🔧 Altima - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

You’ll be replacing the cabin air filter that cleans the air coming through the vents into the interior. On your Altima this filter sits behind the glove box on the passenger side.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 20–30 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🔸Turn the ignition off and remove the key before starting.
• 🔸Set the parking brake and make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
• 🔸Avoid turning the blower fan on while the filter is removed to keep dust from blowing out.
• 🔸If you have dust allergies, wear a mask and safety glasses.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 🔸Phillips #2 screwdriver
• 🔸Plastic trim removal tool (specialty)
• 🔸Small flashlight
• 🔸Work gloves
• 🔸Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 🔸Cabin air filter - Qty: 1
• 🔸Interior trim clip (glove box side damper, if broken) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🔸Park the Altima on a flat surface, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• 🔸Turn off the engine and all climate controls (fan, A/C, heater).
• 🔸Open the passenger door fully so you have plenty of room at the glove box.
• 🔸A plastic trim removal tool is a non-metal lever used to gently pry interior panels without scratching them.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Empty and open the glove box

• 🔸Open the glove box on the passenger side and remove any items inside so nothing falls when you lower it.
• 🔸Use the small flashlight to see the sides and hinges of the glove box clearly.

Step 2: Disconnect the glove box side damper

• 🔸On the right side of the glove box, look for a small arm (damper) that controls how fast the glove box drops.
• 🔸Gently pry the damper arm off its pin using the plastic trim removal tool. Work slowly to avoid breaking plastic.

Step 3: Lower the glove box to access the filter cover

• 🔸With the damper disconnected, squeeze the sides of the glove box inward by hand so the plastic side stops clear the dash opening.
• 🔸Let the glove box swing down and hang, giving you access behind it to the HVAC housing.

Step 4: Locate and remove the cabin filter access cover

• 🔸Shine the small flashlight straight behind the lowered glove box; you’ll see a rectangular plastic door on the white/black plastic housing (this is the cabin filter access cover).
• 🔸On most 2019 Altimas there are small tabs on the left and right sides of the cover; press the tabs in with your fingers and pull the cover toward you.
• 🔸If there is a small screw holding the cover, remove it with the Phillips #2 screwdriver. When reinstalling, tighten to Torque to 2 Nm (18 in-lbs).

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• 🔸Grab the edge of the old filter and gently pull it straight out by hand.
• 🔸The filter may bend slightly as you pull it out; that’s normal in the tight space.
• 🔸Note the direction of the airflow arrow printed on the old filter before you discard it. On the Altima it typically points downward (from top to bottom of the housing).

Step 6: Clean the filter housing area

• 🔸With the filter removed, use a gloved hand to wipe out loose leaves or debris inside the opening.
• 🔸You can use the small flashlight to check that nothing is blocking the airflow path.
• 🔸If you use a vacuum, keep the nozzle a little away from delicate plastic fins inside. Avoid hitting plastic fins with vacuum nozzle.

Step 7: Install the new cabin air filter

• 🔸Check the new filter for an “AIR FLOW” arrow or similar marking.
• 🔸Match the arrow direction to the original (usually arrow pointing down toward the floor on your Altima).
• 🔸Carefully slide the new filter into the slot by hand; it may need a gentle bend to fit through the opening, but do not crush it.
• 🔸Make sure the filter sits flat and fully inside the housing, with no edges folded or sticking out.

Step 8: Reinstall the cabin filter access cover

• 🔸Align the access cover with the opening on the housing.
• 🔸Push it straight on until both side tabs click into place.
• 🔸If your cover uses a screw, reinstall it with the Phillips #2 screwdriver and tighten to Torque to 2 Nm (18 in-lbs)—just snug, do not overtighten.

Step 9: Reattach and close the glove box

• 🔸Lift the glove box back toward its normal position.
• 🔸Squeeze the sides inward again so the stops clear the dash, then let them rest behind the dash opening.
• 🔸Reconnect the right-side damper arm by pushing it back onto its pin by hand until it clicks.
• 🔸Open and close the glove box a few times to make sure it moves smoothly and doesn’t drop suddenly.

Step 10: Reload the glove box and quick check

• 🔸Put your items back into the glove box.
• 🔸Make sure nothing is jammed against the back wall that might press on the filter cover.

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✅ After Repair

• 🔸Turn the ignition on and run the fan at all speeds and in different modes (face, feet, defrost) to confirm normal airflow and no unusual noises.
• 🔸Turn on the A/C and heater to be sure there are no new smells (a slight new-filter smell is normal for a short time).
• 🔸Plan to replace the cabin filter about every 12 months, or more often if you drive in dusty conditions.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $70–$120 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15–$35 (parts only)

You Save: $55–$85 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.

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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 above to add everything to your cart.