How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2003-2022 Honda Accord (Trim: EX-L)
Step-by-step instructions with tools, safety tips, and installation guidance
How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2003-2022 Honda Accord (Trim: EX-L)
Step-by-step instructions with tools, safety tips, and installation guidance for 2003, 2004, 2005
🔧 Accord - Cabin Air Filter Replacement
The cabin air filter sits behind the glove box and catches dust, pollen, and debris before air reaches the vents. Replacing it helps restore airflow and keeps the cabin smell cleaner.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.2-0.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob before starting.
- Work gently around the glove box tabs and damper arm so you do not break them.
- No battery disconnect is required for this job.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Trim tool or small flat-blade screwdriver
- Flashlight
- Gloves
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Cabin air filter - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Open the passenger door fully for better access to the glove box area.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open and empty the glove box
- Use your hands to open the glove box and remove everything inside it.
- Lower the glove box fully so you can reach the filter door behind it.
Step 2: Release the glove box stops
- Squeeze the sides of the glove box inward with your hands to release the stops.
- Let the glove box swing down carefully.
- Move slowly to avoid cracking plastic.
Step 3: Disconnect the glove box damper if equipped
- Use a trim tool or small flat-blade screwdriver to gently unhook the damper arm on the right side.
- Set the glove box aside or let it hang down if it stays attached at the lower hinges.
Step 4: Remove the cabin air filter cover
- Use your fingers to release the tabs on the rectangular filter cover behind the glove box.
- Pull the cover straight out.
Step 5: Remove the old filter
- Slide the old cabin air filter out by hand.
- Note the airflow arrow on the old filter before removing it.
Step 6: Install the new filter
- Use your hands to slide the new filter into the slot with the airflow arrow pointing the same direction as the old one.
- Make sure the filter sits flat and fully seated.
Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box
- Press the filter cover back into place by hand until the tabs click.
- Reconnect the damper arm if removed.
- Lift the glove box back up and squeeze the sides inward to pass the stops.
- Check that both sides latch evenly.
✅ After Repair
- Start the vehicle and turn the fan on to verify strong airflow.
- Check that the glove box opens and closes normally.
- If airflow seems weak, recheck the filter direction and seating.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $60-$120 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $15-$35 (parts only)
You Save: $45-$85 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.5 hours.
🎯 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 below to add everything to your cart.
Guide for Cabin Air Filter replace for these Honda vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2021 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2020 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2020 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2019 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2019 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2018 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2018 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2017 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2017 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2016 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2016 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2015 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2015 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2014 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2014 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2013 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2013 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2012 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2012 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2011 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2011 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2010 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2010 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2009 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2009 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2008 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2008 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2007 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2007 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2006 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2006 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2005 Honda Accord | DX | - | - |
| 2005 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2005 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2004 Honda Accord | DX | - | - |
| 2004 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2004 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
| 2003 Honda Accord | DX | - | - |
| 2003 Honda Accord | EX | - | - |
| 2003 Honda Accord | LX | - | - |
















