🔧 Regal - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your A/C and heater pull air through a cabin air filter before it comes out of the vents. Replacing it helps airflow, reduces odors, and keeps dust/pollen out of the cabin.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn ignition OFF and remove the key before working under the dash.
• ⚠️ Avoid pressing on wiring or yellow airbag connectors under the glovebox area.
• ⚠️ Use a flashlight so you don’t force plastic tabs and break them.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight
• Trim removal tool set (plastic)
• 7mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 6" extension (1/4" drive)
• Torx T20 screwdriver
• Small flathead screwdriver

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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, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Move the passenger seat back to give yourself space.
• Assumption: Cabin filter access is behind the glove box (most Regals). If your A4-style access door is visible without removing the glove box, use the “access door” steps below.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Clear out the glove box

• Remove all items so nothing falls behind the dash.
• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.

Step 2: Remove the passenger-side lower dash panel (if equipped)

• Use a flashlight to look under the glovebox for a lower hush/insulator panel.
• If there are screws, remove them with a 7mm socket, 1/4" drive ratchet, and 6" extension.
• If there are clips, gently pry them free using a trim removal tool set (plastic).
• Set the panel and fasteners aside.

Step 3: Drop the glove box for access

• Open the glove box fully.
• On the right side, disconnect the glove box “damper” (the small arm that slows it down) using a small flathead screwdriver to pop it off gently. (A damper is a small shock-like arm that makes the glove box open slowly.)
• Push in on both glove box side walls to clear the built-in stops, then let the glove box swing downward.
• If your glove box has hinge screws instead of swing-down stops, remove the hinge screws with a Torx T20 screwdriver and lift the glove box out.

Step 4: Open the cabin filter cover

• Behind the glove box, locate the rectangular cabin filter access cover.
• Release the cover tabs by hand; if tight, use the trim removal tool set (plastic) to help without gouging plastic.
• Remove the cover and set it aside.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin filter

• Slowly slide the old filter straight out.
• Keep it level to avoid dumping leaves and dust.
• Tip: Vacuum the filter box if dirty.

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

• Look for the airflow arrow on the filter frame.
• Install it in the same orientation as the old one (the arrow must match airflow direction marked on the housing, if present).
• Slide the filter fully into place without bending it.

Step 7: Reinstall the filter cover

• Reinstall the cover and press until the tabs click.
• If your cover uses screws, install them with a Torx T20 screwdriver and Torque to 2 Nm (18 in-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the glove box and lower panel

• Lift the glove box back into place.
• Reconnect the damper arm by pressing it back onto its pin by hand.
• If removed, reinstall hinge screws using a Torx T20 screwdriver and Torque to 2 Nm (18 in-lbs).
• Reinstall the lower hush/insulator panel using a 7mm socket and Torque to 2 Nm (18 in-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Start your A/C and set the fan to high for 30 seconds.
• Confirm airflow is stronger and there are no rattles from the glove box area.
• If you hear a clicking noise, recheck that the filter cover is fully latched.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$180 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $75-$135 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 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.