🔧 Compass - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

The cabin air filter cleans the air going into your A/C and heater. Replacing it helps reduce dust, odors, and weak airflow, and it can stop the blower fan from getting noisy or overworked.

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 the glovebox past its stops; the plastic can crack.
• ⚠️ Wear safety glasses—dust and debris can fall when the filter door opens.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Flashlight
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Shop vacuum

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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, set the parking brake, and turn the ignition OFF.
• Move the passenger seat back to give yourself more room.
• Have your flashlight ready—this area is dark under the dash.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Clear out the glovebox

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• Open the glovebox and remove everything inside so nothing falls out.
• Use your flashlight to locate the glovebox sides and the small “damper” on the right side (the damper is a small strap/arm that slows the glovebox).

Step 2: Lower the glovebox

• If the glovebox has side “stops,” gently push the glovebox sides inward by hand so it can swing down farther.
• If a small damper/strap is attached on the right side, carefully pop it off using a plastic trim removal tool (go slow to avoid breaking the clip).
• Let the glovebox swing down fully to expose the cabin filter access area behind it.

Step 3: Remove the cabin filter access cover

• Use your flashlight to find the rectangular cabin filter door behind the glovebox.
• Release the tabs by hand or with a plastic trim removal tool, then remove the cover.
• Tip: Keep one hand under it. Dust may drop when it opens.

Step 4: Remove the old filter

• Pull the old filter straight out by hand.
• Note the airflow direction arrow printed on the filter frame (you’ll match this on the new one).
• Use a shop vacuum to gently vacuum loose leaves/dust from the filter housing opening.

Step 5: Install the new filter

• Check the arrow on the new filter and install it in the same airflow direction as the old one.
• Slide the filter in evenly. If it bunches up, pull it out and reinsert—don’t force it.

Step 6: Reinstall the cover and glovebox

• Reinstall the cabin filter door by hand until the tabs click into place.
• Reattach the glovebox damper/strap if you removed it (use your plastic trim removal tool only if needed to guide the clip).
• Lift the glovebox back up and make sure it sits on its stops normally.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and run the fan on medium for 30 seconds to confirm strong airflow and no rattles.
• Switch between A/C and heat to confirm normal operation.
• If you hear a ticking/rubbing noise, the filter may be slightly mis-seated—reopen the cover and reseat it.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $65-$125 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.