🔧 Encore - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

The cabin air filter cleans the air going through your A/C and heater. Replacing it helps airflow, reduces odors, 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 before working near the glove box.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic panels; they can crack in cold weather.
• ⚠️ 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
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• 7mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Flashlight

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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 room.
• Tip: Have a trash bag ready for leaves/dust.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Empty and open the glove box

• Open the glove box and remove anything inside so it doesn’t spill.
• Use a flashlight to locate the small side “damper” arm on the right side (a damper is a small linkage that slows the glove box as it opens).

Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper arm

• Use a plastic trim removal tool to gently pop the damper arm off its pin (don’t pry hard; it should release with light pressure).
• Tip: Support the glove box with your other hand.

Step 3: Lower the glove box fully

• Push inward on both glove box side walls to release the “stops” (the little tabs that keep it from dropping all the way).
• Let the glove box swing down toward the floor.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter access cover

• Behind the lowered glove box, find the rectangular cabin filter cover.
• If your cover uses screws, remove them with a 7mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet (some versions use clips instead).
• If it uses clips, release them carefully using a plastic trim removal tool.
• Pull the cover straight off and set it aside.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Slide the filter straight out.
• Wear nitrile gloves—it may be dusty with leaves/debris.
• Tip: Note the airflow arrow before removal.

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Compare the new filter to the old one (same size and shape).
• Install the new filter in the same direction as the old one, following the airflow arrow on the filter frame.
• Make sure it seats evenly and isn’t folded or pinched.

Step 7: Reinstall the access cover

• Reinstall the cover and snap the clips back in place.
• If screws were used, install them with a 7mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet and snug them down (no heavy tightening; it’s plastic).

Step 8: Reattach the glove box and damper

• Lift the glove box back up and push the sides inward again to pass the stops back into position.
• Reattach the damper arm by pressing it back onto its pin by hand; use a plastic trim removal tool only if needed to guide it.
• Open/close the glove box a couple times to confirm it moves smoothly.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the blower on medium to confirm good airflow.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation to make sure there are no new noises behind the glove box.
• If there’s a musty smell, run A/C for a few minutes; it may clear after a short drive.

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💰 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 0.3-0.6 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.