We have a new 2001 XC and I wanted to change from the normal cabin air filter to the charcoal filter as my wife has chemical/vapor allergies.

I got the filter, located the filter box below the dashboard on the passenger side, removed the four screws on the base and removed the base. I then removed the standard filter and went to install the charcoal filter, but it was thicker than the original. It appears that the filter would fit in the rear half of the filter box--it's the right size and has a keyway for the key sticking out of the filter frame. The only problem is, there is what appears to be a bar of plastic "sprue" blocking the entry.

I'm thinking that I just break this sprue off and put the filter in the back compartment, but I just want to make sure before I do anything.

Also, since the standard filter is brand new, I was wondering if it would be OK to leave both filters in (since they both fit in at the same time) for added particle filtration? Would this pose any risk to the ventilation system by reducing airflow?

Thanks,

Bob