How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2018 Jeep Renegade (Glove Box Method)
Step-by-step instructions with required tools/parts, safety tips, and airflow direction notes for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2018 Jeep Renegade (Glove Box Method)
Step-by-step instructions with required tools/parts, safety tips, and airflow direction notes for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
🔧 Renegade - Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Your Renegade’s cabin air filter cleans the air coming through the HVAC vents. Replacing it helps improve airflow, reduces musty smells, and keeps dust/pollen out of the cabin.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before working under the dash.
- ⚠️ Wear a dust mask if you’re sensitive to pollen/dust—debris can fall out when the cover opens.
- ⚠️ Do not force plastic tabs; if something won’t move, re-check for a clip or stop.
- ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
- Small flat trim tool (plastic preferred)
- Flashlight
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Cabin air filter - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- 🅿️ Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
- 🧹 Remove items from the glove box so nothing falls out.
- 💡 Have your flashlight ready—this area is tucked up under the dash.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open and empty the glove box
- Open the glove box fully and remove anything inside.
- Use a flashlight to look along the right side for a small “damper” arm (a little strap that slows the glove box). A damper arm is a small plastic link that controls how fast the glove box drops.
Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper (if equipped)
- If you see a small arm/strap on the right side, gently pop it off its pin.
- Use a small flat trim tool (plastic preferred) to help pry it off gently if it’s tight.
- Go slow—plastic clips can snap.
Step 3: Release the glove box stops so it swings down
- Push the glove box sides inward (left and right) to clear the built-in “stops.”
- Once the stops clear, let the glove box rotate downward toward the floor.
- Use a flashlight to locate the cabin filter access door behind where the glove box was.
Step 4: Remove the cabin filter access door
- Find the rectangular cover on the HVAC housing.
- Release the locking tabs on the cover by hand; if needed, use the small flat trim tool (plastic preferred) to gently help the tab move.
- Remove the cover and set it aside.
Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter
- Slide the old filter straight out.
- Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses—loose debris can drop.
- Use a flashlight to check the filter slot for leaves or heavy dust (wipe out carefully by hand if needed).
Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter
- Check the airflow arrow on the new filter frame.
- Install it in the same direction as the old one came out (the arrow must match airflow direction shown on the housing/cover if marked).
- Slide the filter in evenly—don’t bend or crush it.
Step 7: Reinstall the access door and glove box
- Reinstall the filter access door and press until the tabs click into place.
- Lift the glove box back up and push the sides inward again to get past the stops.
- Reconnect the damper arm (if equipped) by pressing it back onto its pin.
- Close the glove box.
✅ After Repair
- 🔄 Start the engine and run the HVAC fan at low, then high, to confirm strong airflow.
- 👃 Switch between fresh air and recirculation to confirm no rattles and no loose cover.
- ✅ If you hear ticking/rubbing, recheck that the filter cover is fully clipped in.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $80-$160 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $15-$45 (parts only)
You Save: $65-$115 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.










