🔧 Accent - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your A/C and heater pull air through the cabin air filter before it enters the interior. Replacing a dirty filter helps airflow, reduces musty smells, and keeps dust/pollen down inside 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 if bent too far.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight
• Trim removal tool (plastic)

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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 to the glove box area.
• Have a trash bag ready for debris.

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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 it doesn’t fall out.
• Use a flashlight to look along the right side of the glove box for the small “damper” arm (a little strap that slows the glove box).

Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper

• Use a trim removal tool (plastic) to gently pop the damper arm off its pin on the right side.
• Damper arm = a small link that keeps the glove box from dropping fast.

Step 3: Drop the glove box down

• Press inward on both sides of the glove box to clear the side stops.
• Once the stops clear, let the glove box swing down toward the floor.
• Press evenly—don’t twist the glove box.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter cover

• Behind the glove box, locate the rectangular cabin filter housing.
• Release the tabs on the cover by hand (or gently with the trim removal tool (plastic)), then pull the cover off.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Put on nitrile gloves and pull the filter straight out.
• Keep it level so trapped leaves/dust don’t spill into the blower area.

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Check the airflow arrow on the filter frame.
• Install it in the same direction as the old one (typically airflow points downward toward the blower).
• Slide the filter in until it seats fully—don’t crush or fold it.

Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Reinstall the housing cover and press 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 using the trim removal tool (plastic) if needed to align it.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the blower on medium-high for 30 seconds.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation and confirm airflow is strong and quiet.
• If you hear a fluttering noise, the filter may be installed backward or not fully seated—recheck fit.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $12-$35 (parts only)

You Save: $48-$105 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.