How to replace a cabin filter for a 2006 Subaru Impreza
Replacing your cabin filter is essential to your engine’s respiratory health. This is a simple maintenance that should be done every three-six months, depending on your sensitivity to airborne allergens.
First of all, you’re going to need a Phillips-head screwdriver to get the job done, although, it is easier with a drill. This is the only tool required to perform a cabin filter replacement.
Begin by opening up the glove box and taking everything out. The filter is located behind the glove box. Once you’ve cleaned out your glove box, go ahead and close it up, because you’re going to want to start on the exterior screws in order to remove the whole glove box assembly.
Working from the bottom up is a good way to start unscrewing. There are a total of nine screws to take out in order to get to the filter. There will be two screws located on the bottom of the glove box assembly on both the left and right sides You’re going to have to stand on your head to locate these. Before you start removing the screws on the interior of the glove box, there is a hole plug located on the right side of the box that needs to be removed. Go ahead and use your screwdriver to loosen the plug. Once it’s loose, just use your fingers to pull it out. It might take a little bit of force, so don’t be afraid to tug on it a bit. Remove the screws, making sure to put them somewhere where they won’t get lost.
Next, open the glove box and locate the two screws in back of the storage area on the left and right sides. Remove these and move on to removing the next two screws in the front of the storage area on the left and right sides. Finally, take out the three screws on the face of the interior of the glove box starting on the left, then the right, and finally in the middle. Make sure to support the glove box assembly when removing the final screw, because if you don’t, the whole thing will come crashing down.
Once you’ve unattached the glove box from the dash board, locate the climate control fan. It’s a black circular unit with a white plug sticking out of it. Unplug the fan in order to get to the filter housing.
The filter housing will be a white plastic box on top of the fan. Remove the filter housing’s face plate by simply popping open the two tabs on the bottom. You should now be able to see the filter itself. Remove the filter and replace it. It might be a little tricky getting the filter out of there. Use your screw driver and stab it to get a hold of it if you have to—after all, you’re replacing it.
Once you’ve put the new filter in, follow all of these steps in reverse order to reassemble your dash and glove box. When screwing the glove box assembly back on, start on the top and work your way down to ensure a snug fit. If you can find a helping-hand to hold the glove box assembly in place while you screw, your life will be a lot easier. But, if you don’t have anyone readily available to help out, it is still doable. Don’t forget to put the hole plug back in on the side and enjoy your fresh new filter.
—A.J. Register
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