So you want to change the Ion Filter in your 1st Gen Toyota Mirai?

ChrisCosta416

Well-known member
Mods, I love the format of Expo so I hope this is OK to post here!


Disclaimer: Please attempt this at your own risk. It is up to YOU to decide if you can do it, I am simply providing the instructions and how I did it. These directions should not supplement the FSM. Official instructions from Toyota can be found at the bottom.

Video of the procedure can be found here -
Summary

The Ion filter removes Ions that the Fuel Cell stack produces during normal operation. The filter fills up with ions after 35k miles of use. Credit to Doug Dumitru.
Vehicle worked on is a 2018 Toyota Mirai. We will go over replacing the Ion filter. The Ion filter should be replaced when the (Service Ion filter) message is displayed.
I believe the interval is every 35k miles. It is dependent on miles and not time. A certified Mirai Toyota Dealer will charge anywhere from $400-$1100 for this service.
I believe this is easier to do than an oil change and only takes 15 minutes.

Parts Needed
- x1 - Ion Filter Element Kit - 0416A-56010 - Can be purchased at ANY Toyota Dealer. I was able to buy mine for $220 plus tax.
- x1 - FC Stack Coolant - 08889-01502 - Please purchase this depending your current level of existing FC coolant in your reservoir. Only purchasable at certain dealers. I paid $20 plus tax. (Note: This coolant has a shelf life, please ensure the coolant is no more than 2 years old. Date code is under the bottle.

Tools Required
- 10MM socket with ratchet or 10MM ratcheting wrench. Do NOT use power tools.
- CLEAN Shop towel
- Common sense


Directions

PLEASE ENSURE CAR IS SHUTOFF AND HAS "COOLED DOWN BEFORE STARTING ON THIS"


INSPECT COOLANT LEVEL BEFORE ATTEMPTING THIS PROCEDURE. Coolant level is behind the center coolant reservoir. If coolant is at the full line I recommend buying coolant before attempting this, so you can top off. Mine was over the FULL mark so I proceeded.
IMG_7897.JPG


Step 1: Depending on the size of the 10MM ratchet you might have to remove the front trim cover. To do so simply remove the 10 trim clips. Push in the center circle and pull the clip up gently using a flathead screw driver or trim tool. Helpful Video here


step 1 mirai.jpg


Step 2: Remove the 5 10MM bolts securing the Ion Filter housing in place. NOTE: When unbolting some coolant will spill out.
mirai 2.jpg

Step 3: Remove ion Filter housing and let excess coolant drain back into the other housing portion. Once coolant drains back into the other housing portion set the ion Filter housing on a CLEAN surface.
IMG_7893.JPG

Step 4: Unscrew old ion Filter Element and replace with new ion Filter Element

Step 3 Mirai.jpg

Step 5: Remove old housing gasket and install new gasket provided in the ion filter element kit

step 5 mirai.jpg

Step 6: Insert the ion filter housing back onto the the lower housing portion. PLEASE REFERANCE THE PICTURE BELOW TO ENSURE THE HOLE LINES UP WITH THE COOLANT HOSE PROPERLY. Insert slowly to not spill any coolant. Some coolant may overflow.
step 7.jpg

Step 7: Tighten the 5 10MM bolts back into place utilizing the same pattern you would bolting a wheel to your car. Torque spec is about 5.90 FT LBS. Do not forget to place the front engine trim back on. CLEAN OFF ANY EXCEES COOLANT AROUND THE FILTER HOUSING.

mirai 2.jpg

Step 8: Check the FC coolant level. If its at full or above, start the vehicle to initialize the Fuel Cell and check around the housing for leaks. Do not forget to reset the Ion Filter Maintenance reminder. To do so navigate to settings --> Maintenance --> Reset Ion Filter. Please see below for after care.

IMG_7900.JPG

Step 9: Not so bad right? Almost done! Once the light is reset and you checked your coolant to ensure its at Full or above it, go on a short 30 minute or so drive, come back, shut the vehicle off, let it rest for a bit and then check the coolant level again. If below the Full line add coolant. This is also a good time to check for any leaks around the housing.

Here is my coolant level AFTER driving for about 30 minutes, you'll notice a slightly lower coolant level, this is most likely due to the coolant spilled from this procedure and it went down after driving because the coolant cycled throughout the FC system.

IMG_7904.JPG




Now you are done!

IMG_7879.JPG
 

calicamper

Expedition Leader
Interesting I’m going to guess the name err term ion is really not what its filtering. This is the Toyota hydrogen to electric system right?
 

ChrisCosta416

Well-known member
Interesting I’m going to guess the name err term ion is really not what its filtering. This is the Toyota hydrogen to electric system right?


Correct! It is the Yota Hydrogen to electric system. The filter actually captures positive ions via ion resin beads in the filter. Its an expensive filter for some really cheap beads.
285130655_10229144141054030_6780525459735808633_n.jpg
 

calicamper

Expedition Leader
Interesting
I had a family member involved in gov lab work yrs ago researching hydrogen to electric conversion methods via fuel cell. They had to come up with a glass material between the fuelcell parts as a gasket to withstand the heat it generated. Would be interesting to see what Toyota is doing
 

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