How to Change a Cabin Filter on a 2003 Maxima

Cabin air filters must be replaced more frequently if you drive in dusty conditions.

The cabin air filter on a 2003 Nissan Maxima is located behind the glove box. Nissan recommends changing the cabin air filter either once a year or every 15,000 miles. In some areas, it may be necessary to change the filter more often, especially in dusty driving conditions. A dirty cabin air filter causes the motors connected to the air conditioning system to work harder. Dirty cabin air filters reduce the air flow in the passenger compartment; a clean cabin air filter will block out dust and allergens from the cabin of the vehicle.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver

Instructions

Removal

1. Open the glove box and remove any contents.

2. Remove the two screws on the top of the glove box and the two screws on the bottom of the glove box with the Phillips-head screwdriver.

3. Unplug the glove box light by gently pulling the connector apart.

4. Disconnect the yellow airbag connector on the right side of the glove box by squeezing the two fasteners and carefully pulling the yellow plug out.

5. Pivot the glove box down toward the floor of the car and pull away from the front of the car to remove it.

6. Locate the white cabin air filter cover. Pull the metal clip that holds the cover in place to remove it. Lift the air filter cover off.

7. Pull the old filter toward the back of the car to remove it. The old filter may be a single piece or two small filters. If there are two filters, the second one will fall into place for removal after the first one is removed.

Installation

1. Insert the first new filter, ensuring that the arrow printed on the filter is pointing toward the rear of the vehicle. Slide the filter up to the top position within the filter compartment.

2. Insert the second new filter below the first filter, making sure the air flow arrow is pointing toward the rear of the vehicle.

3. Replace the cabin air filter cover. Insert the metal clip that holds the cover in place. Push the clip towards the front of the vehicle until it snaps into position.

4. Set the glove box into place in its open position. Replace the four screws with the Phillips-head screwdriver.

5. Attach the glove box light connector. Plug the yellow airbag plug into the yellow connector. The fasteners will click into place when the plug is fully inserted.

Tips & Warnings

• When removing the glove box, do not allow the glove box to hang by airbag harness wires.

References

• "In-Cabin Micro Filter Installation Instructions"; Nissan North America, Inc.; 2003