How To Replace Your Honda Cabin Air Filter
When a cabin air filter becomes clogged, it is no longer effective, and it can put undue stress on your cabin air blower/fan. That can cause your fan to burn out faster. By replacing the filter on a regular basis, you eliminate the possibility of it becoming clogged. Most filters need to be changed around the 20,000-mile mark, but if your driving conditions are extreme, you may need to change it more often. If you travel daily on a highway that has dense traffic or live in a rural area filled with dirt roads, you are going to need to change your filter a lot sooner than someone who is on paved roads in a small town. A cabin filter can even capture tiny pieces of tire from the highways. If you start to smell a musty odor, it is probably time to change your filter.
The cabin filter is normally located in the glove box of your Honda, but your owner’s manual will tell you where to find it.
Tools
- Standard screwdriver
- Replacement filter
- Hand vacuum
- Wet shop rag
Instructions
- Open your glove box and take everything out.
- Remove the limiting stop arm by sliding it off the pin.
- Take hold of the glove box from the front and the rear and squeeze them together. This will allow the side clamps to pop off. When the sides are released, it will drop down.
- You can now see the faceplate to the filter.
- Remove the faceplate by lifting the latches. This opens the filter compartment. Check the old filter to see which direction the arrows are pointed and make a note of that information.
- Pull the old filter out and keep the dirt from entering the cabin.
- Clean the filter chamber with the hand vacuum and use the wet towel to wipe up any additional dirt.
- Check the gaskets and seals to make sure that they are not cracked or dry. Replace them if needed.
- Put the new filter in with the arrows going in the right direction.
- Put the faceplate back on and reinstall the glove box.
- Reattach the limiting stop and put all your contents back in it.
A clean filter is a health benefit in that it keeps you from breathing in pollution, pollen, allergens and other things that can cause respiratory distress. You should never wash a filter and replace it. It loses its effectiveness and dampness can cause mold. When you change your Honda filter, you should note the date and the mileage in your owner’s manual in order to stay current with the changes. It does not hurt to buy extra filters and keep them on hand.