🔧 86 - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your 86’s cabin air filter cleans the air coming through the HVAC (heat/AC) vents. Replacing it helps airflow, reduces musty smells, and keeps dust/pollen out of the cabin.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.25-0.5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🧤 Work with the ignition OFF and key away from the car.
• 🔒 Avoid forcing plastic tabs; they can snap in cold weather.
• 🧹 If the old filter is very dirty, wear a dust mask when pulling it out.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Plastic trim removal tool (non-marring)
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves

---

🔩 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 make sure the car is OFF.
• 📦 Empty the glove box so nothing falls out during removal.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and release the glove box

• Open the glove box fully.
• Use your hands to gently push in on both sides of the glove box to clear the stops, then let it swing down further.
• If it feels tight, use a plastic trim removal tool (non-marring) to help nudge the sides inward gently. Go slow—plastic tabs break easily.

Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper

• On the right side of the glove box, locate the glove box damper (a small arm that slows the glove box so it doesn’t drop).
• Use your fingers to pop the damper arm off its pin, or gently help it with the plastic trim removal tool (non-marring).

Step 3: Access the cabin filter door

• With the glove box lowered, look behind it toward the center; you’ll see the cabin filter housing.
• Use a flashlight to clearly see the filter cover/door.

Step 4: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Release the filter cover tabs using your fingers (or the plastic trim removal tool (non-marring) if needed) and remove the cover.
• Slide the old filter straight out.
• Wear nitrile gloves if it’s dusty, and keep the filter level to avoid dumping debris.

Step 5: Install the new cabin air filter

• Check the airflow direction marking on the filter (often an arrow labeled “AIR FLOW”).
• Install the new filter in the same orientation as the old one.
• Reinstall the filter cover until it clicks into place.

Step 6: Reassemble the glove box

• Reconnect the glove box damper arm by pressing it back onto its pin with your fingers.
• Lift the glove box back up and push the sides inward again so the stops pass their openings.
• Close the glove box and make sure it opens/closes smoothly.

---

✅ After Repair

• 🚗 Start your 86 and turn the fan to medium-high to confirm good airflow.
• 👃 Check for reduced odor and quieter airflow (a clogged filter can whistle).
• 🧾 If your filter had a “next service” sticker, write the date/mileage on the new one.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15-$45 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$95 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.

---

🎯 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.