🔧 Seltos - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Your cabin air filter cleans the air that comes through the A/C and heater vents. Replacing it helps airflow, reduces odors, and keeps dust/pollen out of the cabin.

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 before starting.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of the glove box hinges while lowering it.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight
• Plastic trim tool (specialty)

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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 Seltos on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Turn the HVAC system off (fan off) before you remove the old filter.
• Plastic trim tool = a non-metal pry tool that helps avoid scratching plastic.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and clear the glove box

• Open the glove box and remove any contents so nothing falls out.
• Use a flashlight to look along the right side of the glove box for a small damper arm (a little “slow-open” support).

Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper

• Use a plastic trim tool (specialty) to gently pop the damper arm off its peg (do not yank).
• Go slow; it’s small plastic.

Step 3: Drop the glove box down

• Push inward on both sides of the glove box (left and right walls) with your hands to release the stops.
• Let the glove box swing down toward the floor.

Step 4: Remove the cabin filter cover

• Behind the glove box, find the rectangular cabin filter access door.
• Use a plastic trim tool (specialty) to press the locking tabs and pull the cover off.

Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter

• Pull the filter straight out with your hands while holding a flashlight on the opening.
• Wear nitrile gloves because the filter can be dusty.

Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter

• Check the airflow arrow on the side of the new filter.
• Install it in the same direction as the old one (typically arrow pointing down toward the floor on this style).
• Slide it in gently so you don’t fold the filter media (the pleated paper).

Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box

• Reinstall the filter cover until it clicks into place by hand.
• Lift the glove box back up and push the sides inward again to pass the stops back into position.
• Reconnect the damper arm by pressing it back onto its peg (hand pressure).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and run the fan on medium for 30 seconds.
• Confirm airflow feels stronger and there are no rattles behind the glove box.
• If you smell dust at first, that’s normal for a few seconds after replacement.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$120 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $45-$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 below to add everything to your cart.