🔧 Altima - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

The cabin air filter cleans dust, pollen, and debris from air entering your Altima’s climate-control system. It is located behind the glove box and should generally be replaced every 15,000–30,000 miles, or sooner in dusty conditions.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 20–35 minutes

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Switch the ignition off and remove the key from the vehicle.
• ⚠️ Do not disconnect or disturb any yellow airbag wiring near the passenger-side dashboard.
• ⚠️ Support the glove box while removing it so its wiring and hinges are not strained.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnection is not required for this repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Plastic interior trim-removal tool
• LED flashlight
• Household vacuum with crevice attachment
• Nitrile work gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Cabin air filter - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 📍 Park your Altima on level ground, apply the parking brake, and switch off the ignition and climate-control system.
• 📦 Empty the glove box completely.
• 🔎 Compare the new filter with the old one before installation. The shape and dimensions must match.
• 🧰 A trim-removal tool is a flat plastic lever that releases interior panels without scratching them.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the Passenger-Side Dashboard Trim

• Open the front passenger door and glove box.
• Use the plastic interior trim-removal tool to carefully release the passenger-side dashboard end panel and the trim surrounding the glove-box opening as needed.
• Work slowly around each retaining clip. Do not twist the panels sharply.
• Keep clips aligned to prevent breakage.

Step 2: Remove the Glove-Box Screws

• Use the LED flashlight to locate the Phillips screws around the upper and lower edges of the glove-box assembly.
• Use the Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the glove-box retaining screws.
• Place every screw in a safe container so none are lost.
• Support the glove box with one hand while removing the final screw.

Step 3: Move the Glove-Box Assembly Aside

• Pull the glove-box assembly straight toward the passenger seat to release its retaining clips.
• If a glove-box lamp connector is attached, press its locking tab by hand and unplug it. Do not pull on the wires.
• Set the glove-box assembly on a clean surface.
• Do not touch any yellow connectors or wiring; those identify the airbag circuit.

Step 4: Open the Cabin-Filter Housing

• Use the LED flashlight to find the narrow vertical filter cover near the center-console side of the opening.
• Press the filter-cover locking tab by hand, then remove the cover.
• Note the old filter’s orientation before pulling it out.

Step 5: Remove the Old Filter

• Put on the nitrile work gloves and safety glasses.
• Pinch the old filter slightly and pull it through the narrow housing opening by hand.
• Remove it slowly so trapped leaves and dust do not spill into the blower housing.
• Use the household vacuum with crevice attachment to remove loose debris visible at the filter opening. Do not push the attachment deeply into the housing.

Step 6: Install the New Cabin Air Filter

• Check the markings printed on the new filter.
• If it has an UP arrow, install that arrow pointing upward. If it has an AIR FLOW arrow, position it toward the rear of your Altima.
• Compress the filter gently by hand and feed it into the narrow opening. It should unfold fully inside the housing.
• Make sure the pleats are not crushed, folded over, or caught outside the housing.
• Never force the filter into place.

Step 7: Reinstall the Filter Cover

• Position the cabin-filter cover over the housing by hand.
• Engage its fixed end first, then press the locking tab until it clicks securely.
• Check that the cover sits flush around its entire edge.

Step 8: Reinstall the Glove Box

• Reconnect the glove-box lamp connector by hand if it was unplugged.
• Align the glove-box assembly with its dashboard clips and press it evenly into position.
• Use the Phillips #2 screwdriver to reinstall all retaining screws.
• Tighten the screws only until snug. These screws secure plastic parts and do not have a published service torque; overtightening can crack the mounting points.

Step 9: Reinstall the Trim Panels

• Align each trim-panel clip with its corresponding dashboard opening.
• Press each panel into place by hand until all clips click securely.
• Open and close the glove box to verify smooth movement and proper latch operation.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start your Altima and run the blower at each speed.
• ✅ Select both fresh-air and recirculation modes and listen for rubbing, fluttering, or whistling.
• ✅ Confirm that airflow from the vents is strong and free of unusual odors.
• ✅ If airflow is restricted or noisy, switch the blower off and check that the filter unfolded fully and the housing cover is seated correctly.
• ✅ No scan-tool reset, battery registration, or infotainment procedure is required.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹1,500–₹3,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹600–₹1,800 (filter only)

You Save: ₹900–₹1,700 by doing it yourself!

Labor rates around Panipat vary. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3–0.5 hour.

---

🎯 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.