🔧 ILX - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your ILX cabin air filter cleans the air coming through the HVAC vents (heat/AC). Replacing it helps airflow, reduces musty smells, and keeps dust/pollen out of the cabin.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.25-0.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the car.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear of the glove box hinges while lowering it.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight
• Plastic trim removal tool (specialty)

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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 for more room.
• Empty the glove box so nothing falls out.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and clear the glove box

• Open the glove box fully and remove any items.
• Use a flashlight to look along the right side for the glove box “damper” arm (a small support arm that slows the glove box from dropping).

Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper arm

• Use a plastic trim removal tool (specialty) to gently pop the damper arm off its small peg on the glove box.
• Go slow to avoid breaking the clip.

Step 3: Drop the glove box down

• With the glove box open, use your hands to press the left and right sides of the glove box inward.
• This lets the “stops” clear the dash opening so the glove box can swing down farther.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter cover

• Behind the glove box, locate the rectangular cabin filter housing.
• Use your fingers or the plastic trim removal tool (specialty) to release the tabs on the cover, then pull the cover off.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Slide the filter straight out of the housing.
• Wear nitrile gloves—it can be dusty.

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Check the airflow direction marking on the filter (usually an arrow that says “AIR FLOW”).
• Install it in the same direction as the old one (commonly the arrow points down on this style of housing).
• Slide the filter in gently so it doesn’t fold or snag.

Step 7: Reassemble the glove box

• Reinstall the filter cover by pressing it in until the tabs click.
• Lift the glove box back up and again press the sides inward to get the stops past the opening.
• Reconnect the damper arm by pressing it back onto its peg.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the car and run the fan at different speeds to confirm strong airflow.
• Make sure the glove box opens/closes smoothly and doesn’t “free-fall.”
• If you hear a rattle, recheck that the filter cover tabs are fully clicked in.

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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 0.3-0.5 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.