How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2021 Honda Passport (Glove Box Method)
Step-by-step instructions with required tools, filter orientation tips, and post-install airflow checks for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2021 Honda Passport (Glove Box Method)
Step-by-step instructions with required tools, filter orientation tips, and post-install airflow checks for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
đź”§ Passport - Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Your Passport’s cabin air filter cleans the air entering the HVAC system (heat/AC). Replacing it helps reduce musty smells, improves airflow, and keeps dust/pollen out of the cabin.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.25-0.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the cabin area.
- ⚠️ Don’t force plastic tabs; they can snap in cold weather.
- ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this repair.
đź”§ Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
- Flashlight
- Plastic trim removal tool (specialty)
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Cabin air filter - Qty: 1
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- Park your Passport on level ground and shift to P.
- Turn the HVAC system OFF so it’s not pulling air while you work.
- Move the front passenger seat back for more room.
🔨 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 flashlight to look along the right side of the glove box for the damper arm (the small “slow-open” arm).
Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper arm
- On the right side, gently unclip the damper arm from the glove box using a plastic trim removal tool (specialty).
- Tip: Pry gently at the clip, not the arm.
Step 3: Lower the glove box past the stops
- With both hands, push the glove box sides inward to clear the built-in “stops.”
- Let the glove box swing down slowly.
Step 4: Remove the cabin filter cover
- Behind the glove box, find the rectangular cabin filter housing cover.
- Press the locking tabs and pull the cover straight off by hand (use nitrile gloves).
Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter
- Slide the filter straight out of the housing.
- Keep it level—leaves and dust may spill out.
- Tip: Vacuum debris if it’s very dirty.
Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter
- Check the airflow arrow on the filter frame.
- Install it with the airflow arrow pointing down (toward the floor) in the housing.
- Slide it in until it seats evenly—don’t bend it.
Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box
- Reinstall the cabin filter cover by hand until the tabs click.
- Lift the glove box back up, push the sides inward again, and pass the stops back into position.
- Reconnect the damper arm on the right side by hand (use the plastic trim removal tool (specialty) only if needed).
âś… After Repair
- Start your Passport and turn the fan to medium-high to confirm good airflow.
- Listen for any rattles behind the glove box (a cover not fully clipped can buzz).
- If there was a musty smell, run A/C for a few minutes to clear the ducts.
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $80-$160 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $15-$45 (parts only)
You Save: $65-$115 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.

















