🔧 Accord - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your Accord’s cabin air filter cleans the air coming through the HVAC vents (heat/AC). When it’s dirty, airflow drops and you may notice musty smells or more dust inside.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.2-0.5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition off and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic tabs—Honda glove box parts can crack if pried hard.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Small flat trim tool
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 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.
• Empty the glove box so nothing falls out.
• If your glove box has a damper arm (a small “slow-open” arm), locate it on the right side before you start.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and release the glove box

• Open the glove box fully.
• Use your hands to gently push inward on both glove box side walls to clear the stops, then let the glove box swing down further.
• If equipped, disconnect the glove box damper arm on the right side: use a small flat trim tool to gently pop it off the pin. Go slow—don’t pry hard.

Step 2: Remove the cabin filter door

• Behind the lowered glove box, locate the cabin filter housing (a rectangular plastic frame).
• Remove the housing door by pressing the side tabs inward with your fingers; use the flashlight to see the tabs clearly.

Step 3: Slide out the filter tray

• Pull the filter tray straight out of the housing using your hands.
• If it’s stuck, wiggle gently—don’t bend the tray.

Step 4: Replace the filter

• Remove the old filter from the tray (wear nitrile gloves; it can be dusty).
• Install the new cabin air filter in the same orientation as the old one.
• Look for the airflow arrow on the filter and install it pointing down (toward the floor). If there’s no arrow, match the old filter’s direction.

Step 5: Reinstall tray, door, and glove box

• Slide the loaded tray back into the housing until fully seated.
• Snap the housing door back on by pressing until both tabs click.
• Reconnect the damper arm (if equipped) by pushing it back onto the pin using your hand; use the small flat trim tool only if needed to guide it.
• Lift the glove box back up and push the side walls inward again to pass the stops, then close it normally.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the fan on medium speed to confirm strong airflow.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation and listen for any rattles (a sign the tray isn’t fully seated).
• If you notice a whistling noise, recheck the filter door is fully clipped in.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15-$35 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$105 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.