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

How to Change Your Cabin Air Filter in Your Acura

A Step-by-Step Guide

Your Acura is engineered for a premium driving experience — but a simple part like the cabin air filter plays a big role in keeping that experience clean and comfortable. The cabin air filter traps pollen, dust, dirt, and other airborne particles before they enter your vehicle’s heating and air conditioning system.

Over time, this filter gets clogged, restricting airflow and letting unwanted particles circulate inside your cabin. That’s why Acura recommends replacing the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or once a year. Replacing this filter is easy, affordable, and a great DIY maintenance task you can handle in about 15 minutes.

If you’re ready to save money and breathe easier, here’s your complete guide on how to change your own cabin air filter in your Acura.

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Why Replace Your Cabin Air Filter?

Maintain clean, fresh air inside the cabin
Improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system
Reduce allergens and pollutants while driving
Prevent musty or stale odors
Protect your HVAC blower motor from excessive strain

If you drive in areas with heavy traffic, pollen, dirt roads, or city smog, it’s smart to check your cabin air filter more often.

What You’ll Need

A genuine Acura cabin air filter replacement (always use the correct size and type)
Your Acura owner’s manual
A clean cloth or small handheld vacuum (optional, for cleaning the filter housing)

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Acura’s Cabin Air Filter

Step 1: Locate the Cabin Air Filter

Open the glove box and remove any contents.
Look for the glove box damper arm on the side. This small arm prevents the glove box from falling open too far. Unhook it gently.
Squeeze the sides of the glove box inward so the side stops clear the dash, allowing the glove box to drop down fully. Now you’ll see the cabin air filter housing behind it.

In most Acura models — including the RDX, MDX, TLX, and ILX — the cabin air filter is located behind the glove box.

Step 2: Remove the Old Cabin Air Filter

Behind the glove box, you’ll see a rectangular plastic panel. This is the access cover for the cabin air filter.
Release the clips or tabs on either side and remove the cover.
Slide the old cabin air filter straight out. Hold it upright to prevent debris from spilling out.
Take note of how the filter is positioned — especially the airflow direction arrows printed on the side.

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

Step 3: Install the New Cabin Air Filter

Remove the new Acura cabin air filter from its packaging. Confirm it matches the old filter in size and shape.
Locate the airflow direction arrows on the side of the filter. Make sure to insert the new filter with the arrows pointing the same way as the old filter.
Slide the new filter into the housing. Make sure it fits snugly and sits flush inside the compartment.
Reattach the plastic cover by snapping it back into place.

Step 4: Reassemble the Glove Box

Lift the glove box back into position. Squeeze the sides inward to guide the side stops past the dash frame.
Reconnect the glove box damper arm to its mounting point.
Gently close the glove box and make sure it opens and closes smoothly.

And that’s it — you’ve successfully changed your cabin air filter!

Quick Tips for Best Results

Use only a genuine Acura cabin air filter or a high-quality OEM equivalent for the best performance.
Keep a note in your service records of the date and mileage when you changed the filter.
If you notice weak airflow or odors even after replacement, have your HVAC system inspected by an Acura technician.

When to Get Professional Help

For most Acura vehicles, replacing the cabin air filter is an easy do-it-yourself task. But some models may have slightly different filter locations, extra panels, or added fasteners. If you’re unsure or run into trouble, check your owner’s manual or visit your local Acura dealership. They can replace the cabin air filter and check your HVAC system for any other maintenance needs.

Keep your ride fresh and your air clean — change your Acura’s cabin air filter today and enjoy the difference tomorrow!