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Autopapyrus · Honda Civic (8th generation, FK/FN)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/honda/civic/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.

Honda Civic (8th generation, FK/FN): Cabin Air Filter Replacement

The filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side, and you don't need to remove any of the dashboard to reach it. Replace it once a year or every 15-20 thousand km (about 9,000-12,000 miles). Replace it sooner if the windows fog up often, airflow from the vents is weak, or a smell appears. The exact location of the cover and the clips depends on trim level and market, so go by what you see behind the glove box.

Difficulty: Easy Time: 10-20 minutes Steps: 10 Tools: Usually none needed; keep a Phillips PH2 screwdriver and a plastic trim tool on hand in case of retaining screws

Part

  • 🔩 Cabin air filter (particulate or activated carbon) for the 2006-2011 Honda Civic VIII. A carbon filter is the better choice because it traps odors more effectively
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes and 31 more. See manuals →

Step by step

10 steps
  1. Shut off the engine and turn the ignition off. Empty everything out of the glove box.
  2. Open the glove box. On the right side, find the damper (a small arm that lowers the lid slowly) and carefully pull it off its ball stud or retainer.
  3. Squeeze the sides of the glove box toward the center so the stops clear the slots in the dashboard. The glove box will swing down and hang on its lower hinges. Don't pull hard, because the plastic is brittle. On some versions you will need to remove a couple of screws.
  4. Behind the glove box, find the rectangular filter compartment cover. Press the side latches or remove the screws, then take the cover off.
  5. Pull out the filter (sometimes it comes out together with a frame). Note its position and the direction of the airflow arrow. The "AIR FLOW" arrow usually points down.
  6. Vacuum or wipe out the compartment to remove leaves, dust and debris. Make sure no debris falls into the blower housing.
  7. Install the new filter so the airflow arrow points in the same direction as on the old one. The filter must sit flat, without twisting or gaps around the edges.
  8. Put the compartment cover back and secure the latches or screws.
  9. Reinstall the glove box: guide the side stops into the slots, reattach the damper, close it, and check that the lid opens and closes normally.
  10. Turn the blower fan to maximum and check the airflow and that there are no unusual noises.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Don't install the filter with the arrow facing the wrong way, and don't leave the compartment without its cover: the filter media clogs quickly, and dirt and moisture get onto the evaporator and into the HVAC housing. Don't force the glove box off. A broken damper or stop will rattle later.