How to Change Your Cabin Air Filter in Your Honda: A Step-by-Step Guide - Bernardi Parts Honda

How to Change Your Cabin Air Filter in Your Honda: A Step-by-Step Guide

cabin air filter

How to Change Your Cabin Air Filter in Your Honda

A Step-by-Step Guide

Your Honda is designed to deliver a comfortable, clean ride — but over time, dirt, pollen, and debris can clog your cabin air filter. This simple filter cleans the air you and your passengers breathe by trapping dust, allergens, and other airborne particles before they enter your vehicle’s HVAC system. If you’ve noticed reduced airflow, musty odors, or allergy symptoms while driving, it might be time to change your cabin air filter.

The good news? Replacing your cabin air filter is one of the easiest DIY maintenance tasks you can do — and it only takes about 15 minutes. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to change your cabin air filter in your Honda, save money, and breathe easier on the road.

Why Change Your Cabin Air Filter?

  • Reduce heating and air conditioning efficiency
  • Cause musty odors inside the cabin
  • Allow dust and pollen to circulate inside your vehicle
  • Put extra strain on your HVAC blower motor

Honda recommends changing your cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or at least once a year. If you drive in areas with heavy pollen, dirt roads, or city smog, consider replacing it more often.


What You’ll Need

  • A genuine Honda replacement cabin air filter (check your owner’s manual for the right part number)
  • A clean cloth or vacuum (optional)
  • Your vehicle’s owner’s manual for reference

  Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Honda's Cabin Air Filter

Step 1: Locate Your Cabin Air Filter

  1. Open your glove box and remove any items inside.
  2. Look for the glove box damper arm on the side — this keeps the glove box from swinging open too far. Carefully unhook it.
  3. Gently squeeze the sides of the glove box inward so the stops clear the dashboard. The glove box will drop down, giving you access to the filter housing behind it.

In most Honda models — including the Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot, and Odyssey — the cabin air filter is located behind the glove box.

Step 2: Remove the Old Cabin Air Filter

  1. Behind the glove box, you’ll see a rectangular plastic cover — this is the cabin air filter cover.
  2. Release the clips on either side and slide the cover off.
  3. Carefully slide out the old cabin air filter. Be mindful — dust and debris may fall out, so hold it upright.
  4. Take note of how the old filter was positioned, especially the airflow direction arrows printed on the side.

Tip: Use a vacuum or cloth to clean out any debris inside the filter housing before installing the new filter.

replacing cabin air filter

Step 3: Install the New Cabin Air Filter

  1. Unbox your new Honda cabin air filter. Make sure it matches the size and shape of the old filter.
  2. Look for the airflow direction arrows on the side of the filter. Install the new filter in the same orientation as the old one — this ensures air flows through it correctly.
  3. Slide the new filter into the housing until it’s snug.
  4. Reattach the filter cover by aligning it with the tabs and snapping it into place.

Step 4: Reassemble the Glove Box

  1. Gently lift the glove box back into position. Squeeze the sides inward again so the stops clear the dash.
  2. Reattach the glove box damper arm on the side.
  3. Close the glove box and make sure it opens and closes smoothly.

Congratulations — you’ve successfully changed your Honda’s cabin air filter!

Helpful Tips

  • Always use a genuine Honda replacement filter or a trusted OEM-equivalent to ensure a proper fit and the best filtration performance.
  • Mark the date and mileage in your maintenance log so you know when it was last changed.
  • If you notice unusual smells even after installing a new filter, check your car’s ventilation system for mold or other issues.

When to Seek Professional Help

While changing your cabin air filter is an easy DIY job, some Honda models may have a slightly different filter location or extra fasteners. If you’re unsure or run into trouble, check your owner’s manual or visit your local Honda dealer’s service department. They can replace your cabin air filter quickly and inspect your HVAC system for any other concerns.

Take charge of your Honda’s comfort — change your cabin air filter today and breathe easy tomorrow!

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