How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Step-by-step glove box removal, filter direction tips, tools list, and post-install airflow checks for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Step-by-step glove box removal, filter direction tips, tools list, and post-install airflow checks for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
đź”§ Grand Cherokee - Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Your A/C and heat pull air through a cabin air filter before it enters the interior. Replacing it helps airflow, reduces dust/pollen, and can fix musty smells or weak vent output.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.25-0.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before working under the dash.
- ⚠️ Don’t force plastic tabs; they can crack if bent too far.
- ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this job.
đź”§ Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Flashlight
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
- Plastic trim removal tool
- Small flathead screwdriver
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Cabin air filter - Qty: 1
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- Park your Grand Cherokee on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Move the passenger seat back to give yourself room.
- Have a trash bag ready—old filters can be dusty.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Access the glove box area
- Open the glove box and remove any items so nothing falls out.
- Use a flashlight to look behind/under the glove box for the cabin filter access door.
Step 2: Lower the glove box (if needed)
- On many Grand Cherokee trims, the filter door is easiest to reach with the glove box lowered.
- Use a plastic trim removal tool to gently help release the glove box stops (the “stops” are the little built-in limit tabs that keep the glove box from dropping all the way).
- Let the glove box swing downward slowly. Go slow to avoid cracking tabs.
Step 3: Remove the cabin filter access door
- Locate the rectangular filter cover behind the glove box.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently press the cover tabs (only if they’re tight), then remove the cover by hand.
Step 4: Remove the old cabin air filter
- Wear nitrile gloves and pull the filter straight out.
- Keep it level as you remove it so debris doesn’t spill into the housing.
Step 5: Install the new cabin air filter
- Check the airflow arrow on the new filter (it will say “AIR FLOW”).
- Install the new filter in the same direction as the old one came out.
- Slide it fully into the housing without bending it.
Step 6: Reinstall the access door and glove box
- Reinstall the filter cover until the tabs click into place.
- Raise the glove box back up and re-seat the glove box stops by gently pushing the sides inward.
- Use a flashlight to confirm nothing is pinched or misaligned.
âś… After Repair
- Start your Grand Cherokee and set the blower fan to medium and then high to confirm strong airflow.
- Cycle modes (face/floor/defrost) to make sure nothing is rattling behind the glove box.
- If you notice a musty smell, run A/C for a few minutes; the new filter may take a short drive to fully “freshen” the air.
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $80-$160 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $15-$40 (parts only)
You Save: $65-$120 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.
🎯 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.


















