Changing Cabin Filter

In addition to the engine air filter, you will also need to eventually change the cabin filter(at least every 6 months), which is typically located behind your glove compartment.  This controls the air flow inside the car like the air filters in your house.  When you use the air condition/heater in your car, you want to make sure you are breathing in clean/filtered air =). 

At  the dealership or car shop, they will typically charge you between $65-$75 or so for this service.  The cost of a cabin filter can range between $12-$17.  I found an online website that sell the filters for even cheaper ($3.90).  Yes, I'm being serious.  Also, if you go to Advanced Auto Parts, don't forget that they are an affiliate of ebates.com so you can get cashback when purchasing online.  If you want to pick it up that moment or day, then just choose the pick-up in store option. 

Now for how to change the cabin filter yourself.  As I mentioned earlier, the cabin air filter is located behind your glove compartment so you will need to get on the passenger seat side of the vehicle.  Depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, you can do a google search for your vehicle such as "2007 toyota prius cabin filter change".  More than likely, you will find a youtube video showing you how to do this.  On my prius, it took me 7 minutes if even that from the point of opening the box to take out the new filter, taking out the old one, and putting in the new one.  I actually did it right before I went into work one morning in the Advanced Auto Parts parking lot to pick up the new filter after doing the pre-purchase online through ebates. 

Anywho, here we go.  I am going to speak specifically to my 2007 prius so if you have a different car, then just google search your specific vehicle.  This will give you an idea of just how easy it is.  Save the $40 to $50 you'd pay on labor and use it for something else.:

First get in front of your glove compartment and open it.  You will most likely want to push the passenger seat back so that you are comfortable.

Unhook the Glove Compartment(GC) Rubber Loophole fasteners on each side of the GC.

Squeeze the sides of the GC to lower the GC all the way down so that you can get behind the GC.  This is where the cabin filter resides =),

 

Squeeze the sides of the cabin filter tray in order to slide the cabin filter tray out.  We are just replacing the old cabin filter so do not throw out the plastic carrier.

 

 

Yuck!!  This is after 6 months of use so at the minimum, be sure to change your cabin filter every 6 months.

 

Remove the old filter and Insert the new one into the cabin filter carrier.

 

 

Now you are ready to slide the carrier back into position with the new CLEAN filter.  You will hear a click to let you know it's secure.

 



Raise the GC back up to put it back in place.  On both sides of the GC, wrap the rubber loophole fasteners around the plastic piece sticking out to secure the GC.  Squeeze both sides of the GC to insert it back to the car. 

 

 

And You're Done.  Good Job!!