🔧 NX - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your NX’s cabin air filter cleans the air coming through the HVAC (heat/AC) system before it reaches the vents. Replacing it helps reduce dust/pollen smells and can improve airflow if the old filter is clogged.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and keep the key/fob away from the vehicle.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic tabs; they can snap 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
• 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.
• Have a trash bag ready for debris.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Clear and open the glove box

• Remove items from the glove box by hand so nothing falls out.
• Open the glove box fully.
• Use a flashlight to look at the right side of the glove box for the small “damper” arm (a small soft-close link that controls how fast the glove box drops).

Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper

• Using your fingers (wear nitrile gloves), gently pop the damper arm off its pin on the glove box.
• Pull straight outward—don’t twist.

Step 3: Release the glove box stops and lower it

• Press inward on both sides of the glove box to clear the built-in “stops” (these are the plastic bumps that prevent it from dropping all the way).
• Let the glove box swing downward to expose the cabin filter access door behind it.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter access door

• Locate the rectangular filter cover behind the glove box.
• Squeeze the tabs on the cover and pull it straight off by hand.
• Use a flashlight to confirm you can see the filter tray/edge.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Pull the filter straight out by hand.
• Keep it level to avoid dumping leaves and dust.
• Check the filter slot for leaves/debris and wipe out loose dirt by hand (with nitrile gloves).

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Look for the airflow arrow on the new filter.
• Install it in the same direction as the old one (airflow arrow should match how the original was oriented).
• Slide it in fully until it seats evenly—no bending or forcing.

Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Reinstall the filter access door by hand until the tabs click.
• Lift the glove box back up and press the sides inward again to pass the stops back into place.
• Reconnect the damper arm by pressing it back onto its pin by hand.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and run the blower fan on medium, then high, to confirm normal airflow and no rattles.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation to ensure everything sounds normal behind the glove box.
• If you notice a musty smell, run A/C for a few minutes, then fan-only for 1 minute to dry the evaporator.

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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 0.2-0.5 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.