DIY: Subaru Legacy/Outback/Baja Cabin Filter Replacement

Difficulty Level

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• nylon trim tool
• phillips screwdriver
• standard/flat screwdriver
• 10mm socket with ratchet
• new cabin filter
• vacuum cleaner

Procedure:

• first start by opening your glove compartment
• remove the items from your glove compartment
• pull in the sides on the glove compartment to disconnect the stop tabs from the dashboard housing
• remove the seven phillips screws using a screwdriver around the opening of the glove compartment
• remove a small expanding screw clip on the center console side trim located under the dashboard in front of the floor vent
• unclip the center console side trim, there will be three clips on the backside
• when removing that center console side trim, be careful with the tang that sticks on towards the back of the panel by the seat
• remove the phillips screw which was hidden behind the center console trim around the glove box opening
• remove the two bolts which can have a phillips screwdriver or 10mm socket and ratchet used on
• they are located towards the top of the glove compartment opening on the dashboard
• now drop out the glove compartment frame work from the dashboard
• disconnect the electrical connector for the glove compartment light which is located towards the door side
• the duct is now exposed which houses the cabin filter
• remove the four snap clips holding on the filter housing cap using a standard screwdriver
• now slide down the housing cap which will expose the cabin filter
• remove the old filter
• use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any debris inside the duct
• reinstall the new filter
• the filter unit is two pieces and slides together in a track
• install the top filter portion first, then install the bottom filter
• assembly in reverse of disassembly

Video tutorial on how to replace the cabin filter in a third generation (1998-2006) Subaru Legacy, Outback, and Baja. The cabin filter is located at the passenger side behind the glove box. The filter is a two piece unit which installs in the ventilation system. Old filters can cause odours, reduce air flow, decrease cooling and heating, and also make the fan work harder. Not all vehicles are equipped with a cabin filter from factory, therefore your vehicle may or may not have one. If your vehicle does not have a filter installed, one can be installed to help cleanse the air entering the interior of the vehicle which helps reduce dust and allergy issues. This particular tutorial was done on a 2000 Subaru Outback.