🔧 Grand Cherokee - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

The cabin air filter cleans dust, pollen, and odors from the air coming through your vents. On your Grand Cherokee, it sits behind the glove box and can be replaced without removing major parts.

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 too far; the plastic stops can crack.
• ⚠️ Keep small items out of the glove box area so they do not fall behind the dash.
• ⚠️ 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
• Flashlight
• Plastic trim tool

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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 Grand Cherokee on level ground and shift to Park.
• 🔌 Turn the ignition off and remove the key fob from the vehicle.
• 🧤 Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• 📦 Empty the glove box so nothing spills out when it drops down.
• 💡 A plastic trim tool is a non-marring pry tool used to release plastic panels without scratching them.

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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 papers, books, and loose items.
• Use a flashlight to look at both side walls of the glove box.
• Keep screws and clips organized.

Step 2: Release the Glove Box Stops

• Use both hands to gently squeeze the left and right sides of the glove box inward.
• The glove box has small plastic stops that catch on the dash opening.
• While squeezing inward, lower the glove box down past the stops.
• If it feels tight, use the plastic trim tool to gently help the side edge clear the dash opening.
• Do not pull hard. The glove box should swing downward once both stops are released.

Step 3: Disconnect the Glove Box Damper Arm

• Use the flashlight to find the small damper arm on the side of the glove box.
• The damper arm is the small plastic strut that slows the glove box as it opens.
• Use your fingers to slide or pop the damper arm off its mounting pin.
• If needed, use the plastic trim tool gently at the connector point.

Step 4: Find the Cabin Filter Door

• Use the flashlight to look straight behind the lowered glove box.
• You will see a rectangular black plastic cover on the HVAC housing.
• HVAC means the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning box behind the dash.

Step 5: Remove the Cabin Filter Door

• Use your fingers to press the release tabs on the cabin filter door.
• If the tabs are stiff, use the plastic trim tool carefully to help release them.
• Pull the filter door straight off and set it aside.
• No torque spec applies because this filter door is clipped in, not bolted.

Step 6: Remove the Old Cabin Air Filter

• Use your fingers to slide the old cabin air filter straight out.
• Pay attention to the airflow arrow printed on the old filter before removing it completely.
• On your Grand Cherokee, install the new filter with the airflow direction matching the original filter orientation.
• Use the flashlight to check for leaves or debris in the filter slot.
• If debris is visible, remove it by hand while wearing nitrile gloves.

Step 7: Install the New Cabin Air Filter

• Use your hands to slide the new cabin air filter into the slot.
• Make sure the airflow arrow matches the direction of the original filter.
• Keep the filter flat so it does not fold or crush inside the housing.
• Do not force the filter.

Step 8: Reinstall the Cabin Filter Door

• Use your hands to position the cabin filter door over the opening.
• Press the door in until the tabs click into place.
• Gently tug on the door with your fingers to confirm it is locked.

Step 9: Reconnect the Glove Box Damper Arm

• Use your fingers to line up the damper arm with its mounting pin.
• Push the damper arm back onto the pin until it seats securely.
• Use the flashlight to confirm it is fully attached.

Step 10: Raise and Lock the Glove Box

• Use both hands to raise the glove box back into position.
• Gently squeeze the sides inward again so the plastic stops pass the dash opening.
• Release the sides and let the stops lock into place.
• Open and close the glove box once to confirm smooth movement.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start your Grand Cherokee and turn the blower fan on low, medium, and high.
• ✅ Check that air comes from the vents normally.
• ✅ Listen for fluttering or rattling; that can mean the filter door is not fully clipped in.
• ✅ Make sure the glove box opens slowly and closes securely.
• ✅ No scan tool reset or infotainment reset is required for this repair.

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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 0.3-0.5 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.