🔧 Grand Cherokee - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your A/C and heat pull air through the cabin air filter before it reaches the vents. Replacing a clogged filter improves airflow, reduces odors, and helps keep dust and pollen out of the cabin.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn ignition OFF and remove the key before working under the glove box.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic tabs; they can snap if bent too far.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Flashlight
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• 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 your Grand Cherokee 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.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the glove box

• Use your hands to open the glove box fully.
• Use a flashlight to look at the sides of the glove box for the “stops” (the molded side bumps that keep it from dropping down).

Step 2: Drop the glove box down

• Use your hands to gently press the glove box sides inward (left and right) to clear the stops.
• Let the glove box rotate downward slowly.
• Go slow—plastic gets brittle with age.

Step 3: Locate the cabin filter access door

• Use a flashlight to find the rectangular filter cover directly behind the lowered glove box.
• If a side damper strap is in your way, use a small flat-blade screwdriver to gently pry it off its peg (a “damper” is a small strap that slows the glove box opening).

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter cover

• Use a plastic trim removal tool (a non-marring pry tool) or your fingers to release the cover tabs.
• Pull the cover straight off and set it aside.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Use nitrile gloves and pull the filter straight out.
• Use a flashlight to note the airflow direction arrow on the old filter (you’ll match it on the new one).

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Use a flashlight to find the airflow direction marking on the HVAC housing (or match the old filter’s direction).
• Slide the new filter in the same direction as the airflow arrow, keeping it straight so it doesn’t buckle.
• If it jams, don’t force it—re-align and retry.

Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Snap the filter cover back on using your hands (you should feel the tabs click).
• If removed, reattach the damper strap using your hands (or guide it with the small flat-blade screwdriver gently).
• Lift the glove box back up and use your hands to squeeze the sides inward again so it passes the stops and closes normally.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the HVAC on medium fan speed.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculate and confirm airflow is strong and steady.
• If you hear a ticking or fluttering noise, the filter may not be seated flat—recheck installation.

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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 0.3-0.5 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.