🔧 Forester - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your cabin air filter cleans the air that comes through the vents for your A/C and heater. Replacing it helps reduce dust/pollen smells and can improve airflow through the fan.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the cabin before working near the passenger airbag area.
• ⚠️ Don’t force trim or the glove box—plastic tabs can crack if pried aggressively.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Trim removal tool (plastic)
• Phillips screwdriver #2
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Cabin air filter - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Forester on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Move the passenger seat back for more room.
• Have a flashlight ready so you can see the filter direction arrow.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and empty the glove box

• Open the glove box and remove anything inside so it doesn’t fall out.
• Use a flashlight to look along the right side of the glove box for the “damper” arm (a small strap/arm that slows the glove box).

Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper arm

• The damper is the small arm on the right side that controls how the glove box drops (it prevents it from slamming).
• Use a trim removal tool (plastic) to gently pop the damper arm off its pin (do not pry hard). Gentle pressure beats force.

Step 3: Lower the glove box fully

• With the glove box open, press inward on both side walls of the glove box to clear the stopper tabs.
• Use your hands (no tool needed) and let the glove box swing down toward the floor.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter access cover

• Behind the glove box you’ll see a rectangular cover on the HVAC box.
• Use your hands first to release the side tabs; if tight, use a trim removal tool (plastic) to help lift a tab gently.
• Set the cover aside where it won’t get stepped on.

Step 5: Pull out the old cabin air filter

• Slide the filter straight out using your hands.
• Keep it level—debris (leaves/dust) can spill.
• Use a flashlight to note the airflow direction marking on the filter (often an arrow).

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Check the new filter for an airflow arrow or “UP” marking.
• Install it in the same orientation as the old one (the arrow must match the housing’s airflow direction).
• Slide it in evenly with your hands—do not crush or bend it.

Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Reinstall the filter access cover by pressing it in until the tabs click.
• Lift the glove box back up and press the sides inward again to pass the stopper tabs back into place.
• Reconnect the damper arm on the right side by pushing it back onto the pin using your hands (use the trim removal tool (plastic) only if needed).

---

✅ After Repair

• Start your Forester and run the blower fan on medium/high for 30 seconds to confirm strong airflow.
• Switch between fresh air and recirculate to verify no rattles behind the glove box.
• If you hear tapping or the glove box won’t open/close smoothly, recheck the damper arm connection.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$150 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $65-$110 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.