How to Install a Toyota Cabin Air Filter

Your Toyota cabin air filter serves a vital function. It keeps dust, pollen, mildew and smog out of the air in the vehicle. Occasionally you may notice that the cabin air has become stale. Inspect the filter to see if it is dirty or clogged and needs to be replaced. Check an automotive guide for your make and model, as Toyotas come with one of three types of particulate filters: pollen (which filters out allergens like pollen and dust), electrostatic (allergens as well as tinier particles like asbestos and tire dust) and premium charcoal (particles and odors).

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• New cabin air filter

Suggest Edits

1. • 1

     Remove all items from the glove compartment.

   • 2

     Pull out one or two screws (depending on your make and model of Toyota) on the sides (or top) of the glove compartment, using the Phillips screwdriver. The glove compartment will either fall out or you will have to unclip it with your hands and squeeze it on the sides so that you can lift it out of the space. Set it aside. This reveals the cabin air filter housing.

   • 3

     Pull the cabin air filter housing toward you to remove it from its clips. You may need to squeeze tabs on the side of the housing to release it, depending on your Toyota.

   • 4

     Pull the filter out of the housing, paying attention to the arrows on the housing, which show you how the new filter will go in correctly. Keep the filter facing upward so that no debris drops into your vehicle.

   • 5

     Tap the filter with your hand. If this shakes dust out, it's time to replace the filter.

   • 6

     Install the new filter by placing it into the filter housing and lining up the arrows just as they were on the old filter.

   • 7

     Push the air filter housing back into the housing cavity behind the glove compartment until it fits snugly in place.

   • 8

     Put the glove compartment back into position until it snaps into place, or clip it back on with your hands.

   • 9

     Use the Phillips screwdriver to turn and tighten screws that secure the glove compartment to the vehicle. Return all of your personal items to the glove compartment.

Tips & Warnings

• The exact procedure may vary by make and model (and some Toyotas do not even have air cabin filters), so consult an automotive guide for your particular Toyota.

• If you regularly drive in a dusty or polluted area or if you're sensitive to allergens, frequently inspect and replace your cabin air filter.