🔧 Cherokee - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your Cherokee’s cabin air filter cleans the air coming through the HVAC (heat/AC) vents. Replacing it helps airflow and reduces dust, odors, and fogging.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.3-0.6 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• Avoid pushing or striking panels hard on the passenger side (airbag area).
• Wear eye protection—dust and debris can fall when the filter is removed.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Trim panel removal tool
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Cabin air filter - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Move the passenger seat back to give yourself room.
• Empty the glove box so nothing falls out when it drops down.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the glove box area

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• Use a flashlight to look under/behind the glove box so you can see the filter cover area clearly.

Step 2: Lower the glove box

• Open the glove box fully using your hands.
• On the right side, gently unhook the glove box “damper” (the small arm/strap that slows the glove box). Use a trim panel removal tool to help pry it off gently if it’s tight. Damper = the little slow-down arm.
• Push the glove box sides inward by hand to clear the built-in stops, then let the glove box swing down.

Step 3: Remove the cabin filter access door

• With the glove box down, use the flashlight to locate the cabin filter cover door behind it.
• Use the trim panel removal tool to help release the cover tabs (if needed), then remove the cover by hand.

Step 4: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Pull the filter straight out by hand. Go slowly—leaves and dust may fall.
• Use the flashlight to check inside the filter slot for debris.

Step 5: Install the new cabin air filter

• Compare the new and old filter to confirm the same size.
• Install the new filter by hand with the airflow arrow pointing down (toward the floor). Arrow = direction air flows.
• Make sure the filter sits flat and fully seated in the housing.

Step 6: Reinstall the access door and glove box

• Reinstall the filter cover by hand until the tabs click into place.
• Lift the glove box back up and push the sides inward by hand to get past the stops.
• Reconnect the damper arm by hand; use the trim panel removal tool only if you need gentle help aligning it.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the blower on medium/high for 30 seconds.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculate to confirm normal airflow and no rattles.
• If you hear ticking or flapping, recheck that the filter is fully seated and the cover is clipped in.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$120 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15-$35 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$85 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.

---

🎯 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.