How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter in a Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander cabin air filter is located behind the glove box. The cabin air filter is a micron filter that helps eliminate pollutants, allergens and other contaminants from entering the passenger cab of the SUV. Beginning the in 1980s, only a brief amount of imported vehicles integrated cabin air filters. Nowadays, many vehicles use them since the quality of air inside the passenger cab is six times more polluted than the air outside. The Highlander cabin air filter should be changed every 15,000 miles or less depending on the types of environmental conditions the vehicle drives in.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Replacement cabin air filter

1. • 1

     Open the passenger side door and then open the glove compartment. Remove all the contents from the glove compartment and set them aside--out of the way.

   • 2

     Locate the retaining screw on the lower right hand side of the glove box that retains the eyelet clip of the stop arm. Remove the screw using a Phillips head screwdriver.

   • 3

     Allow the glove compartment to drop down gently away from the stop arm. The retainers on each side of the glove box will only allow the box to drop slightly downward.

   • 4

     Gently push in on both sides of the box to release the side retainers and allow the box to drop down further.

   • 5

     Locate the filter cover behind the glove compartment cavity and then remove it by pulling out the filter housing from the outlet.

   • 6

     Inspect the air flow position of the air filter before removing it from the filter housing. Arrows labeled on the side of the filter will dictate its proper position in the housing bracket.

   • 7

     Install the new cabin air filter into the filter housing bracket making sure to align the air flow direction of the filter properly. Be sure the filter is cradled into the housing bracket properly. Reinstall the housing into the outlet.

   • 8

     Gently squeeze the sides of the glove compartment to replace the side retainers into position. Lift the glove box upwards slightly to align the stop arm to the retaining screw hole. Replace the screw and tighten. Return the contents back inside the glove box and then close it.

References