🔧 Cadenza - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your cabin air filter cleans the air coming through the HVAC vents (A/C and heat). Replacing it helps reduce musty smells, improves airflow, and can help your A/C work more efficiently.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.2-0.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF before working around the glove box area.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic clips—steady pressure prevents breaking them.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Trim clip tool (plastic) (specialty)
• Phillips screwdriver #2
• 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 for more working room.
• 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 fully and remove all contents.
• Use a flashlight to look along the sides for the glove box “stops” (the built-in tabs that keep it from dropping all the way).

Step 2: Release the glove box stops

• Push the glove box sides inward (one side at a time) to clear the stops past the dash opening.
• If it’s tight, use a trim clip tool (plastic) (specialty) to gently help the side edge move inward. Gentle pressure prevents broken tabs.
• Let the glove box swing downward slowly.

Step 3: Disconnect the glove box damper (if equipped)

• Look for a small “damper” arm on the right side (a small link that slows the glove box). It usually snaps onto a pin.
• Use a trim clip tool (plastic) (specialty) to gently pop the damper off the pin.
• Hold the glove box with your other hand.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter access door

• Behind the glove box, locate the rectangular cabin filter cover on the HVAC case.
• Press the locking tabs and pull the cover straight off by hand. If a screw is present on your cover, remove it using a Phillips screwdriver #2.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Slide the old filter straight out.
• Keep it level to avoid dumping leaves and dust.
• Use a flashlight to check the filter slot for debris; remove loose debris by hand with nitrile gloves.

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Check the airflow direction marking on the filter (usually an arrow and the word “AIR FLOW”).
• Install the new filter in the same direction as the old one (commonly AIR FLOW ↓, meaning air flows downward through the filter in many Kia/Hyundai setups).
• Slide it in smoothly—don’t bend or crush the filter frame.

Step 7: Reinstall the access door and glove box

• Reinstall the cabin filter cover until the tabs click into place. If your cover had a screw, reinstall it with a Phillips screwdriver #2 (snug only; do not overtighten).
• Reattach the glove box damper (if equipped) by snapping it back onto its pin.
• Lift the glove box back up and push the sides inward again so the stops pass the dash opening, then release.
• Close the glove box.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the car and run the fan on medium speed to confirm airflow feels normal.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation to make sure the glove box area isn’t rattling.
• If you notice a musty smell, run A/C on fresh air for a few minutes to help dry the HVAC box.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $15-$45 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$95 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.5 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.