🔧 Tucson - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the cabin air filter on your Tucson is a beginner-friendly job done from behind the glove box. A fresh cabin filter helps improve airflow from the vents and reduces dust, pollen, and odors inside the cabin.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 10-20 minutes

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Park your Tucson on level ground and switch the ignition off before starting.
• ⚠️ Do not force the glove box stops; the plastic can crack if bent too far.
• ⚠️ Empty the glove box first so items do not fall out when it drops down.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Shop vacuum with crevice nozzle
• Clean microfiber towel
• Flashlight

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Cabin air filter - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• ✅ Move the front passenger seat back to give yourself more room.
• ✅ Open the passenger door fully for better access to the glove box.
• ✅ Empty the glove box completely.
• ✅ A cabin air filter sits in the HVAC box, which is the plastic air-handling unit behind the dashboard.
• ✅ Note the airflow arrow on the old filter before removal. This arrow shows the direction air passes through the filter.

---

🔨 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 fully.
• Remove all items from the glove box so nothing spills when the box drops down.
• Use a flashlight to look inside the glove box area before removing the stops.
• Put small items in a cup.

Step 2: Release the Glove Box Stops

• Use your hands to locate the round glove box stop knobs on the left and right inner sides of the glove box.
• Turn each stop knob counterclockwise by hand until it releases.
• Pull both stop knobs out and set them aside.
• Support the glove box with one hand so it does not drop suddenly.

Step 3: Lower the Glove Box

• Use your hands to gently lower the glove box downward.
• If your Tucson has a small glove box damper arm on the right side, unclip it by hand from the glove box peg.
• A damper arm is a small plastic link that slows the glove box as it opens.
• Let the glove box hang down carefully to expose the cabin filter cover behind it.

Step 4: Remove the Cabin Filter Cover

• Use your fingers to press the tabs on both sides of the rectangular cabin filter cover.
• Pull the cover straight outward by hand.
• Set the cover aside with the tabs facing up so you remember its position.
• No bolts are used here, so no torque spec applies.

Step 5: Remove the Old Cabin Air Filter

• Use your fingers to slide the old cabin air filter straight out of the filter slot.
• Watch for the airflow arrow printed on the side of the old filter.
• On this Tucson, cabin airflow is typically downward through the filter, so the arrow should usually point down.
• Use a shop vacuum with crevice nozzle to remove loose leaves or dust from the filter opening.
• Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe the edge of the filter housing if dusty.
• Do not push debris deeper inside.

Step 6: Install the New Cabin Air Filter

• Use your hands to slide the new cabin air filter into the housing.
• Match the airflow arrow direction to the old filter’s orientation.
• If the old filter was missing or installed incorrectly, install the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing downward.
• Make sure the filter sits flat and fully inside the slot.
• Do not fold or crush the filter frame.

Step 7: Reinstall the Cabin Filter Cover

• Use your hands to position the cabin filter cover over the opening.
• Push the cover straight in until both side tabs click into place.
• Gently tug the cover by hand to confirm it is locked.
• No torque spec applies because the cover clips on by hand.

Step 8: Raise and Secure the Glove Box

• Use your hands to lift the glove box back into position.
• If equipped, reconnect the glove box damper arm by pushing it back onto its peg by hand.
• Reinstall both glove box stop knobs by hand.
• Turn the stop knobs clockwise until seated.
• Open and close the glove box once to confirm smooth movement.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start your Tucson and turn the blower fan to low, medium, and high speeds.
• ✅ Check that air flows normally from the vents.
• ✅ Listen for rattles or fluttering that could mean the filter is not seated flat.
• ✅ If airflow is weak, recheck that the filter is fully inserted and the cover is clipped shut.
• ✅ Replace the cabin air filter about every 12,000-15,000 miles, or sooner in dusty conditions.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $50-$100 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $35-$65 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.4 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.