🔧 Tucson - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the cabin air filter helps keep dust, pollen, and odors out of the HVAC system. On your Tucson, the cabin filter is located behind the glove box and is a beginner-friendly job with no special tools required.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the vehicle off before starting.
• ⚠️ Do not force the glove box; the plastic stops and damper can break if pulled too hard.
• ⚠️ Empty the glove box first so items do not fall onto the floor.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• 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 Tucson on level ground.
• Shift to Park and set the parking brake.
• Turn the ignition off.
• Open the passenger door fully for more working room.
• Empty the glove box completely.
• The glove box damper is a small plastic arm that slows the glove box as it opens.

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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, manuals, and loose items.
• Use a flashlight to see both side stops inside the glove box.

Step 2: Remove the Glove Box Side Stops

• Use your hands to locate the round plastic stop knobs on the left and right inside walls of the glove box.
• Turn each stop counterclockwise about a quarter turn, then pull it out.
• Set both stops somewhere safe.
• Tip: Do one side at a time.

Step 3: Disconnect the Glove Box Damper

• Use your hands to find the small damper arm on the right side of the glove box.
• Gently slide or unclip the damper arm off its small mounting pin.
• Do not pull hard; it is plastic and only needs light pressure.

Step 4: Lower the Glove Box

• Use both hands to support the glove box.
• Let the glove box swing downward slowly.
• The cabin air filter housing will now be visible behind the glove box opening.

Step 5: Remove the Cabin Filter Cover

• Use your fingers to squeeze the tabs on both ends of the rectangular filter cover.
• Pull the cover straight outward.
• Set the cover aside with the tabs facing up so it is easy to reinstall.

Step 6: Remove the Old Cabin Air Filter

• Use your fingers to slide the old cabin air filter straight out of the housing.
• Pay attention to the airflow arrow printed on the old filter.
• On your Tucson, install the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing downward.
• Tip: Avoid shaking dust into the blower.

Step 7: 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 is not bent or crushed.
• Confirm the airflow arrow points downward.

Step 8: Reinstall the Filter Cover

• Use your hands to position the cabin filter cover over the opening.
• Push the cover in until both side tabs click into place.
• Lightly tug the cover to confirm it is locked.

Step 9: Raise the Glove Box

• Use both hands to lift the glove box back into position.
• Reconnect the right-side glove box damper arm onto its mounting pin.
• Make sure the damper moves smoothly.

Step 10: Reinstall the Glove Box Stops

• Use your hands to insert the left and right glove box stops back into their holes.
• Turn each stop clockwise until it locks in place.
• Open and close the glove box once to confirm normal movement.
• No torque spec applies because no bolts are removed.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start your Tucson and turn the HVAC fan on low, then medium, then high.
• ✅ Listen for rubbing or fluttering noises, which can mean the filter is not seated flat.
• ✅ Check airflow from the vents.
• ✅ 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.