🔧 Impreza - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your cabin air filter cleans the air coming through the HVAC vents (heat/AC). Replacing it helps airflow and reduces dust, odors, and fogging inside your Impreza.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn ignition off and remove the key before working under the dash.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic tabs—Subaru interior clips can crack if pried hard.
• ⚠️ Wear gloves if you’re sensitive to dust/mold from the old filter.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

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

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Cabin air filter - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and turn the ignition fully off.
• Open the passenger door for easier access to the glove box area.
• Move anything out of the glove box so it doesn’t fall out.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Empty and open the glove box

• Open the glove box and remove all contents by hand.
• Use a flashlight to look at the right and left sides of the glove box for the “stops” (the parts that prevent it from dropping down).

Step 2: Lower the glove box door

• Gently push in on the glove box sides with your hands to clear the stops and allow the glove box to swing down.
• If a small damper strap is attached on the right side, gently pop it off using a plastic trim removal tool. Go slow—don’t snap the clip.

Step 3: Locate the cabin filter access door

• Behind the lowered glove box, find the rectangular cabin filter cover on the HVAC box.
• Use a flashlight to confirm the cover and the direction arrow/markings.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter cover

• Release the cover tabs by hand; if tight, carefully help the tab with a plastic trim removal tool.
• On some setups, a small screw may be present—remove it with a Phillips #2 screwdriver.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• Slide the filter straight out by hand, keeping it level so debris doesn’t spill.

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Check the airflow arrow on the filter frame (this shows which way air moves).
• Install the filter in the same orientation as the old one (typically the arrow points “down” into the blower path on this layout).
• Push it in evenly by hand until fully seated. If it bunches, pull and re-square it.

Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Reinstall the cabin filter cover by hand until the tabs click into place.
• If removed, reinstall the screw with a Phillips #2 screwdriver (snug, do not overtighten).
• Reattach the glove box damper strap (if equipped) by hand.
• Lift the glove box back up and gently push in the sides by hand to pass the stops, then close it normally.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the fan on high for 30 seconds to confirm strong airflow and no rattles.
• Switch between fresh-air and recirculation modes to verify the glove box area stays quiet.
• If you notice a whistle, reopen and make sure the filter is fully seated and not folded.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$150 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $45-$135 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.

---

🎯 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.