🔧 1500 - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

This repair replaces the cabin air filter, which cleans dust, pollen, and odors from the air entering your 1500’s HVAC system. On your 1500, the filter is accessed from behind the glove box, so no engine-bay work is needed.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Park on level ground and turn the ignition completely off before working inside the cabin.
• ⚠️ Do not force the glove box stops; the plastic tabs can crack if bent too far.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Flashlight
• Plastic trim tool

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Cabin air filter - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Place your 1500 in Park and set the parking brake.
• 🔑 Turn the ignition off and remove the key fob from the cabin area if possible.
• 🧤 Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• 📦 Empty the glove box so items do not spill when it swings down.
• 💡 Use a flashlight so you can clearly see the glove box stops and filter door.

---

🔨 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 contents from the glove box.
• Use a flashlight to look at both upper inside edges of the glove box opening.
• Keep screws and clips together.

Step 2: Release the Glove Box Stops

• Use your hands to gently push inward on both side walls of the glove box.
• The glove box stops are small molded tabs that keep the glove box from dropping too far.
• While pushing the sides inward, let the glove box swing down slowly.
• If the tabs feel tight, use a plastic trim tool to gently help guide the side of the glove box inward.
• Do not use a metal screwdriver here because it can scar the dashboard plastic.

Step 3: Locate the Cabin Filter Access Door

• Use a flashlight to look straight behind the lowered glove box.
• Find the rectangular cabin air filter cover on the HVAC housing.
• The HVAC housing is the plastic air box that directs heating and air conditioning airflow.

Step 4: Remove the Filter Access Door

• Use your fingers to press the locking tabs on the cabin filter access door.
• If needed, use a plastic trim tool to gently press the tab while pulling the door outward.
• Remove the access door and set it aside.
• No fastener torque is required for this step.

Step 5: Remove the Old Cabin Air Filter

• Use your fingers to slide the old cabin air filter straight out of the housing.
• Hold the filter level so leaves and dust do not spill into the blower area.
• Look at the airflow arrow on the old filter before removing it completely.
• Airflow direction should point downward on your 1500.
• Take a quick photo first.

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 is fully seated and not folded or crushed.
• Install it with the airflow arrow pointing the same direction as the original filter.
• For your 1500, install the filter with the airflow arrow pointing downward.
• Do not force it; if it binds, pull it out and realign the pleats.

Step 7: Reinstall the Filter Access Door

• Use your hands to align the cabin filter access door with the HVAC housing.
• Press the cover into place until the locking tabs click.
• Gently tug on the cover with your fingers to confirm it is locked.
• No fastener torque is required for this step.

Step 8: Raise and Lock the Glove Box

• Use your hands to lift the glove box back toward its normal position.
• Gently push inward on both glove box side walls so the stops clear the dashboard opening.
• Release the sides after the stops pass the opening.
• Open and close the glove box once to make sure it moves normally.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Turn the ignition on and run the blower fan at low, medium, and high speeds.
• ✅ Listen for rattling or clicking noises behind the glove box.
• ✅ Check that airflow from the vents feels normal.
• ✅ If airflow is weak, recheck that the filter is not installed backward, crushed, or blocked.
• ✅ Replace the cabin air filter about every 12 months or 12,000-15,000 miles, sooner in dusty areas.

---

💰 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.

---

🎯 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.