How to Install a Cabin Air Filter in a Ford

Much like a regular air filter filters the air that circulates in the car's engine, a cabin air filter filters air that passes through the vents and heating and air-conditioning systems. Cabin air filters are used in many Ford trucks and cars. A cabin air filter should be replaced every 15,000 miles or as frequently as is stated in the owner's manual of your particular Ford model.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Cabin air filter
• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver

1. Locate the circular plastic cap or caps on the passenger-side plastic piece just below where your windshield wipers rest. You can best see these when the hood is down.
2. Open the hood. Remove the cap or caps by prying them off with a flathead screwdriver. Set the cap or caps aside to be reinserted when you are finished installing the new cabin air filter.
3. Take out the screw or screws you have uncovered by removing the plastic cap or caps. Set them aside in a safe place. Unscrew Phillips screws holding the molded plastic piece down on the inside of the car.
4. Pull up gently on the molded plastic piece to reveal the cabin air filter. Push the piece aside as much as possible. There is no need to totally remove this piece. Moving it aside will give you enough room to get at the filter.
5. Remove the old cabin air filter by pulling up on it by the handle. Insert the new cabin air filter, making sure it fits snugly into the slot.
6. Reattach the molded plastic piece by reversing the steps you followed to loosen it. Start the car and turn the vents up high to blow out any dust or debris.

Tips & Warnings

• Details of these steps may vary according to which model Ford you own. For instance, on some cars or trucks, you can see the plastic caps covering the screws better with the hood open and on others with the hood closed.
• The number of plastic caps you need to remove differs according to your model. On the Ford Focus, for instance, you need only remove one plastic cap; on the Ford Escape, you need to remove four .
• Some models have a water or splash guard you need to be remove by pulling it up and out before a new cabin air filter can be installed.
• Do not purchase a regular air filter instead of a cabin air filter. Note that not all Ford vehicles are equipped with a cabin air filter. Check the owner's manual of your particular Ford to be sure your car or truck has a cabin air filter.
• Be careful not to crack the plastic molded housing covering the cabin air filter assembly by pushing it aside too hard.