🔧 Renegade - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your Renegade’s cabin air filter cleans the air going through the heater and A/C. Replacing it helps reduce dust, odors, and weak airflow, and it can prevent the blower fan from working harder than it needs to.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn ignition OFF and remove the key before working under the dash.
• ⚠️ Don’t force the glovebox—plastic tabs can crack if over-bent.
• ⚠️ 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 (plastic)
• Phillips screwdriver #2
• Torx T20 driver
• Flashlight
• 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 on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Move the passenger seat back to give yourself more room.
• Empty the glovebox so nothing falls out when it drops.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and clear the glovebox

• Open the glovebox fully and remove all items by hand.
• Use a flashlight to look along the right side of the glovebox for the “dampener” arm (a small strap that slows the glovebox).
• Keep one hand supporting the glovebox.

Step 2: Disconnect the glovebox dampener

• If the dampener clip is tight, gently pry it off using a trim removal tool (plastic).
• If your dampener uses a small screw, remove it with a Phillips screwdriver #2 or Torx T20 driver (use whichever fits).
• Let the dampener arm hang free.

Step 3: Drop the glovebox down

• Push in on both sides of the glovebox (near the top edges) with your hands to clear the built-in stops.
• Lower the glovebox slowly until it swings down toward the passenger footwell.
• Go slowly to avoid stressing the hinges.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter access door

• Behind the glovebox, locate the cabin filter cover (a rectangular door on the HVAC housing).
• Press the locking tabs and pull the cover off by hand. If needed, use a trim removal tool (plastic) to help release a stubborn tab.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Pull the filter straight out by hand.
• Keep it level as you remove it to avoid dumping leaves and dust.
• Use a flashlight to check the filter slot for debris, then wipe it with a gloved hand if needed.

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Check the airflow arrow on the new filter frame.
• Install it in the same direction the old one came out (airflow direction is typically toward the rear of the vehicle, into the blower housing).
• Slide the filter in evenly so it doesn’t fold or pinch.
• If it fights you, don’t force it.

Step 7: Reinstall the access door and glovebox

• Reinstall the cabin filter cover by hand until the tabs click into place.
• Lift the glovebox back up and push the sides inward to pass the stops back into position.
• Reconnect the dampener arm by hand, or reinstall its fastener using a Phillips screwdriver #2 or Torx T20 driver.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the blower on medium, then high, to confirm normal airflow.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation to confirm the air sounds normal (no fluttering or ticking).
• If you notice a musty smell, run A/C on fresh air for a few minutes to help dry the system.

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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.