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Acura TL 2009-2014: How to Change Cabin Air Filter

Never pay to have your cabin air filter changed again. Learn the step-by-step instructions that will save you money and time.

By Gabriella Massari - April 27, 2016
Contributors: Hondasforme

This article applies to the 4th Gen Acura TL (2009-2014).

The cabin air filter is a component that you may never think about, but it actually performs an essential job: keeping the air within the cabin of your TL free of external debris and irritants. There's no reason to take your car into a shop for this quick and simple job, unless you want to overpay for a service that you can complete, well, just about anywhere–so long as you have a new filter handy. Here's how to replace the cabin air filter in your 4th generation Acura TL.

Acura TL 2009-2014: How to Change Cabin Air Filter

Material Needed

  • New cabin air filter

Visit your local auto parts store for the correct replacement air filter.

Step 1 – Open glove box and remove plastic shelf

Begin by opening the glove box and removing everything from the compartment. Once cleared, you'll see a plastic shelf shrouding the air filter housing. Pull this plastic shelf straight out with your hands.

  • Plastic cabin air filter shelf location
    Figure 1. Grab hold of the plastic shelf.
  • Removing cabin air filter plastic shelf
    Figure 2. Removing the plastic shelf.

Step 2 – Remove the cabin air filter assembly

With the plastic shelf removed, you'll now be able to see the assembly that houses the cabin air filter. There are tabs on the sides of the assembly; press the two tabs inward (as shown in Figure 3) and remove the assembly altogether.

  • Cabin air filter assembly tabs location
    Figure 3. Press the tabs inward.
  • removing cabin air filter assembly
    Figure 4. Pull the assembly out.

Step 3 – Replace the cabin air filter

With the assembly removed, you can now take out the old air filter and replace it with the new one you purchased. Dispose of the old filter. Be sure to take note of the arrows on the new filter indicating the direction of the air flow when reinstalling.

  • Removing cabin air filter
    Figure 5. Removing the old filter.
  • replacing cabin air filter, arrow location
    Figure 6. Note the direction of the air flow arrows when reinstalling.

Step 4 – Re-install the assembly and plastic shelf

Now that you've replaced the filter, all that's left to do is re-insert the assembly into the housing and replace the plastic shelf. Both should snap into place. You'll likely notice the improved quality of air circulating within your Acura TL right away, especially if the old filter was noticeably filthy!

  • reinstalling cabin air filter plastic shelf
    Figure 7. Re-install the assembly.
  • cabin air filter replaced
    Figure 8. The shelf will click back into place with these tabs.

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