How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Step-by-step glove box removal instructions, required tools/parts, and installation tips for better airflow for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Step-by-step glove box removal instructions, required tools/parts, and installation tips for better airflow for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
đź”§ Grand Cherokee - Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Your Grand Cherokee’s cabin air filter cleans the air coming through the A/C and heater vents. Replacing it helps airflow, reduces odors, and keeps dust/pollen out of the cabin.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.25-0.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before starting.
- ⚠️ Don’t force plastic tabs—push evenly to avoid breaking them.
- ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this job.
đź”§ Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Flashlight
- Plastic trim tool (specialty)
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Cabin air filter - Qty: 1
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and shift to Park.
- Turn HVAC (A/C/heat) off and make sure the ignition is off.
- Move the front passenger seat back for more working room.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Empty and open the glove box
- Open the glove box and remove any items so nothing falls out.
- Use a flashlight to look along the glove box sides for the “stops” (the built-in plastic tabs that prevent it from dropping).
Step 2: Lower the glove box door
- Use your hands (and a plastic trim tool (specialty) if needed) to gently push the glove box sides inward to clear the stops, then let the glove box swing downward.
- If your glove box has a small “damper” string/arm on the right side, gently unhook it by hand so the glove box can drop farther.
- Go slow—tabs break when rushed.
Step 3: Remove the cabin filter access door
- Behind the glove box, locate the cabin filter cover (a small rectangular door on the HVAC housing).
- Use a plastic trim tool (specialty) or your fingers to release the locking tabs and remove the cover.
Step 4: Remove the old cabin air filter
- Slide the old filter straight out of the housing using your hands (wear nitrile gloves).
- Use a flashlight to check the housing for leaves/debris and remove anything you can reach by hand.
Step 5: Install the new cabin air filter
- Check the airflow arrow on the new filter frame.
- Install the filter in the same direction as the old one came out (airflow arrow should match the airflow direction marked on the housing, if present).
- Slide it in evenly so it seats fully without bending.
Step 6: Reinstall the access door and glove box
- Reinstall the filter cover and press until the tabs click into place.
- Reattach the glove box damper (if equipped).
- Lift the glove box back up and push the sides inward again to get past the stops, then close it.
âś… After Repair
- Start your Grand Cherokee and turn the fan to medium-high to confirm strong airflow.
- Verify there are no rattles from behind the glove box (a loose cover can buzz).
- If you notice a musty smell, run the A/C for a few minutes to clear old moisture.
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $90-$180 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $15-$45 (parts only)
You Save: $45-$165 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.

















