🔧 Grand Cherokee WK - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

You’ll be replacing the cabin air filter, which cleans the air that comes through the vents inside your Jeep. On this model, the filter sits behind the glove box on the passenger side.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 20–30 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Turn the ignition off and remove the key before starting.
• 🛑 Do not run the blower fan while the filter is removed.
• 🛑 Be gentle with the glove box and plastic clips; they can crack if forced.
• 🛑 If you have allergies or dust sensitivity, wear a dust mask and gloves.
• 🛑 Battery disconnection is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 🧰 Phillips #2 screwdriver
• 🧰 Plastic trim removal tool (specialty)
• 🧰 Flashlight
• 🧰 Mechanic gloves
• 🧰 Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 🧩 Cabin air filter (HVAC interior filter) - Qty: 1
• 🧩 Interior trim clip (glove box/damper retainer, if damaged) - Qty: 2–4

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🚗 Park the Jeep on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• 🚪 Empty the glove box so nothing falls out when it is lowered.
• 💡 Have the new filter ready so you can swap quickly and reduce dust in the cabin.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and prepare the glove box

• Open the glove box door fully on the passenger side.
• Remove any items inside so you have clear access.
• Use the flashlight to look at both sides of the glove box and find the side stops and the small damper arm on the right side. The damper arm is a small plastic arm that slows the glove box when it opens.

Step 2: Detach the glove box damper arm

• On the right side of the glove box, locate the small damper arm connected to the box edge.
• Using your hand or the plastic trim removal tool (specialty), gently pry the damper arm off the glove box peg. Pull straight off; do not twist.
• Support the glove box as you do this.

Step 3: Release the glove box stops and lower the glove box

• On both sides of the glove box, you’ll see plastic tabs or “stops” that prevent it from dropping all the way down.
• Gently push the right side of the glove box inward with one hand to clear the stop, then the left side. You can use the plastic trim removal tool (specialty) to help press the side if it’s tight.
• Once both stops clear, let the glove box door swing down further, exposing the HVAC housing behind it. Support it with one hand so it doesn’t drop suddenly.

Step 4: Locate the cabin air filter cover

• Behind the lowered glove box, look straight ahead at the rectangular black plastic housing. The cabin filter access door is on the front of this housing.
• The access door is a narrow rectangular panel with small side clips (usually no screws on the WK for this door).
• Use the flashlight to clearly see the clips and orientation.

Step 5: Remove the cabin air filter cover

• Press the small locking tabs on the sides of the access door with your fingers.
• If the clips are stiff, use the plastic trim removal tool (specialty) to gently push the tabs inward.
• Pull the door straight off and set it aside where you won’t lose it.

Step 6: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Look at the exposed filter. Note the airflow arrow direction printed on the edge of the filter; usually it points downward on this Jeep.
• Grip the filter’s exposed edge and slowly slide it out toward you. Wiggle it gently if it catches.
• Some dust and leaves may fall out—keep your mechanic gloves and safety glasses on.
• Take a photo of the old filter’s orientation as a reference.

Step 7: Clean the filter housing area (optional but recommended)

• Use your hand or a soft cloth to remove any large debris from the filter slot.
• If you have a vacuum with a soft brush, you can carefully vacuum the opening, but do not push anything deep into the ducting.

Step 8: Install the new cabin air filter

• Check the new filter for an airflow arrow printed on the side.
• Match this arrow to the same direction as the old filter (typically pointing downward in the housing).
• Slide the new filter into the slot slowly, keeping it straight so the pleats don’t fold. You may need to flex it slightly, but do not crush it.
• Make sure the filter is fully seated and the front edge is flush with the housing.

Step 9: Reinstall the cabin air filter cover

• Align the filter access door with the housing opening.
• Hook the bottom or side tabs first (depending on style), then swing the cover into place.
• Press until you hear or feel the clips snap in securely. No torque spec here—just make sure it’s fully clipped.

Step 10: Raise and reattach the glove box

• Lift the glove box back toward its normal position.
• Push the sides of the glove box inward again so the side stops slide back past the dash structure, then release so they rest on the stops.
• On the right side, reconnect the damper arm to the glove box peg by pushing it straight onto the peg by hand.
• Check that the glove box opens and closes smoothly. If it binds, recheck the side stops and damper.

Step 11: Final check inside the cabin

• Put your items back into the glove box.
• Turn the ignition on and turn the blower fan on low, then medium.
• Listen for any unusual noises (whistling, rubbing) that could mean the filter isn’t seated correctly.
• If you hear noise, turn the fan off, lower the glove box again, and recheck the filter position and cover.

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✅ After Repair

• 🔁 Run the fan at different speeds and on different modes (face, floor, defrost) to confirm normal airflow.
• 👃 You may notice fresher-smelling air, especially if the old filter was dirty.
• 📅 Plan to replace the cabin filter about every 15,000–20,000 km, or sooner in dusty conditions like those common in Haryana.
• 📲 If your Jeep tracks maintenance in the infotainment system, note the mileage for your own records. This job doesn’t require a system reset.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $70–$130 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15–$40 (parts only)

You Save: $55–$90 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100–$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3–0.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections above to add everything to your cart.