🔧 Grand Cherokee - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

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

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before working under the dash.
• ⚠️ Use gentle pressure on plastic tabs; they can snap if forced.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Trim removal tool (plastic)
• Phillips screwdriver
• 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 set the parking brake.
• Move the front passenger seat back to give yourself space.
• Empty the glove box so nothing falls out when it drops down.

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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 fully.
• On the right side, unhook the glove box damper arm (the small slow-down strap/arm) from the glove box using a trim removal tool (plastic). It just pops off with light prying.
• Push inward on both glove box side walls with your hands to clear the built-in stops, then let the glove box swing downward.

Step 2: Remove the cabin filter access door

• Look behind the dropped glove box for the rectangular cabin filter cover.
• Release the cover tabs by hand; if tight, use a trim removal tool (plastic) to gently help the tabs.
• If your cover uses screws, remove them with a Phillips screwdriver and set them aside.
• Use a flashlight to confirm the filter orientation before pulling it out.

Step 3: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Slide the filter straight out by hand. Wear nitrile gloves if it’s dusty.
• Note the airflow direction marking (usually an arrow on the filter frame). Take a quick photo for reference.

Step 4: Install the new cabin air filter

• Insert the new filter in the same direction as the old one (match the airflow arrow).
• Make sure it seats fully and isn’t folded or caught on the housing edges.

Step 5: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Reinstall the filter access door by snapping the tabs back in place by hand.
• If screws were present, reinstall with a Phillips screwdriver (snug only; do not overtighten plastic).
• Lift the glove box back up, push the sides inward again to pass the stops, then close it.
• Reconnect the glove box damper arm using your hands; if needed, guide it with the trim removal tool (plastic).

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✅ After Repair

• Start your Grand Cherokee and run the HVAC fan on medium to confirm strong airflow.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation to confirm there are no new rattles behind the glove box.
• If you still have a musty smell, run the A/C for a few minutes and consider an HVAC evaporator cleaner service.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $65-$115 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.6 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.