🔧 Altima - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your Altima’s cabin air filter cleans the air going through the heater and A/C. Replacing it helps airflow, reduces odors, 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/fob from the car.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic panels; they can crack, especially when cold.
• ⚠️ Wear gloves if you’re sensitive to dust/mold from the old filter.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Trim panel removal tool
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves

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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 for more working room.
• Open the glove box and remove any items so nothing falls out.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the cabin filter access

• Use a flashlight and look behind/under the glove box area on the passenger side.
• You’re looking for a small rectangular filter door (access cover) on the HVAC housing.

Step 2: Drop the glove box (for access)

• Open the glove box all the way.
• On the right side, disconnect the glove box “damper” arm (the small shock-like strap that slows the glove box). Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pop it off if needed. Go slow; it’s easy to snap.
• Gently push the glove box sides inward to clear the stops, then let the glove box swing down.

Step 3: Remove the cabin filter access cover

• Use a trim panel removal tool (or small flathead screwdriver) to release the tabs on the filter door.
• Pull the access cover straight off and set it aside.

Step 4: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Slide the old filter straight out.
• If it’s tight, wiggle it slightly while pulling—don’t rip the plastic housing.

Step 5: Install the new cabin air filter

• Check the airflow arrow on the new filter.
• Install it in the same direction as the old one came out (airflow arrow should match the marking on the housing if shown).
• Slide it in evenly so it doesn’t fold or crush.

Step 6: Reinstall the access cover and glove box

• Reinstall the filter door until the tabs click in place.
• Lift the glove box back up and push the sides inward again to pass the stops.
• Reconnect the damper arm on the right side (press it back onto its pin).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and run the blower on all speeds to confirm strong airflow.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculate to make sure nothing is rattling behind the glove box.
• If you hear a ticking noise, the filter may not be seated flat—recheck the access cover and filter position.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$160 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $40-$140 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.