🔧 Frontier - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the cabin air filter helps keep dust, pollen, and debris out of the HVAC system so the air from your vents stays cleaner. On your Frontier, the filter is located behind the glove box area and is a beginner-friendly job.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF before working around the glove box and HVAC area.
• ⚠️ Do not force plastic trim pieces; they can crack if bent too far.
• ⚠️ Keep loose items out of the blower fan opening.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Cabin air filter - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Frontier on level ground.
• Set the parking brake.
• Turn the ignition OFF.
• Empty the glove box so items do not fall out while it is lowered.
• A cabin air filter traps dust and pollen before air enters the cabin vents.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and Empty the Glove Box

• Open the glove box fully by hand.
• Remove all contents and set them aside.
• Use a flashlight to look at both side walls of the glove box.
• Keep screws and clips together.

Step 2: Lower the Glove Box

• Use both hands to gently press inward on the left and right sides of the glove box.
• The side stops will clear the dashboard opening.
• Let the glove box swing downward slowly.
• If needed, use a small flat-blade screwdriver to gently help release a tight side stop.
• A side stop is a small molded tab that keeps the glove box from opening too far.

Step 3: Locate the Cabin Filter Cover

• Use a flashlight to look behind the lowered glove box.
• Find the narrow rectangular filter access cover on the HVAC housing.
• The HVAC housing is the plastic box that holds the heater and air conditioning parts.

Step 4: Remove the Filter Cover

• Use your fingers to release the filter cover tab.
• If the tab is tight, use a small flat-blade screwdriver gently under the latch.
• Pull the cover straight off and set it aside.
• Do not pry hard on plastic.

Step 5: Remove the Old Cabin Air Filter

• Put on work gloves and safety glasses.
• Slide the old cabin air filter straight out by hand.
• Note the airflow arrow direction printed on the old filter before removing it fully.
• If the filter is dusty, pull it out slowly to avoid spilling debris.

Step 6: Install the New Cabin Air Filter

• Compare the new cabin air filter to the old one by hand to confirm the same size and shape.
• Slide the new filter into the housing in the same airflow direction as the old filter.
• Do not crush or fold the filter during installation.
• Airflow arrows must match.

Step 7: Reinstall the Filter Cover

• Push the filter cover back into place by hand.
• Make sure the latch clicks or seats fully.
• Use the flashlight to confirm the cover is flush with the HVAC housing.

Step 8: Raise the Glove Box

• Lift the glove box back up by hand.
• Gently squeeze the glove box sides inward so the side stops pass the dash opening.
• Release the sides and close the glove box.
• Open and close it once to confirm smooth movement.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start your Frontier and turn the blower fan on low, then medium, then high.
• ✅ Listen for rattles or rubbing sounds from behind the glove box.
• ✅ Check airflow from the vents.
• ✅ If airflow is weak or noisy, turn the fan OFF and recheck that the filter is seated flat.
• ✅ No scan tool, reset, coding, or infotainment procedure is required.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$120 parts + labor

DIY Cost: $15-$35 parts only

You Save: $45-$85 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.