🔧 Accord - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the cabin air filter on your Accord is a simple beginner-friendly job. The filter sits behind the glove box and cleans the air coming through the heater and A/C vents.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 10-20 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition off before starting.
• ⚠️ Do not force the glove box down; the plastic stops can break.
• ⚠️ Keep small items from the glove box away from the passenger footwell so they do not get lost.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Shop vacuum with crevice nozzle
• Microfiber towel

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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 Accord on level ground.
• Shift to Park and set the parking brake.
• Turn the ignition completely off.
• Empty the glove box so nothing spills out when it lowers.
• A cabin air filter may have an airflow arrow printed on it. “Airflow” means the direction air moves through the filter, which is usually downward in the housing.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and Empty the Glove Box

• Use your hands to open the glove box fully.
• Remove all items from the glove box and place them aside.
• Use the microfiber towel to wipe loose dust from the glove box area if needed.

Step 2: Release the Glove Box Damper

• Look on the right side of the glove box for the small damper arm.
• A damper is a small plastic arm that slows the glove box as it opens.
• Use your hands to gently slide the damper arm off its mounting pin.
• Pull gently, not sharply.

Step 3: Lower the Glove Box Past the Stops

• Use both hands to squeeze the left and right sides of the glove box inward.
• While squeezing, lower the glove box until it swings down farther than normal.
• The glove box stops are molded plastic tabs that keep the glove box from dropping too far during normal use.
• Do not remove any screws; this filter access does not require screw removal.

Step 4: Remove the Cabin Filter Cover

• Locate the rectangular cabin filter cover behind the lowered glove box.
• Use your hands to press the locking tabs on the sides of the cover.
• Pull the cover straight outward and set it aside.

Step 5: Remove the Old Cabin Air Filter

• Use your fingers to slide the old cabin air filter straight out of the housing.
• Watch the direction of the arrow on the old filter before removing it fully.
• If leaves or debris are visible, use the shop vacuum with crevice nozzle to gently clean the filter slot.
• Do not push the vacuum nozzle deep into the HVAC box.

Step 6: Install the New Cabin Air Filter

• Hold the new cabin air filter with the airflow arrow pointing in the same direction as the old filter.
• On your Accord, the airflow direction is typically downward through the filter housing.
• Slide the new filter straight into the slot.
• Make sure the filter sits flat and is not bent or crushed.
• A crushed filter lets dust bypass it.

Step 7: Reinstall the Filter Cover

• Use your hands to align the rectangular filter cover with the housing.
• Push the cover in until both side tabs click into place.
• Gently tug the cover to confirm it is locked.

Step 8: Raise the Glove Box

• Use both hands to lift the glove box upward.
• Squeeze the left and right sides inward again so the glove box stops pass back into place.
• Release the sides once the glove box is seated normally.

Step 9: Reconnect the Glove Box Damper

• Use your hands to slide the damper arm back onto its mounting pin on the right side of the glove box.
• Open and close the glove box slowly to make sure it moves smoothly.
• No torque specs apply because no fasteners are removed for this repair.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start your Accord and turn the blower fan on low, then high.
• ✅ Check that air comes smoothly from the vents.
• ✅ Listen for rattles or flapping sounds, which may mean the filter or cover is not seated fully.
• ✅ Reinstall your glove box items after confirming everything works.
• ✅ Replace the cabin air filter about every 15,000-30,000 miles, or sooner in dusty areas.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $70-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15-$35 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$105 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.4 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.