🔧 Altima - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

The cabin air filter cleans the air coming through your vents. On your Altima, it is located behind the passenger-side lower dash area and slides into the HVAC housing.

This is a simple beginner-friendly job, but the filter opening is a little tight, so take your time and avoid forcing the new filter.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Park your Altima on level ground and turn the ignition off.
• ⚠️ Do not run the blower fan while the cabin filter is removed.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this repair.
• ⚠️ Work gently around the plastic dash panels; older clips can crack if forced.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Trim removal tool
• 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

• 🚗 Move the front passenger seat all the way back for more working room.
• 🔦 Use a flashlight to see under the passenger-side dash.
• 🧤 Wear gloves because the old filter may contain dust, pollen, and debris.
• 📌 A trim removal tool is a small plastic pry tool used to remove panels without scratching them.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the passenger door and clear the work area

• Use your hands to remove any floor mats or loose items from the passenger footwell.
• Use the flashlight to look under the passenger-side dashboard, near the center console side.
• The cabin filter door is mounted on the HVAC case, which is the black plastic air box behind the dash.

Step 2: Remove the passenger lower side trim panel

• Use the trim removal tool to gently pry the passenger-side lower console trim panel away from the center console area.
• If your Altima has a small retaining screw, use the Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove it.
• Set the trim panel aside where it will not get stepped on.
• Pull straight to avoid bending clips.

Step 3: Find the cabin filter access door

• Use the flashlight to locate the narrow vertical cabin filter cover on the side of the HVAC housing.
• The cover is near the passenger-side center console area, low under the dash.
• Look for a slim rectangular plastic door with a small tab or latch.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter access door

• Use your fingers to press the tab on the cabin filter door.
• If the tab is tight, use the trim removal tool gently to help release it.
• Pull the access door off and set it aside.
• No torque spec applies because this cover clips into place.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Use your fingers to pinch the exposed edge of the cabin air filter.
• Pull the filter out slowly.
• The filter may need to flex slightly as it comes out because the opening is narrow.
• Keep the dirty side facing upward as much as possible to avoid spilling debris.
• Move slowly so debris stays inside.

Step 6: Compare the old and new filters

• Use your hands to place the old and new cabin air filters side by side.
• Make sure the new filter matches the old filter shape and size.
• Check the airflow arrow on the new filter. On your Altima, install the filter with the airflow arrow pointing toward the rear of the vehicle if marked as airflow direction.
• If the filter says “UP” instead of airflow, install it with the “UP” arrow pointing upward.

Step 7: Install the new cabin air filter

• Use your hands to gently compress the new cabin air filter just enough to fit it into the opening.
• Slide it fully into the HVAC housing.
• Make sure the filter is not folded over, crushed, or sticking out of the slot.
• A slight flex is normal.

Step 8: Reinstall the access door

• Use your hands to align the cabin filter access door with the filter opening.
• Press the door into place until the latch clicks.
• If removed, use the Phillips #2 screwdriver to reinstall any small retaining screw snugly.
• Do not overtighten plastic screws. Tighten only until seated.

Step 9: Reinstall the lower trim panel

• Use your hands to align the passenger-side lower trim panel clips with their holes.
• Press the panel back into place until the clips snap in.
• If removed, use the Phillips #2 screwdriver to reinstall the retaining screw snugly.
• No torque spec applies to the plastic trim clip fasteners.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start your Altima and turn the blower fan on low, then medium, then high.
• ✅ Listen for rattling or flapping noises. If you hear one, turn the fan off and recheck that the filter is seated flat.
• ✅ Check airflow from the vents and confirm the A/C and heat controls work normally.
• ✅ Replace the cabin air filter about every 12,000-15,000 miles, or sooner in dusty conditions.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $70-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15-$35 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$105 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?

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