter. Ignore.