Car Smells Funny? It could be the Cabin Air Filter

Modern vehicles have a lot that goes into them.  Beside the mechanical engineering required just to make the vehicle roll down the road, they also incorporate computers, compressors, engines, electric components, air filters, and even cabin air filters.

Most people don’t realize that they should replace the cabin air filter on their vehicle every year or so.  And they only realize that their car even has one when the air gets a musty smell to it.  Fortunately, replacing the filter is quick and cheap.  Here is how you do it.

 

Locate the Cabin Air Filter

For our example, we will use a 2007 Toyota Rav4.  So, if you’re wondering how to change the cabin air filter on a 2007 Toyota Rav4, keep reading.  If you drive a different vehicle, keep reading too because the same basic principles apply.  The air filter for this vehicle cost about $16.

For most vehicles the filter is located behind the glove box.  This may seem like a pain, but it is actually pretty easy to access.

 

Detach the Glove Box

The glove box on the Rav4 has 3 clips holding it in place.  First, you want to disconnect the “hydraulic” arm.  In reality it’s not hydraulic, but actually some sort of rubber.

Next, push in on the sides of the glove box and disengage the two stop tabs. These prevent the box from opening too far.  The glove box will dangle down low now.

Remove the Air Filter Cover

The air filter on the 2007 Rav4 is easy to see.  Simply push the tab and open the cover to the air filter.  The filter will now slide out easily.  Simply slide the new on in its place.

Reverse the Steps

Put the cover back on the air filter compartment.  Push the glove box back up until the stop tabs click into place, and then re-engage the “hydraulic” arm.  Reload your glove box with spare napkins, playing cards, packets of ketchup, and that flashlight that has dead batteries, and you’re good to go.

Want to see exactly how easy it is?  We made a short video.  You can change the cabin air filter in a 2007 Toyota Rav4 in under 60 seconds (while holding your iPhone in one hand).  Check it out:

 

A & D Auto Body Helps

If you need help changing your cabin air filter, we recommend looking it up and tackling the job on your own; or having a friend help.  It’s such an easy task that you wouldn’t really want to spend the money to have us do it; but we will help if you want to bring your vehicle in.

However, A & D Auto Body can help with your other auto body needs.  We repair vehicles involved in major collisions, those that have hail damage, those that have scratches and need painted, those that have a broken window, and everything in between.  We also have some of the best rates in Bozeman for auto detailing.

If your vehicle has any auto body repair needs, give our office in Bozeman, Montana a call at 406-586-7791.