🔧 Altima - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your cabin air filter cleans the air that comes through the HVAC vents (heat/AC). Replacing it helps reduce dust, odors, and weak airflow inside your Altima.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.25-0.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before working under the dash.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic tabs—older glove box parts can crack.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of sharp edges behind the glove box.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Phillips screwdriver #2
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Cabin air filter - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Move the passenger seat back to give yourself room.
• Empty the glove box so nothing falls out.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and “drop” the glove box

• Open the glove box fully by hand.
• On the right side, unhook the glove box damper arm using a plastic trim removal tool (the damper is the small arm that slows the glove box as it opens).
• Squeeze the left and right sides of the glove box inward with your hands to release the stop tabs, then let the glove box swing down.
• Go slow—plastic tabs break easily.

Step 2: Locate the cabin filter access door

• Use a flashlight and look behind/under where the glove box was.
• Find the rectangular cabin filter cover door on the HVAC case (usually centered behind the glove box area).

Step 3: Remove the filter cover

• Release the cover tabs by hand, or gently pry with a plastic trim removal tool.
• If your cover uses screws, remove them with a Phillips screwdriver #2, then pull the cover off.

Step 4: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Pull the filter straight out by hand (use nitrile gloves—it can be dusty).
• Note the AIR FLOW arrow direction printed on the filter/frame.

Step 5: Install the new cabin air filter

• Slide the new filter in the same way the old one came out.
• Match the AIR FLOW arrow direction to what you noted (this matters for proper airflow and filtration).
• Make sure it seats fully and doesn’t fold or buckle.

Step 6: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Reinstall the filter cover by hand until the tabs click in.
• If screws were removed, reinstall them using a Phillips screwdriver #2 (snug only—do not overtighten).
• Lift the glove box back up, push the sides inward again, and re-engage the stop tabs.
• Reattach the right-side damper arm by hand (use the plastic trim removal tool gently if needed).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and test the fan at all speeds.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation and confirm airflow feels normal.
• If you hear a new ticking noise, the filter may not be seated—recheck installation.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15-$40 (parts only)

You Save: $40-$140 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 below to add everything to your cart.