If you’re wondering whether you can change your car’s cabin air filter yourself, the answer is a resounding yes. Cabin air filters are frequently referred to as pollen air filters or A/C air filters. The filter improves the air quality in your vehicle, making it healthier and more comfortable for you and your passengers. Up to 90% of dust, pollen, and spore particles can be prevented from entering the car with a properly operating cabin air filter. It can help keep the interior of your vehicle clean by reducing the number of pollutants and allergies in the interior. If not replaced regularly, a clogged cabin air filter can restrict airflow from the vents and generate a musty smell. If you or a regular passenger suffer from allergies or other respiratory difficulties, you may want to replace the cabin filter more frequently. To keep your heating and air conditioning system running well, you should replace the cabin air filter on a constant schedule. Your cabin air filter should be replaced every 20,000 to 25,000 kilometers, or once a year. It’s a good idea to inspect it at least once a year. This may differ based on the make and type of your vehicle, so consult your owner’s manual for more information.
1. Follow These Step By Step Instruction To Install Cabin Air Filters
- Step 1. Precaution And Safety Instructions
- Step 2. Locate The Cabin Air Filter
- Step 3. Removing The Cabin Air Filter
- Step 4. Installing The New Cabin Air Filter
1. Follow These Step By Step Instruction To Install Cabin Air Filters
Step 1. Precaution And Safety Instructions
Park the vehicle on a flat surface, and pull the emergency brake. Make use of hand gloves to avoid any injury. Ensure you have the best quality cabin air filter.
Step 2. Locate The Cabin Air Filter
Every vehicle has a cabin air filter and it can be in any place, like behind the glove box or under the wiper cowl. You may easily remove the cabin air filter and replace it when it becomes dirty. Depending on the brand, the cabin air filter can be square or rectangular.
| Car | How to Locate The Cabin Air Filter |
| Ford F150 (2015 to 2020) | The cabin air filter is placed in the vehicle’s dashboard and is exactly behind the glove box. |
| Dodge Ram 1500 (2009 to 2021) | The cabin air filter is located in the vehicle’s dashboard and is exactly behind the glove box. |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2014 to 2019) | The cabin air filter is installed in the vehicle’s dashboard and is exactly behind the glove box. |
| Honda Civic (2006 to 2015) | The cabin air filter is placed in the vehicle’s dashboard and is exactly behind the glove box. |
| Toyota Corolla (2013 to 2018) | The cabin air filter is fitted in the vehicle’s dashboard and is exactly behind the glove box. |
| Volkswagen Jetta (2007 to 2018) | The cabin air filter is installed in the vehicle’s dashboard and is behind the glove box near the foot air vent. |
| Hyundai Elantra (2007 to 2020) | The cabin air filter is situated in the vehicle’s dashboard and is exactly behind the glove box. |
| GMC Sierra 1500 (2014 to 2018) | The cabin air filter is located in the vehicle’s dashboard and is exactly behind the glove box. |
| Jeep Truck Wrangler (2018 to 2022) | The cabin air filter is placed in the vehicle’s dashboard and is exactly behind the glove box. |
| Mazda 3 Series (2014 to 2018) | The cabin air filter is fitted in the vehicle’s dashboard and is exactly behind the glove box. |
Step 3. Removing The Cabin Air Filter
After locating the cabin air filter, the cabin air filter cover can have small screws or clips which have to be removed for access. In some vehicles, to reach the cabin air filter, some other components have to be removed. For this, make sure to select the perfect tool to remove them. If you notice a significant amount of dirt inside the folds, your cabin filter must be replaced. You can also tap the filter to see if any debris or other things fall out, which is another symptom that your cabin air filter needs to be replaced. Remember to check the vehicle’s make and model before purchasing your air filter.
