🔧 Accord - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your Accord’s cabin air filter cleans the air coming through the heater/AC vents. Replacing it restores airflow, reduces musty smells, and helps your blower motor work less.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.2-0.5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before working under the dash.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic clips—use steady pressure to avoid breaking the glove box stops.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Trim clip 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 set the parking brake.
• Open the passenger door for more working room.
• Empty the glove box so nothing falls out.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and clear the glove box

• Open the glove box and remove all items by hand.
• Use a flashlight to look along the left side for a small “damper” arm (a little strap that slows the glove box).

Step 2: Detach the glove box damper arm

• If equipped, gently pry the damper arm off its pin using a trim clip removal tool.
• Work slowly—this plastic can snap.

Step 3: Drop the glove box down

• Push inward on both glove box side walls with your hands to release the built-in stops.
• Let the glove box rotate down toward the floor.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter tray cover

• Behind the lowered glove box, locate the rectangular cabin filter housing.
• Pinch the two side tabs and pull the cover straight off by hand.
• Use a flashlight to confirm the tray orientation before removing it.

Step 5: Pull out the filter tray and remove the old filter

• Slide the filter tray straight out by hand.
• Remove the old filter from the tray and note the airflow arrow (it should point in the same direction as the replacement).
• Wear nitrile gloves if the filter is dusty.

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Install the new cabin air filter into the tray with the airflow arrow matching the original orientation.
• If there’s no arrow, match the old filter’s direction.

Step 7: Reassemble the housing and glove box

• Slide the tray back into the housing by hand until fully seated.
• Reinstall the housing cover by hand until both tabs click.
• Lift the glove box back up, push the sides in again, and let the stops re-seat.
• Reattach the damper arm (if equipped) by pressing it back onto its pin by hand.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the fan at different speeds to confirm strong airflow.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation to ensure the airflow sounds normal.
• If you hear a fluttering noise, re-check that the filter is fully seated in the tray.

---

💰 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 0.2-0.5 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.