How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2019 GMC Canyon (Glove Box Access)
Step-by-step instructions with required tools, filter airflow direction tips, and post-install checks for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2019 GMC Canyon (Glove Box Access)
Step-by-step instructions with required tools, filter airflow direction tips, and post-install checks for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
đź”§ Canyon - Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Your Canyon’s cabin air filter cleans the air coming through the HVAC vents. Replacing it helps airflow, reduces odors, and keeps dust/pollen out of the cabin.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.2-0.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF before working near the glove box area.
- ⚠️ Don’t force plastic tabs; they can snap in cold weather.
- ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.
đź”§ Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Trim panel tool (plastic)
- Safety glasses
- Nitrile gloves
- Small flashlight
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Cabin air filter - Qty: 1
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- Park your Canyon on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Move the passenger seat back to give yourself room.
- Have a small trash bag ready for leaves/debris from the old filter.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open the glove box
- Open the glove box fully and remove any items inside by hand.
- Use a small flashlight to look along the right side for the glove box damper (the small arm that slows the glove box).
Step 2: Disconnect the glove box damper
- Use a trim panel tool (plastic) to gently pop the damper arm off its pin (it’s a small snap-on connection).
- Go slow—this clip is easy to crack.
Step 3: Let the glove box swing down
- With both hands, press inward on the glove box side walls to clear the stops.
- Lower the glove box door down so you can access the area behind it.
Step 4: Remove the cabin filter access cover
- Behind the glove box, locate the rectangular cabin filter cover.
- Use the trim panel tool (plastic) to release the cover tabs, then pull the cover off by hand.
Step 5: Remove the old cabin air filter
- Pull the filter straight out by hand.
- Keep it level so trapped dust/leaves don’t spill.
Step 6: Install the new cabin air filter
- Check the airflow arrow on the filter frame.
- Install it in the same direction as the old one (usually airflow down toward the blower on this setup).
- Slide it fully into the slot by hand—don’t crush or fold it.
Step 7: Reinstall the cover and glove box
- Reinstall the cabin filter cover by hand until all tabs click in.
- Lift the glove box back up, press in the sides again, and re-seat the stops.
- Snap the damper arm back onto its pin by hand.
âś… After Repair
- Start your Canyon and run the HVAC fan on medium-high for 30 seconds.
- Verify strong airflow from the vents and no glove box rattles.
- If you hear ticking/rubbing, recheck that the filter is fully seated and not bowed.
đź’° 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.

















