🔧 Grand Cherokee - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your Grand Cherokee’s cabin air filter cleans the air going through the A/C and heater. Replacing it helps airflow, reduces odors, and keeps dust/pollen out of the cabin.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.3-0.7 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• ⚠️ Work gently around the glove box and trim to avoid breaking plastic tabs.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nylon trim removal tool set
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Cabin air filter (2-piece set) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Move the front passenger seat back to give yourself room to work.
• Empty the glove box so nothing falls out when it drops.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and “drop” the glove box

• Open the glove box all the way.
• On the right side, unhook the small glove box damper arm (the little slow-down strap) by gently prying it off its pin using a nylon trim removal tool set.
• Push in on both sides of the glove box (near the side walls) to clear the stops, then let the glove box rotate downward.
• Go slow—plastic stops can snap.

Step 2: Remove the cabin filter access door

• Look behind the glove box for the rectangular cabin filter door.
• Release the locking tabs on the door using your fingers; if tight, use a nylon trim removal tool set carefully to help depress the tabs.
• Remove the door and set it aside.
• Use a flashlight to clearly see the filter orientation.

Step 3: Remove the old cabin filters (two pieces)

• Your Grand Cherokee uses a stacked 2-piece cabin filter setup.
• Pull the first (front) filter straight out by its edge.
• Pull the second (rear) filter straight out.
• Keep note of the airflow direction arrow printed on the filters (it must match on the new ones).

Step 4: Install the new cabin filters (two pieces)

• Put on nitrile gloves to keep the new filters clean.
• Install the rear filter first, sliding it in gently so it stays straight and doesn’t fold.
• Install the front filter second.
• Make sure the airflow arrow on both filters matches the airflow direction marking on the HVAC housing (commonly “DOWN” on this setup).
• If it won’t slide in, don’t force it.

Step 5: Reinstall the access door and glove box

• Reinstall the cabin filter access door and press until the tabs click fully into place.
• Rotate the glove box back up.
• Push the glove box 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 its pin.

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✅ After Repair

• Start your Grand Cherokee and run the blower fan on medium to confirm strong airflow.
• Switch between A/C and heat to confirm no unusual noises (a whistling sound can mean the filters aren’t seated).
• If you still have a musty smell, run fresh air (not recirculate) for a few minutes.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $20-$45 (parts only)

You Save: $70-$135 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.7 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.