| Car | How to Remove The Old Cabin Air Filter |
| Ford F150 (2015 to 2020) | The cabin air filter is fitted behind the glove box and will require uninstalling the glove box. To open the glove box completely, lower it by pushing in on each side to release the tabs. After this, remove the front panel with the help of a trim remover. Then loosen the 2 blots with a 7mm socket that is at the top of the upper glove box. Now gently pry up to disengage the clips and remove the upper glove compartment. In the next step, disconnect the electrical socket for the glove box light, remove the upper glove compartment, and disengage the clips on the cabin air filter cover with your fingers and remove the filter cover. It is important to remember that before removing the old cabin air filter, you should check the airflow direction. Once you have checked the airflow direction, now pull the old cabin filter out. |
| Dodge Ram 1500 (2009 to 2021) | The cabin air filter is fitted behind the glove box and will require uninstalling the glove box. To open the glove box, first remove the dampening cord by pushing it out. Press each side of the glove box to release the tabs and then pull the glove box out. Now, disengage the clips on the cabin air filter cover with your fingers and remove the filter cover. Before removing the old cabin air filter, note the airflow direction. Now pull the old cabin filter out. |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2014 to 2019) | The cabin air filter is fitted behind the glove box and will require uninstalling the glove box. To open the glove box, first remove the 4 screws with a Torx 15 bit and pull the glove box out. Disengage the clips on the cabin air filter cover with your fingers and remove the filter cover. Remember, before removing the old cabin air filter, note the airflow direction. Now pull the old cabin filter out. |
| Honda Civic (2006 to 2015) | The cabin air filter is fitted behind the glove box and will require uninstalling the glove box. Open the glove box first, and then press each side of the glove box to release the tabs. Once released, the glove box will lower, and you should see the cabin air filter housing. Now, disengage the clips on the cabin air filter cover with your fingers and pull out the one-piece housing tray. Before removing the old cabin air filter, note the airflow direction. Now take the old cabin air filter out of the housing tray. |
| Honda Civic (2016 and 2020) | The cabin air filter is fitted behind the glove box and will require uninstalling the glove box. Open the glove box first, and then press each side of the glove box to release the tabs. Once released, the glove box will lower, and you should see the cabin air filter cover. Press the clips on each of the sides to remove the cabin air filter cover. Now, disengage the clips on the cabin air filter cover with your fingers and pull out the air filter cover. Before removing the old cabin air filter, note the airflow direction. Now take the old cabin air filter out of the housing tray. |
| Toyota Corolla (2013 to 2018) | The cabin air filter is installed behind the glove box, which must be removed. To open the glove box, first gently pull out the dampening arm from its pin. Press each side of the glove box to release the tabs. Once released, the glove box will lower, and you should see the cabin air filter cover. Disengage the clips on the cabin air filter cover with your fingers and remove the filter cover. Before removing the old cabin air filter, note the airflow direction. Now pull the old cabin filter out. |
| Volkswagen Jetta (2007 to 2018) | The cabin air filter is fitted near the foot air vent. To remove the cabin air filter, first remove the soft foam that has two plastic screws with the help of a flathead screwdriver. It is located under the glove box. Disengage the clips on the cabin air filter cover with your fingers and slide it a little towards the right and remove it. Before removing the old cabin air filter, note the airflow direction. Now pull the old cabin filter out. |
| Hyundai Elantra (2007 to 2020) | The cabin air filter is fitted behind the glove box and will require uninstalling the glove box. To open the glove box, first gently pull out the dampening arm from its pin, then counterclockwise rotate and remove the two locks that are in the glove box. Once the locks are released, the glove box will lower and you will see the cabin air filter cover. Disengage the clips on the cabin air filter cover with your fingers and remove the filter cover. Before removing the old cabin air filter, note the airflow direction. Now pull the old cabin filter out. |
| GMC Sierra 1500 (2014 to 2018) | The cabin air filter is fitted behind the glove box and will require uninstalling the glove box. To open the glove box, first remove the 4 screws with a Torx 15 bit and pull the glove box out. Then disengage the clips on the cabin air filter cover with your fingers and remove the filter cover. Before removing the old cabin air filter, note the airflow direction. Now pull the old cabin filter out. |
| Jeep Truck Wrangler (2018 to 2022) | The cabin air filter is fitted behind the glove box and will require uninstalling the glove box. To open the glove box, first gently pull out the dampening arm from its pin and then press the top side of the glove box housing to release the tab. Once released, the glove box will lower, and you should see the cabin air filter cover. Disengage the clips on the cabin air filter cover with your fingers and remove the filter cover. Before removing the old cabin air filter, note the airflow direction. Now pull the old cabin filter out. |
| Mazda 3 Series (2018 to 2022) | The cabin air filter is fitted behind the glove box and will require uninstalling the glove box. To open the glove box, first gently pull out the dampening arm from its pin. Now press each side of the glove box to release the tabs. Once released, the glove box will lower, and you should see the cabin air filter cover. Disengage the clips on the cabin air filter cover with your fingers and remove the filter cover. The cabin air filter will come out with the cover as it is manufactured in one piece. Before removing the old cabin air filter, note the airflow direction. Now pull the old cabin filter out. |
Step 4. Installing The New Cabin Air Filter
After removing the old cabin air filter, replace it with a high-quality replacement.. While fitting the filter, make sure it is seated and oriented properly and the direction of the arrow is facing down. Carefully fit the cabin air filter cover and gently press it. Fit the glove box and attach the dampening arm by pressing it on the locking pin and checking if it is locked properly. Reinstall the removed parts and check for their proper function. Do not over-tighten screws. Visually check for fitment. And that’s it! You have replaced the cabin air filter by doing the work yourself.
