Changing the cabin air filter 2004 Honda Odyssey?

Answer 1

To replace the 2004 Odyssey cabin air filter for the first time requires that the glove box be totally remove exposing the horizontal brace that is covered by the plastic of the lower dash panel. That panel has segmented slots that need to be cut out and removed. Do not cut the metal brace behind it. I used a short hacksaw open blade and carefully sawed the plastic bar out. Once that is removed there are 2 8mm screws that must come out. The left side is difficult to access, I carefully pushed the shroud and used a long-nosed vice grip to loosen the screw for lack of a better tool. Once the metal bracket is removed, you remove the vertical cover to expose the filter. It snaps off from the top or bottom and is easily replaced when finished. Pull the cabin filter out and vacuum, if necessary, the debris that is in the slot, replace the filter and button the dash back up. Not a user friendly design, but after the first replacement you may inquire at the dealer how to access the left side screw, maybe with a flexible 1/4" or swivel socket. What I asked myself is " why didn't Honda design this better?" "or cut the dash out before it left the factory?".....Hopefully they redesigned this feature.