🔧 Kona - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your Kona’s cabin air filter cleans the air that comes through the A/C and heater vents. Replacing it helps reduce dust, bad smells, and weak airflow 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 vehicle.
• ⚠️ If the blower fan was running, wait 1-2 minutes before opening the filter door.
• ⚠️ Do not force the glove box—plastic tabs can crack.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

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

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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.
• Open the passenger door wide so you have room to work.
• Tip: Take a quick photo of the old filter’s direction.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Empty and open the glove box

• Remove anything inside the glove box so it doesn’t fall out.
• Use a flashlight to look along the right and left sides of the glove box for the stop/damper pieces.

Step 2: Unhook the glove box damper (right side)

• On the right side of the glove box, find the small “damper” arm (it slows the glove box from dropping).
• Carefully pop it off using a plastic trim removal tool (specialty) if needed. (A trim tool is a plastic pry tool used to release clips without scratching.)

Step 3: Drop the glove box down

• Push the glove box sides inward (left and right) with your hands to clear the stops.
• Let the glove box swing downward slowly.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter cover

• Behind the glove box, locate the rectangular cabin filter access door.
• Press the locking tabs and pull the cover off by hand. Use a flashlight to see the tabs clearly.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Wear nitrile gloves.
• Slide the old filter straight out.
• Note the airflow arrow on the filter frame and which way it points before removal.

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Slide in the new cabin air filter in the same direction as the old one.
• Make sure it seats fully and isn’t folded or crushed.
• Tip: Airflow arrow usually points down.

Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Reinstall the filter door until it clicks into place.
• Lift the glove box back up and push the sides inward again to pass the stops.
• Reconnect the glove box damper arm on the right side by hand (or with the plastic trim removal tool (specialty) gently).

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✅ After Repair

• Start your Kona and turn the blower fan to medium/high.
• Confirm airflow feels stronger and there are no rattles behind the glove box.
• If you notice a musty smell, run A/C for a few minutes, then switch to fresh air (not recirculation).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹800-₹2,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹400-₹1,200 (parts only)

You Save: ₹400-₹800 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹800-₹2,000/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.