Autozone Where Is The Cabin Air Filter Located

Where Is the Cabin Air Filter Located?

Newer cars come standard with a cabin air filter that removes particulates from the air in the HVAC system of your car. Much like the air filter in your home HVAC system, the cabin air filter traps pollen, mold, bacteria and other pollutants and odors to improve the air quality in your car. The cabin air filter is usually located within the ductwork of your car’s AC and heating. It could in the engine component near your windshield or under the dash. Check the owner’s manual to locate where it is on your car. Learn when and how to change your cabin air filter.

When Should You Change the Cabin Filter?

Car manufacturers recommend that the cabin air filter get changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, which is about once a year depending on how you drive. You should also consider the air quality where you live. If you live in a community with high levels of dust, pollen or smog, you may need to change the filter more frequently. If your car smells bad or the windows fog up easily, you may want to check the air filter to see if it is restricted.

Steps to Changing Your Cabin Air Filter

This technology was introduced in high-end cars in 1989. Today, it’s rare to find a car that doesn’t come equipped with a cabin air filter. If you’ve never changed it before, you’ll have to locate where it is in your car. You won’t need any special tools to install a new cabin air filter, but you will need to know how many filters you need. Some cars have one, two or even more filters that will need to be replaced. Shop for cabin air filters where you shop for auto parts. Your owner’s manual should also include basic instructions on how to change the filter.
If the cabin air filter is behind the glove box, here are the steps:

• Open the glove box and remove the contents.
• Remove the limiting stop arm to release the glove box. Squeeze the front and back of the glove box to release the side clamps. Drop the glove box to see the faceplate of the cabin air filter.
• Open op the filter compartment. Remove the old cabin air filter. Be careful not to shake the filter too much so that it doesn’t drop the dust and pollen onto the floor of your car. Make a note of which way the arrows are facing on the old filter.
• Clean the chamber of the cabin air filter before you install the new one. Vacuum the chamber. Wipe it down with a damp cloth. Look at the condition of the seals and gaskets to make sure they’re in good shape.
• Check the new cabin air filter to make sure it matches the old one. Point the arrows of the new filter in the same direction as the one you took out and slide the new filter into place.
• Replace the glove box in reverse as to how you took it off.

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