How to Improve Your Altima’s Air Quality: A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Cabin Air Filter

Your Nissan Altima’s cabin air filter plays a crucial role in ensuring the air you breathe inside your vehicle is clean and free of contaminants. Changing this filter regularly is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable cabin environment. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to change the cabin air filter in your Nissan Altima.

Materials Required

• New cabin air filter (consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended type)
• Gloves (optional)
• Small flashlight (optional)

Safety Precautions

• Park your Altima on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down completely.
• Wear gloves if desired to protect your hands from dirt and debris.

How to Change Cabin Air Filter Nissan Altima: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Locate the Glove Box

• Open the glove box fully.
• Locate the two small tabs on the sides of the glove box.

2. Remove the Glove Box

• Squeeze the tabs inward simultaneously to release the glove box.
• Gently pull the glove box towards you and remove it from the dashboard.

3. Locate the Cabin Air Filter Cover

• Behind the glove box, you will see a rectangular cover with a plastic tab.

4. Remove the Cabin Air Filter Cover

• Push down on the plastic tab and gently pull the cover towards you.
• The cover will detach from the dashboard.

5. Remove the Old Cabin Air Filter

• Grip the old cabin air filter and pull it straight out of the housing.
• Discard the old filter.

6. Install the New Cabin Air Filter

• Take the new cabin air filter and insert it into the housing.
• Make sure the filter is oriented correctly, with the arrow pointing towards the airflow.

7. Reinstall the Cabin Air Filter Cover

• Align the cover with the housing and gently push it back into place.
• Ensure the cover is securely fastened.

8. Reinstall the Glove Box

• Insert the glove box back into the dashboard.
• Push it in firmly until it clicks into place.

Maintenance Schedule

• It is recommended to change your Nissan Altima’s cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first.
• If you drive in dusty or polluted environments, you may need to change the filter more frequently.

Signs of a Dirty Cabin Air Filter

• Reduced airflow from the vents
• Musty or unpleasant odors in the cabin
• Increased dust and allergens in the cabin
• Difficulty breathing or coughing while driving

Benefits of Changing Your Cabin Air Filter

• Improved air quality inside the vehicle
• Reduced respiratory problems
• Enhanced comfort and driving experience
• Extended life of the vehicle’s heating and cooling system

Troubleshooting

Q: I can’t locate the cabin air filter housing.

• Ensure you are removing the correct glove box. On some Altima models, the cabin air filter may be located behind the passenger’s side dashboard.

Q: The new cabin air filter doesn’t fit.

• Verify that you have purchased the correct type of filter for your Altima. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended filter dimensions.

Q: I’m having difficulty removing the old cabin air filter.

• Use a small flashlight to illuminate the filter housing. Gently wiggle the filter back and forth to loosen it.