How to Replace Your Cabin Air Filter

Difficulty: Beginner Time: 10–15 minutes

The cabin air filter cleans the air that comes through your vents. When it clogs with dust, leaves and pollen, the A/C and heat blow weaker, the windows fog more, and the car can smell musty.

On most cars it sits behind the glove box and takes about 10 minutes to replace with no tools. Shops often charge several times what the filter costs.

What you'll need

Step by step

1. 1

   Get the right filter

   Look up your year, make and model at the parts store. Your owner’s manual also shows where the filter is; on a few cars it is under the hood near the windshield instead of behind the glove box.

2. 2

   Empty the glove box

   Take everything out of the glove box so it can open all the way.

3. 3

   Lower the glove box

   Most glove boxes have stops on the sides. Squeeze the sides inward, or unhook a small damper arm, and let the glove box swing down past its normal stop.

4. 4

   Open the filter cover

   Behind it you will see a narrow rectangular cover. Squeeze the tabs on its sides and pull it off.

5. 5

   Slide out the old filter

   Pull the old filter straight out. Note the airflow arrow printed on its edge and which way it pointed.

6. 6

   Clean the slot

   Vacuum or wipe out any leaves or debris in the filter slot.

7. 7

   Slide in the new filter

   Insert the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing the same direction as the old one (usually down). Push it in fully and evenly.

8. 8

   Put it back together

   Snap the cover back on, lift the glove box back into place past its stops, and refill it.

Tips

• Many manufacturers suggest replacing it every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year, more often in dusty areas or with allergies.
• Filters with activated carbon help with odors from traffic and exhaust.
• A musty smell when you first turn on the A/C can also come from moisture in the system; a new filter often helps.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the cabin air filter?

On most cars it is behind the glove box. On some it is under the hood near the bottom of the windshield, or under the dashboard. Your owner’s manual shows where.

How often should I replace the cabin air filter?

Commonly every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year. Replace it sooner if airflow is weak or there is a musty smell.

Can a dirty cabin filter make the A/C weak?

Yes. A clogged filter blocks airflow, so the A/C and heat blow weaker even though they may be working fine.

Which way does the cabin filter go in?

Follow the airflow arrow on the filter’s edge. Point it the same direction the old one pointed, which on most cars is down.

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