🔧 WRX - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your WRX’s cabin air filter cleans the air coming into the heater and A/C. Replacing it helps airflow, reduces odors, and keeps dust and 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 under the dash.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic tabs; they can crack in cold weather.
• ⚠️ 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
• Flashlight
• Plastic trim removal tool

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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.
• Open the passenger door for easier access.
• Empty the glove box so nothing falls out.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the cabin filter access behind the glove box

• Use a flashlight to look behind/above the glove box area on the passenger side.
• The cabin filter sits in a rectangular housing behind the glove box.

Step 2: Lower the glove box

• Open the glove box fully.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool to gently help release the glove box “stops” (the small built-in tabs that keep the glove box from dropping all the way).
• Push the glove box sides inward by hand so the stops clear, then let the glove box swing downward.
• Go slow—tabs can snap if forced.

Step 3: Remove the cabin filter cover

• With the glove box lowered, use your flashlight to find the cabin filter door/cover on the HVAC box.
• Release the cover tabs by hand (or gently with the plastic trim removal tool) and pull the cover straight off.

Step 4: Pull out the old cabin air filter

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Slide the old filter straight out of the slot.
• Keep it level to avoid dumping leaves/dust into the housing.

Step 5: Install the new cabin air filter (correct direction)

• Check the airflow arrow printed on the filter frame.
• Install the new filter with the arrow pointing in the same direction the old one was installed (usually “airflow down” toward the blower).
• Slide it in smoothly until it seats fully—don’t bend the filter.

Step 6: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Reinstall the cabin filter cover by hand until the tabs click into place.
• Lift the glove box back up and push the sides inward so the stops pass back into position.
• Close and open the glove box once to confirm it moves normally.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the blower fan at all speeds to confirm strong airflow and no rattles.
• Turn on A/C and heat briefly to make sure air direction and fan operation are normal.
• If you hear leaf/debris noise, remove the filter again and vacuum the housing before reinstalling.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$130 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15-$40 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$90 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.