How to Install a Cabin Air Filter

Think you’re protecting your passengers from harmful outdoor pollutants by keeping your car's windows rolled up? You might be surprised to learn that chemicals and irritants are being sucked into and circulated throughout your car’s cabin. According to the Car Care Council, roadside air—especially along busy roads and highways—contains high levels of pollen, dust, soot and smog, the harmful effects of which are well documented. A cabin air filter helps protect against these pollutants by trapping dust, dirt and grime from the road before they are pumped into the vehicle. Here’s how to replace a cabin air filter and protect the occupants of your vehicle from potentially hazardous pollutants.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cabin air filter designed specifically for vehicle
• Screw driver

1. Make sure the vehicle's engine is off.

2. Locate the filter. A cabin air filter may be in the outside air intake, visible with the hood up and perhaps the cover lifted. Or, it will be located under the dash above the blower in the back section of the outside air intake. It may also be located between the blower and the rest of the HVAC case. If the filter is not immediately apparent with the hood open, check behind the glove box. You may see an obviously removable (with spring tab or similar retainer) rectangular plastic cover. Next, look under the dash (on both the driver’s and passenger’s sides) for a removable plastic cover in the HVAC case. If you can remove its cover, look inside the case.

3. Remove the filter cover plate.

4. Remove used air filter.

5. Install the filter according to manufacturer's directions included in the filter box. Make sure the filter is placed with air flow markings in the correct position.

6. Replace the filter cover plate.

7. Remove all debris that might have collected in or around the cabin filter housing. This will prevent air leakage and improve the filter's efficiency.

Tips & Warnings

• Many filters are located under the glove box. Here's a typical replacement scenario for those filters: Turn off the engine and enter the vehicle through passenger-side door. Look under the glove box for a hinged cover plate. Remove the two screws holding it in place. Remove cover pate by pulling out and down. Removed used cabin filter by pulling straight down. Install new cabin filter, replace cover plate and secure with screws. Clean up debris around cabin filter housing.
• Cabin air filters should be changed every 12,000 to 18,000 miles or as specified by your car’s manufacturer.
• Give yourself time. Installation time varies by vehicle. Some filters can be replaced in as little as 5 minutes; others may require up to an hour depending how difficult it is to reach.

Resources

• Learn more about the dangers of clogged air filters.

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