🔧 1500 - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

The cabin air filter cleans the air coming through your vents and helps reduce dust, pollen, and odors inside your 1500. On your 1500, it is located behind the glove box and can be replaced without removing major trim.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF before starting.
• ⚠️ Do not pull hard on the glove box door; the plastic tabs can crack.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Trim removal tool
• 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 1500 on level ground.
• Shift to Park and set the parking brake.
• Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key fob from the cabin area.
• Empty the glove box so items do not fall out when it swings down.
• A trim removal tool is a small plastic pry tool used to move clips without scratching interior panels.

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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.
• Use the flashlight to look at both sides of the glove box opening.

Step 2: Release the Glove Box Stops

• Use both hands to gently squeeze inward on the left and right sides of the glove box.
• The glove box has side stops, which are small molded tabs that keep it from dropping too far.
• While squeezing the sides inward, let the glove box swing down slowly.
• If a side is tight, use the trim removal tool gently at the side edge to help guide the stop past the dash opening.
• Go slow; the tabs are plastic.

Step 3: Locate the Cabin Filter Door

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

Step 4: Remove the Cabin Filter Access Door

• Use your fingers to press the retaining tab on the cabin filter door.
• If the tab is stiff, use the trim removal tool carefully to help release it.
• Pull the access door straight off and set it aside.

Step 5: Remove the Old Cabin Air Filter

• Use your gloved fingers to slide the old cabin air filter straight out.
• Keep the filter level so dust and leaves do not spill into the blower area.
• Note the airflow arrow direction printed on the old filter before removing it completely.
• Take a quick photo before removal.

Step 6: Install the New Cabin Air Filter

• Use your hands to slide the new cabin air filter into the slot.
• Match the airflow arrow direction to the original filter orientation.
• On this style of Ram HVAC box, install the filter so it sits flat and fully inside the housing.
• Do not force it. If it bends sharply, pull it out and realign it.

Step 7: Reinstall the Filter Door

• Use your hands to place the cabin filter access door back onto the HVAC housing.
• Press until the retaining tab clicks into place.
• Use the flashlight to confirm the door is fully seated.

Step 8: Raise the Glove Box

• Use both hands to lift the glove box back into position.
• Gently squeeze the sides inward again so the side stops pass back into the dash opening.
• Close the glove box and make sure it latches normally.

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✅ After Repair

• Start your 1500 and turn the blower fan to low, then medium, then high.
• Listen for rattles or buzzing. If you hear noise, the filter may not be seated flat.
• Check airflow from the dash vents.
• Reset any maintenance reminder manually if you use one in the vehicle settings or service records.
• Replace the cabin air filter about every 12,000-15,000 miles, or sooner in dusty areas.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $70-$130 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $55-$95 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.