🔧 Fit - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your Fit’s cabin air filter cleans the air going through the heater and A/C. Replacing it helps reduce musty smells, improves airflow, and keeps dust/pollen out of the cabin.

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 near the glove box.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic clips; they can crack in cold weather.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Trim removal tool
• Phillips screwdriver #2
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves

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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 your Fit on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Move any items out of the glove box so nothing falls behind the dashboard.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and empty the glove box

• Open the glove box and remove everything inside.
• Use a flashlight to look at the sides and right-side damper area.

Step 2: Unhook the glove box damper (right side)

• Locate the small “damper” arm on the right side (it’s a little shock/strap that slows the glove box). Use a trim removal tool to gently pry it off the glove box pin.
• Go slow—this clip is easy to snap.

Step 3: Drop the glove box down

• Press the glove box sides inward with your hands to clear the rubber/plastic stops.
• Let the glove box swing downward toward the floor.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter cover

• Behind the glove box you’ll see a rectangular filter housing cover.
• Pinch the cover tabs and pull the cover straight off. Use a trim removal tool if needed, gently.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin filter

• Slide the old filter straight out of the housing.
• Keep it level so debris doesn’t dump into the blower box.
• Use nitrile gloves if the filter is dirty/moldy.

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

• Look for the airflow arrow on the new filter frame.
• Install it to match the airflow direction shown on the housing/old filter (commonly “AIR FLOW” pointing downward).
• Slide it in smoothly—don’t crush the pleats.

Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Reinstall the filter cover until both tabs click into place.
• Lift the glove box up and push the sides inward again to pass the stops, then let it close normally.
• Reconnect the damper arm on the right side by pressing it back onto the pin (use a trim removal tool only if you need gentle leverage).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the blower fan at all speeds to confirm normal airflow and no rattles.
• If you had a musty smell, run A/C for a few minutes and confirm the odor improves.
• Write the date/mileage on the filter edge.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $15-$40 (parts only)

You Save: $40-$145 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.