🔧 Altima - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your Altima’s cabin air filter cleans the air coming through the A/C and heater vents. Replacing it helps airflow and reduces dust and odors inside the car.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Park on level ground and turn the ignition fully OFF.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic tabs—if it won’t move, re-check the release points.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Flashlight
• Trim removal tool (plastic)
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• 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

• Park your Altima on a flat surface and set the parking brake.
• Move the passenger seat back to give yourself room to work.
• Empty the glove box so nothing falls out when it drops down.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and prep the glove box

• Open the glove box and remove any contents.
• Use a flashlight to look along the right side of the glove box for the small “damper” arm (a little slow-down strap that controls how the glove box opens).

Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper arm

• Gently pry the damper arm off its pin using a trim removal tool (plastic).
• Tip: Pry close to the pin to avoid bending.

Step 3: Drop the glove box down

• With the glove box still open, press inward on both side walls of the glove box to clear the rubber “stops.”
• Once both sides clear, let the glove box swing downward toward the floor.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter access door

• Behind the dropped glove box, locate the rectangular cabin filter cover on the HVAC housing.
• Remove the cover by releasing its tabs by hand; if a screw is present on your Altima, remove it using a Phillips #2 screwdriver.

Step 5: Remove the old filter

• Slide the old filter straight out.
• Note the airflow direction marking on the filter (usually an arrow). Use the flashlight to confirm the arrow direction before you pull it all the way out.

Step 6: Install the new filter

• Put on nitrile gloves to keep the new filter clean.
• Slide the new cabin air filter into the slot in the same orientation as the old one, matching the airflow arrow direction.
• Make sure it seats fully and isn’t folded or buckled.

Step 7: Reinstall cover and glove box

• Reinstall the cabin filter cover until it clicks; if equipped, tighten the screw using a Phillips #2 screwdriver (snug only).
• Lift the glove box back up and press the sides inward again so the stops pass into position.
• Reconnect the damper arm to its pin by pushing it on by hand (use the trim removal tool (plastic) only if needed).

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✅ After Repair

• Start your Altima and run the blower fan on medium, then high, to confirm strong airflow.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation to ensure no rattles from the glove box area.
• If you notice a musty smell, run A/C for a few minutes on fresh air to help clear the housing.

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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 0.3-0.6 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.