GENERAL MOTORS 93182436 ELEMENT AIR REFINER (CARBON)
Product Specifications
Product quality
OEM Equivalent Grade
Wholesale price USD
$1.34
Wholesale price CNY
¥9.05
bolt MOQ (Minimal order)
100 pcs
local_shipping Production time
30-45 days
package_2 Shipping Weight:
—
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Application (cross references) 5
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| GENERAL MOTORS | 93182436 |
| GENERAL MOTORS | 1802422 |
| GENERAL MOTORS | 6808611 |
| MILES | AFC1054 |
| MILES | AFW1054 |
Overview & Operating Principle
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The ELEMENT AIR REFINER (CARBON) is an activated carbon cabin air filter — also called a combination filter or charcoal cabin filter — that provides a two-stage air purification function in the vehicle's HVAC system: a mechanical filtration layer captures particulate matter — pollen, dust, soot, tyre wear particles, and road dust — in a pleated non-woven polypropylene or polyester fibre matrix in the same manner as a standard particulate cabin filter; and a second layer of activated carbon granules or a carbon-impregnated non-woven layer adsorbs gaseous molecular contaminants — nitrogen dioxide, ozone, benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulphide, and other volatile organic compounds — from the incoming airstream by chemical adsorption on the enormously high internal surface area of activated carbon, where 1 gram of activated carbon provides approximately 500–1500 m² of adsorption surface area through its micro- and mesopore structure. The activated carbon layer is positioned downstream of the particulate layer in the airflow direction so that particulate loading does not blind the carbon surface; the carbon granules are retained between the fibre layers to prevent migration into the HVAC housing and blower. In the HVAC fresh air mode the combined filter removes both particles and gases from incoming outside air before it is conditioned and delivered to the cabin; in the recirculation mode the carbon layer removes gaseous contamination from recirculating cabin air — particularly useful during tunnels, heavy traffic, or when following diesel vehicles.
This unit — GENERAL MOTORS 93182436 — is manufactured to OEM-equivalent specifications: filter body outer dimensions and frame profile for the HVAC housing slot fitment, particulate filtration efficiency class (typically ISO ePM1 or ISO ePM2.5), activated carbon mass per unit area and granule size distribution, airflow resistance at the rated face velocity, and frame material and seal geometry for the housing slot are matched to the original part. Supplied individually as a direct replacement for standard fitment. Available wholesale from 1.34 USD, MOQ 100 pcs, production lead time 30-45 days.
Activated carbon cabin filters require replacement at shorter intervals than pure particulate filters because the carbon's adsorption capacity is finite — once the carbon's pore surfaces are saturated with adsorbed molecules the filter continues to provide particulate filtration but loses its gas-phase adsorption capability entirely; a saturated carbon filter may even begin to release previously adsorbed contaminants back into the airstream during periods of high temperature that shift the adsorption equilibrium toward desorption. The standard replacement interval is 12 months or 15,000 km, reduced to 6 months in urban environments with high traffic pollution, tunnel exposure, or agricultural areas with pesticide use where the carbon loading rate is accelerated.
Symptoms & Diagnostics
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Persistent unpleasant odour from the ventilation system — traffic fumes, diesel exhaust smell, or a general chemical smell entering the cabin despite operating the HVAC in fresh air mode — the carbon layer has reached saturation and can no longer adsorb incoming gaseous contaminants; the odour is present at all fan speeds and in both fresh air and recirculation modes; a saturated carbon filter that cannot be resolved by fan speed or mode selection requires replacement regardless of the filter's visual particulate loading.
Reduced airflow from the cabin vents at all fan speed settings compared to previous performance — the reduction is gradual rather than sudden — the particulate layer has accumulated sufficient dust and pollen loading to significantly increase the filter's airflow resistance; the blower motor works against the increased restriction and delivers less air volume to the cabin; a heavily loaded filter produces the same symptom as a failing blower motor and should be inspected before the motor is replaced.
