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How To Replace The Cabin (Pollen) Filter

The cabin filter cleans the air coming through the vents. A clogged filter reduces airflow and can cause musty smells and fogged windows.

DifficultyEasy
TimeAbout 15–30 minutes
AreaFilters
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What you need

  1. New cabin filterStandard or activated-carbon version for your car.
  2. Owner’s manualShows where the filter is.
  3. TorchThe housing is often under the dashboard.

Step by step

  1. Find the filter housingOften behind the glovebox, sometimes under the windscreen cowl in the engine bay.
  2. Open the accessEmpty and lower the glovebox or remove the cover as described in the manual.
  3. Remove the old filterNote the airflow arrow on its edge.
  4. Fit the new filterWith the arrow pointing in the same direction.
  5. Close everythingRefit the cover and glovebox, then run the fan to check.

When to go to a workshop

If the smell stays after a new filter, the evaporator may need cleaning, or water may be getting into the cabin; a workshop can check this.

Questions about How To Replace The Cabin (Pollen) Filter

How often should the cabin filter be changed?

Many schedules suggest once a year; more often in dusty or polluted areas.

Is a carbon filter better?

Activated carbon also reduces odours, but restricts airflow slightly more.