🔧 Kicks - Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the cabin air filter helps keep dust, pollen, and outside odors from entering your Kicks through the HVAC system. On your Kicks, the filter is accessed from inside the passenger-side lower dash area and does not require removing the glove box.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF before working under the dash.
• ⚠️ Do not force plastic trim or the filter cover; the tabs can crack.
• ⚠️ If you have recently used the heater, let the footwell area cool before reaching near HVAC parts.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Flashlight
• Trim removal tool set
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop vacuum with crevice nozzle

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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 Kicks on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🔑 Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key from the vehicle.
• 🧹 Move the passenger seat fully rearward to give yourself more room.
• 💡 Use a flashlight so you can clearly see the HVAC filter door under the passenger-side dash.
• 📌 A trim removal tool is a plastic pry tool used to release panels without scratching them.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the Cabin Filter Door

• Use a flashlight and look under the passenger-side dash, toward the center console side of the footwell.
• Find the narrow rectangular cabin filter access cover on the HVAC housing.
• The HVAC housing is the black plastic air box that directs air through the vents.
• Go slow under the dash.

Step 2: Remove the Lower Trim Panel if Needed

• If the lower passenger-side trim blocks access, use a trim removal tool set to gently release the panel clips.
• Pull only enough to gain access to the filter cover.
• Do not yank the panel, because small plastic clips can break.

Step 3: Remove the Cabin Filter Cover

• Use your fingers while wearing nitrile gloves to press the filter cover retaining tab.
• Pull the cover straight off the HVAC housing.
• If the tab is tight, use the trim removal tool set gently at the edge of the cover.
• No bolts are used here, so there is no torque specification.

Step 4: Remove the Old Cabin Air Filter

• Use your fingers while wearing nitrile gloves to pull the old cabin air filter out of the slot.
• The filter may need to flex slightly as it comes out because the opening is tight.
• Look at the airflow arrow on the old filter before fully removing it.
• On your Kicks, install the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing in the same direction as the old filter.
• Check arrow direction first.

Step 5: Clean the Filter Slot

• Use a shop vacuum with crevice nozzle to remove loose leaves, dust, or debris from around the filter opening.
• Do not push the vacuum nozzle deep into the HVAC box.
• Use the flashlight to make sure no large debris is blocking the slot.

Step 6: Install the New Cabin Air Filter

• Hold the cabin air filter with the airflow arrow matching the direction noted from the old filter.
• Use both hands to gently compress the filter sides if needed, then slide it fully into the slot.
• Make sure the filter sits flat and is not folded over inside the housing.
• Do not crush the filter.

Step 7: Reinstall the Filter Cover

• Use your hands to position the filter cover back onto the HVAC housing.
• Press until the retaining tab clicks into place.
• Gently tug on the cover by hand to confirm it is locked.
• No torque specification applies because this cover uses plastic clips only.

Step 8: Reinstall Any Trim Panel Removed

• Use your hands to align the lower passenger-side trim panel clips with their mounting holes.
• Press the panel evenly until each clip snaps back in place.
• Use the flashlight to check that the panel is seated correctly and not hanging loose.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start your Kicks and turn the blower fan to low, medium, and high.
• ✅ Check that air comes from the vents normally.
• ✅ Listen for fluttering or rattling; if you hear it, the filter may not be seated flat.
• ✅ Turn on fresh air and recirculation to make sure airflow changes normally.
• ✅ No scan tool reset or infotainment reset is required.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$120 USD equivalent, depending on local labor and filter quality

DIY Cost: $15-$35 USD equivalent for the cabin air filter

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.