Musty, mouldy, or damp smell from the HVAC system — particularly pronounced when switching from recirculation to fresh air mode or after the vehicle has been parked — organic growth on the particulate filter matrix that has absorbed moisture in humid conditions; the carbon layer does not prevent biological growth on the upstream particulate layer; the musty smell indicates the filter requires replacement and the HVAC evaporator and housing may require disinfection treatment.
Visible discolouration and heavy contamination on the removed filter — the surface is coated with a dark layer of particles, the pleat valleys are compressed with dust, and a diesel-sooty odour is present from the filter body — direct visual confirmation that the filter has reached the end of its service life; an overloaded filter of this condition has been operating with significantly reduced airflow for an extended period, causing the blower motor to work above its rated load.
Increased pollen allergy or asthma symptoms reported by occupants during the pollen season despite operating the HVAC in recirculation mode — the particulate filtration efficiency has degraded from filter overloading; a severely loaded filter develops holes in the fibre matrix where the accumulated cake of particles fractures under the blower's suction pressure, bypassing unfiltered outside air directly into the cabin; replace immediately if occupant health is affected.
Carbon granules visible in the cabin vents or on the dashboard surface — small black particles deposited by the airflow — the carbon retention layer within the filter has failed, allowing granules to migrate through the filter matrix into the blower and duct system; carbon particles that reach the blower impeller can abrade the impeller blades and enter the cabin; inspect the HVAC housing and blower for carbon granule accumulation after replacing the filter.
Logistics & Customs
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International HS Code
8421.39
EAEU Customs Code (TN VED)
8421 39 200 0
Typical Net Weight
Country of Manufacture
China
Standard MOQ
100 pcs
Production Lead Time
30-45 days
Always verify the exact 8-digit or 10-digit subheading with your customs broker for the destination country, as tariff schedules and duty rates vary by jurisdiction.
Installation Tips
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- Confirm the correct airflow direction before inserting the new filter — activated carbon combination filters have a defined airflow direction; the particulate layer must face the incoming airflow (upstream) and the carbon layer must face the cabin side (downstream); installing the filter backwards places the carbon layer in the path of the full particulate loading and blocks it rapidly, while unfiltered particles bypass the particulate layer and enter the cabin; the airflow direction arrow is printed on the filter frame and must align with the HVAC housing's airflow direction marking.
- Clean the HVAC filter housing slot and drain channel before installing the new filter — accumulated dust, leaf fragments, and moisture in the housing slot will immediately contaminate the new filter's clean upstream face; use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle to remove all debris from the housing slot, and check the housing drain opening is unobstructed; a blocked drain allows condensate to pool in the housing and accelerates biological growth on the new filter's fibre matrix within weeks of installation.
- Install the new filter with the frame seated completely flat in the housing slot — a filter frame that is bowed or twisted will leave a gap between the frame edge and the housing slot wall that allows unfiltered air to bypass the filter entirely; press all four edges of the frame firmly against the housing walls before closing the housing cover; if the housing cover does not close without excessive force, the filter may be the wrong size — do not force the cover as this bends the filter frame and creates bypass gaps.
- After installation, run the blower at maximum fan speed for 30 seconds with the windows open before operating the HVAC normally — this purges any loose carbon granules or fibre fragments from the new filter into the cabin where they can be ventilated out; operating at high fan speed before closing the windows and switching to recirculation prevents any initial filter release from accumulating in the cabin air.
- Note the installation date on the filter frame or in the vehicle's service record — the activated carbon's adsorption capacity degrades from the moment the filter is exposed to air, even if the vehicle is not used; a carbon filter stored in a vehicle for 18 months without use has reduced carbon capacity compared to a fresh filter installed at the same time; use the installation date rather than vehicle mileage alone as the replacement trigger to ensure the carbon capacity is not exceeded.
- Install the new ELEMENT AIR REFINER (CARBON) (GENERAL MOTORS 93182436) with the correct airflow direction, confirm the housing cover closes completely and evenly, run the blower through all speed settings and confirm airflow volume is restored to normal, and switch between fresh air and recirculation modes confirming no unpleasant odour is present in either mode before returning the vehicle to service.
