🔧 CX-5 - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the cabin air filter on your CX-5 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 downward; the side stops and damper can break if pulled too hard.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of the glove box hinges while lowering it.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towel
• Flashlight

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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 CX-5 on level ground.
• 🔑 Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key fob from the vehicle.
• 🧤 Put on safety gloves and safety glasses.
• 📦 Empty the glove box so items do not fall out.
• 💡 Use a flashlight if the passenger footwell area is dark.

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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 a shop towel to wipe away loose dust if needed.
• Keep small items out of the hinge area.

Step 2: Release the Glove Box Damper

• Look on the right side of the glove box for the small plastic damper arm.
• A damper is a small soft-close arm that slows the glove box as it opens.
• Use your hand to gently slide or unhook the damper arm from the glove box peg.
• Do not use a screwdriver here; the plastic clip can crack easily.

Step 3: Lower the Glove Box Past the Side Stops

• Use both hands to press inward on the left and right sides of the glove box.
• The side stops are molded plastic tabs that keep the glove box from opening too far.
• While pressing both sides inward, gently lower the glove box toward the floor.
• Support the glove box with one hand so it does not drop suddenly.
• Gentle pressure is enough.

Step 4: Remove the Cabin Filter Cover

• Use your flashlight to locate the rectangular cabin filter cover behind the glove box opening.
• Use your fingers to squeeze the tabs on the filter cover.
• Pull the cover straight outward and set it aside.
• No bolts are used, so no socket or screwdriver is needed.

Step 5: 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.
• On your CX-5, install the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing downward.
• Use a shop towel to catch loose leaves or dust around the opening.

Step 6: Install the New Cabin Air Filter

• Use your hands to slide the new cabin air filter into the slot.
• Make sure the filter sits flat and does not fold or bunch up.
• Confirm the airflow arrow points downward before pushing it fully into place.
• A crushed filter will not seal correctly.

Step 7: Reinstall the Filter Cover

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

Step 8: Raise and Reconnect the Glove Box

• Use both hands to lift the glove box back toward its normal position.
• Press the glove box sides inward slightly so the side stops pass back into place.
• Reconnect the right-side damper arm by pushing it back onto its peg by hand.
• Open and close the glove box once to confirm smooth movement.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start your CX-5 and turn the blower fan on low, medium, and high.
• ✅ Check that air flows normally from the vents.
• ✅ Listen for rattling or fluttering, which may mean the filter or cover is not seated correctly.
• ✅ Replace the cabin air filter about every 12,000-15,000 miles, or sooner in dusty conditions.

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💰 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 0.2-0.4 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.