1500 - Cabin Air Filter Replacement 🌬️

Your 1500 did not come with a cabin air filter from the factory, but Ram designed a spot for one. You can add one with a simple kit and then replace it like normal in the future.

First I’ll show you how to add the cabin filter door kit, then how to change the filter itself next time.

Parts & Tools You’ll Need 🧰

• 🧩 Cabin filter door kit (Ram/aftermarket “cabin air filter retrofit kit” for 2013–2018 1500)
  • Includes: plastic access door + template (sometimes) + screws or clips.
• 🧼 Cabin air filter element (for 2015 1500; choose standard or carbon type)
• 🪛 Phillips screwdriver (cross-head)
• 🔧 Small ratchet and 7mm socket (for glove box screws if needed)
• ✂️ Sharp utility knife or small hobby saw
  • This is to cut out the pre-marked opening in the HVAC box.
• 💡 Optional: work light or flashlight
• 😷 Optional: dust mask and safety glasses

Safety & Prep ⚠️

• ⚠️ Key off: Turn ignition off and remove the key (or push-button off) before starting.
• ⚠️ Cutting plastic: Use the knife slowly and always cut away from your body and fingers.
• 🧹 Tip: Put a towel on the floor to catch plastic shavings and dust.

Step 1 – Access Behind the Glove Box 📦

The cabin filter slot is behind the glove box on the passenger side.

• 📥 Empty the glove box so nothing falls out.
• 📎 Open the glove box fully.
• 📉 On each side of the glove box you’ll see plastic “stops” that hit the dash frame.
  • Gently push the sides of the glove box inward so those stops clear the dash opening.
  • Let the glove box swing down so it hangs almost vertical.
• 🔍 Look behind the glove box: you’ll see a large black plastic box. This is the HVAC housing (the air box).

Step 2 – Locate the Filter Cutout 📐

• 🔎 On the front face of the HVAC box (behind where the glove box was), look for a rectangular outline molded into the plastic, usually toward the center/right side.
• 🧱 It often has small raised edges or a faint rectangle. That is the pre-marked cutout for the cabin filter door.
• 💡 If your kit includes a paper template, line it up with the marks on the HVAC box as the instructions show.

Step 3 – Cut the Opening in the HVAC Box ✂️

• ⚠️ Wear safety glasses and go slowly. The plastic is not very thick.
• 🪚 Use your utility knife or small saw to cut along the rectangular outline.
  • Start with a light scoring pass (light cut) all the way around.
  • Go around again, pressing a bit harder each time until the piece loosens.
  • Wiggle and remove the cut-out piece of plastic.
• 🧹 Remove any loose plastic shavings so they don’t fall into the blower fan.

Step 4 – Install the Cabin Filter Door Kit 🚪

• 🧩 Test-fit the plastic door frame from your kit into the opening you just cut.
• 🔩 If your kit uses screws:
  • Hold the frame in place and install the small screws into the pre-formed holes in the HVAC box.
  • Snug them by hand; do not overtighten (they’re going into plastic).
• 📎 If your kit uses clips:
  • Push the frame in until the clips snap and lock into place.
• 🚪 Make sure the door opens and closes smoothly and latches properly.

Step 5 – Insert the Cabin Air Filter 🧊

• 📦 Open the new cabin filter box and note the airflow arrow printed on the side of the filter.
• ⬇️ In your 1500, airflow is from top to bottom, so the arrow should point down when installed.
• 🚪 Open the new filter door on the HVAC box.
• 📥 Slide the filter into the slot:
  • Make sure it goes in straight and doesn’t crush or fold.
  • The filter should sit fully inside, flush with the housing.
• 🔒 Close the door and latch it securely.

Step 6 – Reinstall the Glove Box 📦

• 📈 Lift the glove box back up toward its normal position.
• 📎 Push the sides of the glove box inward again so the stops clear the dash opening, then let them rest on the stops.
• 📚 Put your items back in the glove box.

Step 7 – Test the System 🌪️

• 🔑 Turn the ignition on.
• 🌬️ Turn the blower fan to different speeds and modes (face, floor, defrost).
• 👂 Listen for any unusual rubbing or whistling that wasn’t there before.
  • If you hear rubbing, the filter may not be seated correctly. Re-open the door and reseat it.

Maintenance Tips 📝

• 🗓️ Replace the cabin filter about every 12 months or 12,000–15,000 miles, or sooner in dusty areas.
• 🌫️ If you notice weak airflow, bad smells, or foggy windows, check the cabin filter first.

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! You’ll see the correct cabin filter and retrofit door kit for your 1500 in the parts section, and you can add them to your cart from there.