How to Change the Cabin Air Filter in a Toyota

Co-authored by Chad Zani

Last Updated: December 5, 2023 References

Many recent Toyota cars have an air filter for the air that comes into the cabin. It reduces dust and debris entering through the ventilation. It should be changed about every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or according to the manual.^{[1]
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Research source} This is a simple part to replace yourself, so there is no need to hire somebody. (Click any photo to enlarge it.)

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Steps

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1
Obtain the replacement filter. You can buy one at your nearest dealership or you can shop around at an auto parts store or online.
2
Open the glove compartment all the way and remove the screw on the lower right side. Pull the loop from the arm over and off the cylinder where the screw was.^{[2]
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Research source} Don't lose the screw.
- On a Highlander, you may be able to remove the loop without removing the screw, which is below and behind the glove compartment; leave the glove compartment closed while removing the loop, then open it.
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3
Squeeze the sides of the glove compartment together and pull to move the tabs past the edges, to the front of the dash. Then lift the entire glove compartment off its hinges.^{[3]
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- Note that when it is too hard to push, instead of pushing both sides, you might want to try to push against the back of the glove box, while pulling on the front. This works, when squeezing the sides does not.
4
Remove the plastic cover by squeezing the tabs together. There are tabs on both sides, but the photo just shows one.^{[4]
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5
Slide out the old filter by pulling it towards you. Keep it facing up so that you don't spill the debris.
6
Insert the new filter. The arrow that says UP should be pointing up, facing you, as shown in the photo.^{[5]
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7
Snap the cover back into place.
8
Place the glove compartment container back on its hinges and push it in so the tabs snap back behind the dash. You may have to squeeze the sides again, as you did when you took the glove compartment out.^{[6]
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9
Replace the loop and the screw on the lower right.^{[7]
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Question

How do I find the cabin air filter in my car?

Community Answer

Look in the owner's manual for the location; I believe Toyota is in the glove box.

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Question

What happens when an A/C filter is bad?

Community Answer

If the A/C filter is bad, the ventilation will be weak, the air flow will decrease, and the noise of the flow will increase. The A/C won't work properly, and may not cool the car. If the filter is excessively damaged, the A/C might break down entirely. Check and clean filters regularly, or it might end up costing you a lot. The filters are normally located behind the glove box, they're very easy to access and clean.

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Question

What is the difference between a cabin air filter and an air filter on a 2007 Camry Hybrid?

Community Answer

The air filter is your engine's intake, and the cabin filter is for your A.C and heater.

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Tips

It a GOOD idea to leave the car ventilation in recirculate mode whenever you park since it seems that mice like to find their way into your car and make a nest on top of the filter. Recirculate mode closes the outside air entrance to the filter.

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Besides waiting for a particular mileage, consider waiting until trees near where you park are done dropping pollen, leaves, or needles for the season.

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In the 2009 Camry, there is no side arm screw, just squeeze the tips on the post to release.

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Warnings

Don't squeeze so hard on any of the plastic tabs that they break. They're reasonably sturdy, and you shouldn't need to overdo it.

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