How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2016 Honda Odyssey (Glove Box Method)
Step-by-step instructions with required tools/parts, airflow direction tips, and quick post-install checks for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2016 Honda Odyssey (Glove Box Method)
Step-by-step instructions with required tools/parts, airflow direction tips, and quick post-install checks for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
đź”§ Odyssey - Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Replacing the cabin air filter keeps dust, pollen, and odors out of the HVAC system and helps airflow through your A/C and heater. On your Odyssey, the filter sits behind the glove box and is designed to be a quick DIY service item.
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; they can crack if pried aggressively.
- ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this repair.
đź”§ Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
- Small flashlight
- Trim clip removal tool
🔩 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 set the parking brake.
- Open the passenger door for more working room.
- Empty the glove box so nothing falls out.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Access the glove box area
- Open the glove box fully.
- Use a small flashlight to look for the glove box “damper” on the right side (a small arm/strap that slows the glove box). A damper is a small shock/strap that controls how fast the glove box opens.
Step 2: Release the glove box damper
- Use a trim clip removal tool to gently pop the damper arm off its pin on the glove box (if equipped).
- Go slow—this clip is easy to snap.
Step 3: Drop the glove box down
- Press in on both sides of the glove box to clear the stops (the “stops” are the plastic bumps that prevent it from dropping all the way).
- Once the stops clear, let the glove box swing down toward the floor.
Step 4: Remove the cabin filter tray/cover
- Behind the glove box, find the rectangular cabin filter cover.
- Pinch the locking tabs and pull the cover/tray straight out by hand.
- If it’s tight, use the trim clip removal tool lightly to help start it—do not pry hard.
Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter
- Slide the old filter out of the tray.
- Use the small flashlight to check for leaves/debris in the housing.
- Wear nitrile gloves and pull out any loose debris by hand.
Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter
- Look for the airflow arrow on the filter frame.
- Install it with the arrow pointing down (toward the floor) to match Odyssey airflow direction.
- Make sure it sits flat and doesn’t bunch up.
Step 7: Reassemble the glove box
- Slide the filter tray/cover back in until the tabs click.
- Lift the glove box back up and press the sides in again to pass the stops back into place.
- Reconnect the damper arm using the trim clip removal tool if needed to guide it onto the pin.
âś… After Repair
- Start the engine and run the blower on medium for 30 seconds.
- Check that airflow is stronger and that the glove box opens/closes smoothly.
- If you hear rattling, recheck that the filter cover is fully clicked in.
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $60-$130 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $15-$35 (parts only)
You Save: $45-$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.
🎯 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.

















