How to replace the cabin air filter

The cabin (pollen) filter cleans the air coming into the car. A clogged filter reduces airflow, causes musty smells and makes the A/C less effective.

DifficultyEasy
Time10–20 min
Typical intervalCabin air filter

Tools

  • Screwdriver (sometimes)
  • Torch

Parts & materials

  • Cabin filter for your vehicle (standard or activated-carbon)

Step by step

  1. Find the filter: often behind the glovebox, sometimes under the windscreen cowl.
  2. Empty the glovebox and release its stops so it swings down.
  3. Remove the filter cover and slide out the old filter, noting the airflow arrow.
  4. Fit the new filter with the arrow in the same direction.
  5. Refit the cover and glovebox.

Symptoms this can fix

A/C not blowing cold air

Procedures differ between vehicles. Check your vehicle's service information for specifications, torque values and any special steps.

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