Just cleaned out the ac/heater blower motor. Full of leaves. I read somewhere that you could take some homemade filter material and put in the air intake to keep leaves out. Unsure if they meant putting it where the plenum filter goes or if there is an opening that supplies the cabin that I could put the filter medium in. Sure would rather put something in an opening as my plenum unit is kinda all cracked up and I don't want to spend the money to replace it. Is there an opening and if so, where is it located? If not, is there any material from say home depot to use as the plenum filter or is it best just to order from AB?

 

under the hood passenger side below the windshield

 

Your cracked Plenum can let leaves in Plus it can also let water in the cab through the intake hole if it's cracked enough. I noticed my floor getting wet after a rain. If it rained hard enough it wouldn't start. Just the dash lights would come on no engine turnover. Then a few minutes later it would start.
I have since replaced the plenum and had to replace the A Pillar covers ( the clips broke removing them, Probably due to hot sun over time like the Plenum. I would suggest either patching the plenum or replacing it. I got one from a salvage yard (pretty inexpensive if you can find one) and get a Plenum filter. That will prevent leaves from getting in as well as water eventually.

 

does the hood need to be removed in order to remove/replace?
thanks.

 

Removing the hood will make it easier but I don't think it is necessary. The hood is very light and easily removed and reinstalled. Just outline with a sharpie or paint marker where the hinges are before removing. I can remove and replace by myself but I have a large wingspan.

 

Thanks; I think it will be much easier with the hood removed; just wasn't sure how hard it would be to realign it. I'll definitely mark the hinge locations before I remove it.