🔧 Altima - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

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

This job improves air quality and helps the AC and heater work better.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Turn the ignition off and remove the key before starting.
• 🛑 Do not turn on the blower fan while the filter is out; dust can be blown into the cabin.
• 🛑 Work gently around plastic panels and clips; they can crack if forced.
• 🛑 Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

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

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 🧩 Cabin air filter (HVAC interior filter) - Qty: 1
• 🧩 Disposable shop towels - Qty: 2-3

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🚗 Park the Altima on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• 🚪 Empty the glove box so nothing falls out when you move it.
• 💡 Have your new filter ready and note the printed airflow arrow on it.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and lower the glove box

• 🧰 Use your hands to open the glove box fully on the passenger side.
• Remove any items inside so they don’t get in the way.
• Less weight makes it easier to move the glove box

Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper arm

• 🧰 Use the flashlight to look at the right side of the glove box inside edge.
• You’ll see a small plastic arm (damper) attached to the side of the glove box.
• Gently pull the arm sideways off its pin by hand. If tight, use the trim removal tool to help pry it off carefully.
• Pull straight off; don’t twist the damper arm

Step 3: Release the glove box stops and drop it down

• On each side of the glove box, near the top, there are plastic “stops” that prevent it from dropping.
• 🧰 With your hands, gently push in on both sides of the glove box to flex the plastic inwards.
• Once the stops clear the dash opening, the glove box will swing further down and hang, exposing the cabin filter cover behind it.
• Support the glove box so it doesn’t slam down

Step 4: Locate and remove the cabin air filter cover

• Behind the glove box, look straight ahead; you’ll see a rectangular plastic cover on the HVAC box. This is the cabin filter door.
• On the 2020 Altima, the cover usually has small tabs on the left and right edges.
• 🧰 Use your fingers or the trim removal tool to gently squeeze or pry the side tabs inward to release the cover.
• Pull the cover off and set it aside.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• 🧰 Use your hands to slide the old filter straight out toward you.
• If it feels stuck, wiggle it gently side to side; do not force it or bend the housing.
• Note the direction of the airflow arrow printed on the old filter before removing it.
• Take a photo of the old filter orientation

Step 6: Clean the filter area

• 🧰 Use the disposable shop towels to wipe away any loose leaves or dust from the filter opening.
• If you see large debris inside the housing, gently pull it out by hand.
• Don’t push debris deeper into the housing

Step 7: Install the new cabin air filter

• Look at the new filter and find the printed “AIR FLOW” arrow.
• On the Altima, the airflow direction is typically top to bottom, so the arrow should point down when you install it.
• 🧰 Use your hands to slide the new filter into the slot, keeping it square. Make sure it seats fully and evenly.
• If the filter is slightly flexible, guide the top edge in first, then the bottom.
• If it buckles, pull out and reinsert straight

Step 8: Reinstall the cabin filter cover

• Position the plastic cover over the opening the same way it came off.
• 🧰 Use your hands to press the cover in until the side tabs click into place.
• Check that it’s fully seated on all edges so air can’t bypass the filter.

Step 9: Raise and reattach the glove box

• Lift the glove box back toward its normal position.
• 🧰 With your hands, gently push in on both sides again to let the side stops pass back into place, then release so they rest behind the dash opening.
• Open and close the glove box slowly to confirm it moves smoothly and stops correctly.

Step 10: Reconnect the glove box damper arm

• With the glove box partially open, look at the right side where you removed the small damper arm.
• 🧰 Use your hands to push the damper arm back onto its pin until it snaps into place.
• Open and close the glove box again; it should now drop slowly, not fall quickly.

Step 11: Final check and clean-up

• Return your items to the glove box.
• Start the engine, turn on the fan and different vent modes, and check for normal airflow and no unusual noises.
• If you smell dust at first, it will clear quickly

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Turn on the AC and heater at different fan speeds to confirm good airflow through all vents.
• 🧪 Check that the glove box opens and closes smoothly and doesn’t bind or hang crooked.
• 🧪 Make a note to replace the cabin filter roughly every 12 months or 15,000 miles, or sooner in dusty conditions.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $70-$120 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $55-$80 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.