🔧 Altima - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your Altima’s cabin air filter cleans the air that comes through the A/C and heater vents. Replacing it helps reduce dust, odors, and weak airflow, and it can prevent the blower fan from working too hard.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before working near the glove box area.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic panels—tabs can crack if pried too hard.
• ⚠️ Wear a dust mask if you’re sensitive to pollen/dust (old filters can be nasty).

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

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

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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 more 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.
• Use your hands to push in on both sides of the glove box (this clears the built-in stops).
• Let the glove box swing down toward the floor.
• Push gently—plastic flexes, but don’t bend it hard.

Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper (if equipped)

• Look on the right side of the glove box for a small “damper” arm (a little shock-like plastic piece that slows the glove box).
• Use a small flat trim tool to pop the damper off its peg (gentle twist).
• If it uses a screw instead, remove it with a Phillips screwdriver #2.
• A flashlight helps you see the clip/peg clearly.

Step 3: Find the cabin filter access door

• With the glove box lowered, look behind it toward the center area (HVAC housing).
• Use a flashlight to locate the rectangular cabin filter cover/door.

Step 4: Remove the filter cover

• Release the cover tabs by hand. If it’s tight, use the small flat trim tool to gently help the tab move.
• Pull the cover straight off and set it aside.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin filter

• Slide the filter out of the slot by hand.
• Keep it level as you pull it out to avoid dumping debris.

Step 6: Install the new cabin filter (correct direction)

• Check the airflow arrow on the new filter frame.
• Install it in the same direction as the old one came out. If there’s an airflow marking on the HVAC case, match it.
• Slide the filter in until it seats fully (don’t crush or fold it).
• If it won’t slide, it’s usually flipped wrong.

Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Reinstall the filter cover by pressing it in until the tabs click.
• Reconnect the damper arm (if you removed it) by pushing it back onto the peg, or reinstall the screw using a Phillips screwdriver #2.
• Lift the glove box back up and push the sides in again to pass the stops back into place.
• Close the glove box.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the blower on all speeds to confirm normal airflow and no rattles.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation and listen for any unusual noises (a cover not fully clipped can buzz).
• If your new filter is a charcoal/odor type, expect the smell to improve over the next few drives.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $45-$95 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.