Tools: vacuum cleaner with narrow nozzle for housing cleaning, inspection torch for housing drain check, service record pen for installation date marking. No special tools required for filter replacement on most vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the practical difference between a standard particulate cabin filter and an activated carbon combination filter, and when should each be specified?
A standard particulate cabin filter removes solid particles — pollen, dust, soot — from the incoming airstream through mechanical filtration. An activated carbon combination filter adds gas-phase adsorption that removes molecular contaminants — traffic fumes, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, benzene, and odour compounds — that pass straight through a particulate-only filter. The carbon combination filter is recommended for urban drivers who regularly experience heavy traffic, for vehicles driven in tunnels or industrial areas with elevated gaseous pollution, and for occupants with respiratory sensitivity to chemical air pollutants. In rural areas with clean air and low traffic exposure, a standard particulate filter provides adequate protection at a lower cost. The carbon combination filter has a shorter effective service life for its gas-phase function than its particulate function — the particulate layer may have useful life remaining when the carbon is saturated; in high-pollution environments the carbon interval should be reduced to 6 months regardless of the particulate loading appearance. ok.parts supplies both particulate and carbon combination cabin filters at wholesale MOQ from 1.34 USD per unit.
Can a saturated carbon cabin filter be regenerated by drying or heating rather than replaced?
Carbon adsorption saturation cannot be reversed by drying alone — the adsorbed gas molecules are chemically bound to the carbon surface pores and require either thermal desorption at temperatures above 300°C or steam stripping to release, neither of which is achievable in the vehicle or with domestic equipment without destroying the filter's fibre matrix. A carbon filter that has been heated to attempt regeneration in a domestic oven will desorb some of the lighter volatile compounds back into the surrounding air, temporarily reducing saturation, but will rapidly re-saturate on reinstallation because the internal pore surfaces that were reactivated are the same sites with the lowest binding energy that will re-adsorb the same compounds fastest. The only effective restoration of carbon adsorption capacity is replacement with a new filter.
How does the OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit compare to the genuine OEM part?
OEM-equivalent units in this catalogue replicate the current OEM design geometry and material specification. Quality is verified against OEM cross-reference data. When ordering in bulk, confirm with our team that the specification matches the latest OEM revision for your application.
Is white-label or custom packaging available for wholesale orders?
Yes. ok.parts works directly with the manufacturing facility and can accommodate neutral white-label packaging or fully branded packaging with your company logo, part numbers, and barcode. Minimum order quantities and lead times for custom packaging may differ from standard stock. Contact the team via the inquiry form to discuss your specific requirements.
Frequently Replaced Together
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| Part | Reason for Combined Replacement |
|---|---|
| HVAC Evaporator Disinfection Treatment Aerosol or foam evaporator cleaner — application-specific | A cabin filter showing organic growth (musty smell) indicates that biological contamination has established on the upstream filter face and may have spread to the HVAC evaporator surface and housing walls. Replacing the filter without treating the evaporator and housing allows the existing biological colony to recolonise the new filter within a short period, producing the same musty smell within weeks of the new filter installation. Apply a dedicated HVAC evaporator disinfection treatment through the filter housing access point before inserting the new filter. |
| Blower Motor OEM ref. varies by vehicle | A cabin filter that has been severely overloaded for an extended period — months beyond its replacement interval — forces the blower motor to work continuously against elevated restriction above its rated load, accelerating brush and commutator wear. If the blower motor is producing abnormal noise or shows reduced output at all speeds after the new filter is installed, measure its current draw — a motor drawing above its rated current from worn brushes requires replacement; the filter overloading may have shortened its remaining service life significantly. |
| Air Filter Element (Engine) OEM ref. varies by engine air box | The cabin air filter and the engine air filter share the same replacement interval recommendation — 12 months or 15,000 km — and are typically both overlooked simultaneously when service schedules slip. At every cabin filter replacement, inspect the engine air filter simultaneously; a vehicle that has deferred cabin filter replacement has typically also deferred engine air filter replacement; completing both at the same service visit restores the full air filtration system in a single operation. |