🔧 Impreza - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your Impreza’s cabin air filter cleans the air coming through the HVAC (heat/AC) vents. Replacing it helps airflow, reduces odors, and keeps dust/pollen out of the cabin.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.3-0.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work with the engine off and key out of the car.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic tabs; they can snap in cold weather.
• ⚠️ 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
• Trim removal tool (plastic)
• 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 switch the ignition OFF.
• Move the passenger seat back for 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 clear the glove box

• Open the glove box fully and remove all items.
• Use a flashlight to look at the right and left sides of the glove box.

Step 2: Release the glove box stops

• Push the glove box sides inward with your hands to clear the “stops” (the plastic ears that prevent it from dropping).
• If it’s tight, gently assist with a trim removal tool (plastic). A trim tool is a plastic pry tool that helps pop panels without scratching.
• Let the glove box swing downward slowly.

Step 3: Unhook the glove box damper (soft-open arm)

• On the right side, find the small damper arm (it slows the glove box as it opens).
• Carefully pop the damper arm off its pin using your fingers or a trim removal tool (plastic).
• Go slow—this clip can break.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter cover

• Behind the glove box, locate the rectangular cabin filter housing.
• Press the tabs on the cover and pull the cover straight off by hand.
• If your cover uses a screw on your trim, remove it with a Phillips screwdriver #2.

Step 5: Pull out the old cabin air filter

• Slide the old filter straight out.
• Keep it level to avoid dumping leaves and dust into the housing.
• Use a flashlight to check for debris inside; remove loose leaves by hand (with nitrile gloves).

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Look for the airflow arrow on the filter frame.
• Install the filter with the arrow pointing down (toward the blower/floor direction on this housing).
• Slide it in evenly so it doesn’t fold or crush.

Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Reinstall the filter cover by pressing until the tabs click in.
• If equipped, snug the screw with a Phillips screwdriver #2 (do not overtighten).
• Reconnect the damper arm by snapping it back onto the pin by hand.
• Lift the glove box back up and push the sides inward again to pass the stops, then close it.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the car and run the fan at different speeds to confirm good airflow.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation to confirm normal operation.
• If you hear a ticking noise, the filter may not be fully seated—recheck the cover and filter alignment.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $70-$150 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $55-$115 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.