Autopapyrus · Ford Explorer (5th generation)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/ford/explorer/cabin-air-filter-replacement/

Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Ford Explorer (5th generation): Cabin Air Filter Replacement

The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box on the front passenger side and is independent of the engine (including the 3.5 EcoBoost). Replace it once a year or about every 20,000 km (12,000 miles), more often if you drive on dusty roads or in heavy traffic. To replace it, you need to lower the glove box.

Difficulty: Easy Time: 15-30 minutes Steps: 9 Tools: None required (long-nose pliers and a flashlight if needed)

Part

🔩 Motorcraft FP-68 cabin air filter (for Explorer 2011-2019, verify fitment against the marking on your old filter). Aftermarket equivalents include K&N, Mann and others. Carbon versions are available and absorb odors better

There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes and 11 more. See manuals →

Step by step

9 steps

Turn off the engine, empty the glove box, and open it.
Gently squeeze the sides of the glove box so the stops clear their catches, then lower the box down. Don't let it drop: the plastic hinges at the bottom break easily, so support it with your hand.
If there is a thin damper strap on the right side of the glove box, unhook it. It is hard to reattach during installation, so it helps to hook it back on with long-nose pliers.
Behind the glove box, find the rectangular filter cover. Press the retaining tab and remove the cover.
Before removing the filter, note the direction of the airflow arrows on the edge of the old filter. Pull the filter down and slide it out of the housing.
Wipe out or vacuum the compartment to remove leaves and dust, taking care not to drop debris into the blower duct.
Insert the new filter with the arrows pointing the same way as on the old one (the arrows usually point down, in the direction of airflow toward the blower).
Snap the cover onto its retaining tab, reattach the strap, raise the glove box, and snap the stops back into place.
Run the blower fan at maximum speed and check that the airflow is steady, with no whistling or unusual odor.

Common mistakes and warnings

Do not install the filter against the arrow, and do not leave the cover unsecured: the filter may shift and reduce airflow. If airflow is weak or noise appears after replacement, check the seating of the filter and cover. Plastic becomes brittle in the cold, so work carefully in cold weather and preferably warm up the cabin first.