🔧 Kicks - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your Kicks’ cabin air filter cleans the air going through the A/C and heater vents. Replacing it helps airflow, reduces dust/pollen, and can fix musty smells from the vents.

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 cabin.
• ⚠️ Don’t force plastic tabs—interior trim can crack easily.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Trim removal tool (plastic pry tool)
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Small flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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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 your Kicks on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Move the front passenger seat back to give yourself space.
• Have a small bag ready for screws.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the glove box

• Open the glove box fully and remove any items inside.
• Use a small flashlight to look along the right side of the glove box area so you can see the damper arm (the small “slow-open” strap).

Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper (slow-open strap)

• On the right side of the glove box, locate the damper arm.
• Use a trim removal tool (plastic pry tool) to gently pop the damper off its pin.
• Work gently—this clip can snap.

Step 3: Drop the glove box down

• Press inward on both sides of the glove box to release the side stops.
• Let the glove box swing down toward the floor to access the cabin filter door behind it.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter access door

• Behind the glove box opening, locate the rectangular cabin filter cover.
• Release the cover tabs by hand; if tight, use the trim removal tool (plastic pry tool) carefully.
• Set the cover aside.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Slide the filter straight out of the housing.
• Keep it level so trapped dust/leaves don’t spill into the housing.
• Note the airflow arrow direction before pulling it out.

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Find the “AIR FLOW” arrow printed on the new filter.
• Install the filter in the same orientation as the old one (the arrow must match the vehicle’s airflow direction shown on the housing/cover).
• Slide it in evenly—don’t crush or fold the filter.

Step 7: Reinstall the access door

• Refit the cabin filter cover and press until the tabs click into place.
• If your cover uses screws on your Kicks, install them using a Phillips #2 screwdriver (snug only; do not overtighten).

Step 8: Reinstall the glove box

• Lift the glove box back up and press the sides inward to pass the stops back into position.
• Reconnect the damper arm to its pin by hand; use the trim removal tool (plastic pry tool) only if needed.
• Open/close the glove box a few times to make sure it moves smoothly.

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✅ After Repair

• Start your Kicks and run the blower on medium/high for 30 seconds.
• Confirm airflow is stronger and there are no new rattles behind the glove box.
• If airflow seems wrong, recheck the filter orientation (airflow arrow direction).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $12-$35 (parts only)

You Save: $25-$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.

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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.