🔧 Impreza - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your cabin air filter cleans the air coming through the HVAC vents. Replacing it helps reduce dust/pollen smells and can improve airflow from the fan.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the car.
• ⚠️ Be gentle with glove box tabs—plastic can crack if forced.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Plastic trim removal tool (specialty)
• Flashlight

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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 front passenger seat back for working room.
• Empty the glove box so nothing falls out.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and release the glove box

• Open the glove box fully.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool (specialty) to gently pry the small damper arm off its peg on the right side (the damper is a small “slow-open” strap/arm).
• Press the glove box sides inward by hand to clear the two stop tabs, then let the glove box swing downward.
• Push sides in slowly to avoid cracking tabs.

Step 2: Remove the cabin filter access door

• Behind the lowered glove box, find the rectangular cabin filter housing door.
• Use your fingers or a plastic trim removal tool (specialty) to release the clips and pull the door straight off.
• Use a flashlight if visibility is tight.

Step 3: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Pull the filter straight out of the slot.
• Wear nitrile gloves—the old filter can be dusty.
• Note the airflow direction arrow printed on the filter frame (you’ll match this on the new one).

Step 4: Install the new cabin air filter

• Slide the new cabin air filter into the housing the same way the old one came out.
• Make sure the airflow arrow matches the housing direction (typically arrow pointing down toward the floor).
• Push it in evenly so it seats flat and doesn’t buckle.

Step 5: Reinstall the access door and glove box

• Reinstall the filter housing door by aligning it and pressing until the clips click.
• Lift the glove box back up, press the sides inward to pass the stop tabs, and close it.
• Reattach the right-side damper arm to its peg by pushing it on by hand.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the car and run the HVAC fan on medium, then high, to confirm normal airflow and no rattles.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculation to make sure the glove box area stays quiet.
• If you notice a whistle, reopen and confirm the filter is fully seated and not bent.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $70-$150 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $55-$110 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.