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Hyundai Sonata V (NF): Cabin Air Filter Replacement

On the Sonata NF, the cabin air filter sits in the heater blower housing behind the glove box, on the front passenger side. Replace it about every 12 months or 15,000 miles (about 24,000 km), or sooner if you notice an odor in the cabin or weaker airflow. To reach it, you lower the glove box. You don't need to remove it completely.

DifficultyEasy Time10-20 minutes Steps12

Key figures

  • Replacement interval
    12 months or 15,000 miles (about 24,000 km). Replace the filter at whichever comes first (summary)
  • Filter cover clips
    4 total, two on each side. Squeeze them in pairs to remove the cover (step 5)
  • Glove box side stops
    2 total. Remove them before lowering the glove box (step 3)

Check these values against the manufacturer’s specification for your vehicle before you start.

Part

№PartAlternatives
01 Cabin air filter (dust or activated carbon) for Hyundai Sonata NF, rectangular, plastic frame AlternativesMannBoschFiltron

Tools

2
  • Not required
  • a flat-head screwdriver may come in handy
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Chilton and 5 more. See manuals →

Step by step

12 steps
  1. Sit in the front passenger seat, open the glove box and empty it completely.
  2. Find the plastic damper arm on the right side wall of the glove box. Its lower ring fits over a pin with two small tabs. Pull the ring off the pin. If you can't reach it, remove the side trim cover on the end of the dash by the passenger door. You should hear about three clicks as it comes off and goes back on. Then reach in and remove the arm.
  3. Lift the glove box up about 2-3 cm to relieve the tension on the side stops. Remove the two plastic-and-rubber stoppers, one on each side: bend back the tab at the rear edge of the stopper (pry it with a flat-head screwdriver if needed) and pull it out of the side wall.
  4. Carefully lower the glove box down onto the floor mat.
  5. On the blower housing, find the rectangular black filter access cover. It has four clips: two on the left and two on the right. Squeeze each pair to release the cover.
  6. Pull the filter straight out of the slot together with the cover or holder. Don't twist or tilt it, or you may break the tabs.
  7. Remove any leaves, debris and insects from the slot. If possible, vacuum the slot with a narrow nozzle.
  8. Install the new filter into the holder or cover. The "Air Flow" arrow on it must point down, toward the floor. If the filter is marked "UP", that mark must point up. The filter must sit flat, with no misalignment at the edges.
  9. Slide the filter into the slot until both clips click into place.
  10. Lift the glove box and put the lower ring of the damper arm back onto its pin.
  11. Insert the two side stoppers into the walls and press their tabs in. Reinstall the side trim cover if you removed it.
  12. Put your things back in the glove box, close it, and turn on the heater blower. Check the airflow and make sure there are no unusual noises.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • The plastic clips and tabs on the filter cover and the side stops are fragile, so don't use force
  • They are easy to break on this car
  • No torque specs are needed, since there is no threaded hardware in this job
  • If the filter is an activated carbon type, still observe the airflow direction arrow, or it will not work as well