🔧 Impala - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your Impala’s cabin air filter cleans the air going through the HVAC system (heat/AC). Replacing it helps reduce musty smells, improves airflow, and keeps dust/pollen out of 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.
• 🧊 If you just used heat/AC, wait a few minutes so parts aren’t hot.
• 👓 Work gently around the glove box so you don’t crack plastic tabs.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Trim removal tool (plastic) (specialty)
• 7mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• Short 1/4" extension
• 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.
• 📦 Empty the glove box so nothing falls out when it drops down.
• 🔦 Have your flashlight ready—you’ll be working under the dash on the passenger side.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and lower the glove box

• Open the glove box fully by hand.
• Look at the right side for the glove box damper arm (a small strap/arm that slows the glove box). Use your trim removal tool (plastic) (specialty) to gently pop it off its pin if needed. Damper arm = the little “slow-down” connector.
• Gently push in on the glove box sides (left and right) with your hands to clear the stops, then let the glove box swing down.

Step 2: Access the cabin filter door

• With the glove box lowered, look behind it toward the center—this is the cabin filter housing.
• If your housing has a small retaining screw(s), remove it using a 7mm socket with a 1/4" ratchet and short 1/4" extension.
• Remove the cabin filter access cover by releasing the tabs by hand (use the trim removal tool (plastic) (specialty) only if needed).

Step 3: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Pull the filter straight out by hand. Use a flashlight to see the filter edges clearly.
• Note the airflow direction arrow printed on the old filter (this must match when installing the new one).
• Tip: Pull slowly to avoid dumping leaves/debris into the blower area.

Step 4: Install the new cabin air filter

• Slide the new filter into the housing by hand.
• Make sure the filter’s airflow arrow points the same direction as the original (usually toward the blower/motor side of the housing).
• Ensure it seats fully and sits flat (no bent corners).

Step 5: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Reinstall the cabin filter cover by hand until the tabs click into place.
• If removed, reinstall any retaining screw(s) using the 7mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and short 1/4" extension (snug only—do not over-tighten plastic).
• Lift the glove box back up and push the sides in to pass the stops, then close it.
• Reconnect the glove box damper arm by hand (use the trim removal tool (plastic) (specialty) gently if needed).

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✅ After Repair

• 🌬️ Start your Impala and run the fan on medium. Confirm airflow is strong and there are no new rattles.
• 👃 If there was a musty smell, it may take a day or two to fully clear.
• 🗓️ Write the date/mileage on the filter box so you remember when it was changed.

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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.