🔧 RDX - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your A/C and heater pull air through a cabin air filter before it enters the interior. Replacing it helps reduce dust, pollen, and musty smells, and can improve airflow from the vents.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn ignition off and remove the key before working inside the dash.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic panels; they can crack in cold temperatures.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

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

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Cabin air filter - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park your A/C on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Move the passenger seat back to give yourself room at the glove box.
• Have a trash bag ready for debris.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Empty and open the glove box

• Remove items from the glove box so nothing falls out.
• Open the glove box fully.
• Use a flashlight to locate the right-side glove box damper (the small arm that slows the door).

Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper

• Use a plastic trim removal tool to gently pop the damper arm off its peg on the glove box.
• The “damper” is just a small shock/arm.

Step 3: Drop the glove box down

• Press inward on both sides of the glove box to clear the side stops.
• Let the glove box swing downward slowly.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter cover

• Behind the glove box, find the rectangular cabin filter housing.
• Release the cover tabs by hand; if needed, use a plastic trim removal tool to help gently.
• If your cover uses screws (some variants do), remove them with a Phillips #2 screwdriver.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Slide the old filter straight out.
• Keep it level—debris and leaves may fall out.
• Use a flashlight to check inside the housing for leaves; wipe carefully with a gloved hand.

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Put on nitrile gloves if you haven’t already.
• Match the airflow direction arrow on the filter to the housing direction (typically the arrow points down toward the blower motor on your RDX).
• Slide the filter in straight without bending it.
• If it won’t slide in, it’s flipped or crooked.

Step 7: Reassemble the glove box

• Reinstall the cabin filter cover until the tabs click in (or tighten screws with a Phillips #2 screwdriver snugly).
• Lift the glove box back up and push the sides inward again to pass the stops.
• Reconnect the damper arm by pressing it back onto its peg.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the blower fan on medium to confirm good airflow and no rattles.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation to ensure normal operation.
• If you hear whistling, re-seat the filter cover.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $15-$45 (parts only)

You Save: $65-$115 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.6 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.