🔧 Grand Cherokee - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your cabin air filter cleans the air entering the HVAC system (heat/AC). 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 starting.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of glove box hinges while lowering it.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Trim removal tool
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves

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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.
• Have a trash bag ready for the dirty filter.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and empty the glove box

• Open the glove box and remove anything inside so nothing falls out.
• Use a flashlight to look along the right side of the glove box for the soft-open damper arm (a small strap/arm that slows the glove box).

Step 2: Release the glove box stops

• With the glove box open, gently push inward on both side walls of the glove box to clear the built-in “stops.”
• Lower the glove box downward slowly.
• Push one side at a time if needed.

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

• If the glove box doesn’t drop far enough, disconnect the damper arm on the right side.
• Use a trim removal tool to gently pry the damper clip off its pin (don’t force it).

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter access door

• Behind the glove box, find the cabin filter cover (rectangular access door).
• Release the tabs by hand; if tight, use a trim removal tool to help press/pry the tab carefully.
• If your cover uses screws, remove them with a Phillips screwdriver.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Slide the filter straight out.
• Keep it level as you pull it to avoid dumping leaves/dust into the housing.
• Use a flashlight to check the housing for debris.

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Put on nitrile gloves and slide the new filter into the housing.
• Match the airflow direction arrow on the filter to the airflow direction marked on the housing/cover.
• Make sure it seats fully and isn’t bent or folded.

Step 7: Reassemble the glove box

• Reinstall the cabin filter access door until the tabs click in place (or reinstall screws with a Phillips screwdriver).
• Reconnect the glove box damper arm if you removed it (press it back onto the pin).
• Lift the glove box back up and push in on the sides again to pass the stops, then close it.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the fan at different speeds to confirm strong airflow and no rattles.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation to verify normal HVAC operation.
• If there’s a musty smell at first, run the fan on fresh air for a few minutes.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$160 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $65-$115 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.