🔧 CX-5 - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your cabin air filter cleans the air coming through your A/C and heater vents. Replacing it helps reduce musty smells, improves airflow, 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 around the glove box area.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic tabs—use gentle pressure to avoid breaking trim clips.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Small flat trim 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 passenger seat back to give yourself 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 all items by hand.
• Use a flashlight to look along the sides for the glove box “stops” (plastic tabs that keep it from dropping down).

Step 2: Release the glove box stops

• Gently push the glove box sides inward with your hands to clear the stops, then let the glove box swing downward.
• If a tab is stubborn, use a small flat trim tool to help nudge it—don’t pry hard.
• Slow and steady prevents broken tabs.

Step 3: Disconnect the glove box damper

• On the right side, find the small “damper” arm (a little support piece that makes the glove box open slowly).
• Use a small flat trim tool to gently pop the damper off its pin, then let the glove box hang down. (The damper is just a small support link.)

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter access cover

• Behind the glove box, locate the cabin filter housing cover.
• Use your fingers (or a small flat trim tool if needed) to release the locking tabs and remove the cover.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Slide the old filter straight out by hand.
• Wear nitrile gloves—the filter can be dusty.
• Use a flashlight to check inside the housing for leaves/debris and remove any by hand.

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Look for the airflow arrow on the filter frame.
• Install the new filter in the same direction as the old one (match the airflow arrow direction).
• Make sure it sits flat and slides in without bending.

Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Reinstall the filter housing cover until the tabs click into place.
• Reconnect the glove box damper by pressing it back onto its pin by hand.
• Lift the glove box back up and push the sides inward again to pass the stops, then close it normally.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the fan at different speeds to confirm good airflow.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation to confirm the airflow sounds normal.
• If you hear rattling, reopen the glove box and make sure the damper and cover tabs are fully seated.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $12-$35 (parts only)

You Save: $48-$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?

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.