How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2018 Toyota C-HR (Glove Box Access)
Step-by-step instructions with tools list, filter direction tips, safety notes, and post-install checks for 2018, 2019, 2020
How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2018 Toyota C-HR (Glove Box Access)
Step-by-step instructions with tools list, filter direction tips, safety notes, and post-install checks for 2018, 2019, 2020
đź”§ C-HR - Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Your C-HR’s cabin air filter cleans the air going through the heater and A/C vents. Replacing it helps reduce dust/pollen in the cabin and can improve weak airflow or bad odors.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.2-0.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
- ⚠️ Don’t force the glove box—plastic tabs can crack if over-bent.
- ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this job.
đź”§ Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
- Flashlight
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Cabin air filter - Qty: 1
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Move the passenger seat back to give yourself room.
- Empty the glove box so nothing falls out.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open and empty the glove box
- Open the glove box fully.
- Remove anything inside (manuals, papers, etc.).
- Use a flashlight so you can see the right-side damper.
Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper
- On the right side of the glove box, find the small “damper” arm (a little plastic strut that slows the glove box). A damper is a small limiter that prevents the glove box from dropping fast.
- Use your hand (gloves help grip) to pop the damper arm off its pin or unhook it from the glove box.
Step 3: Drop the glove box down
- Gently push in on both sides of the glove box to clear the side stops.
- Let the glove box swing downward to expose the cabin filter housing behind it.
- Go slow—don’t bend the sides too far.
Step 4: Remove the cabin filter cover
- Locate the rectangular filter access door (usually near the center behind the glove box).
- Press the locking tabs and pull the cover straight off by hand.
- Use a flashlight to confirm the tab locations before pulling.
Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter
- Slide the old filter straight out.
- Keep it level to avoid dumping leaves/debris into the blower housing.
- Check the filter for an airflow arrow printed on the side.
Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter
- Insert the new filter in the same orientation as the old one.
- Match the printed arrow on the filter to the housing marking:
- If it says AIR FLOW, the arrow typically points down toward the floor in your C-HR.
- If the housing has an UP marking, align the filter’s UP arrow accordingly.
- Make sure the filter seats fully and doesn’t buckle.
Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box
- Snap the filter cover back on until the tabs click.
- Lift the glove box back up and push in the sides to get past the stops again.
- Reattach the right-side damper arm to its pin/hook.
- Close the glove box and verify it opens/closes smoothly.
âś… After Repair
- Start the engine and run the blower on all speeds.
- Switch between fresh air and recirculation and confirm airflow is normal.
- If you hear a leaf-rattle, the filter may not be seated—recheck Step 6.
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $60-$140 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $12-$35 (parts only)
You Save: $48-$105 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.
🎯 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.
















