How do you change cabin air filter on 2003 Honda Odyssey?

Answer 1

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To replace the filter follow the procedures outline below:

1. Remove the glove box. This involves the simple procedure of

removing two screws that attach the glove box to the dash frame on the

bottom of the glove box. The screw on the right side of the glove box

is in a crappy location so I had to use an 8mm socket and a pair of

Robogrip pliers in order to remove the hex head screw. A short 90

degree angled Philips screwdriver may also work. Once the two screws

are removed, pull the glove box release button and take it out.

2. Cut the 18 Inch wide plastic brace that was behind the bottom part

of the glove box. YES, cut it. It does send chills down your spine

knowing you have to cut this perfectly good brace but trust me there

is no way around it and it is not structurally needed. There is a

metal brace behind it that actually carries the load. Except for maybe

removing the entire lower dash there is no way of not cutting this

plastic brace and getting to the filter element! If you have your

filter changed at the dealer they are going to do the cutting so don't

worry about it. In order to cut the brace out I used a utility knife

(Stanley knife) following the lines near the ends of the brace. It

looked pretty obvious to me where to cut so you'll most likely see it

too.

2. Remove the metal brace that was behind the plastic brace. With a

Philips screwdriver remove the two screws holding part of the lower

dash to the metal brace. Next, remove the two screws that hold the

brace to the rest of the dash frame. Use an 8mm socket to remove the

hex head screw on the right. The hex head screw on the left is a bit

trickier because it is hidden behind the dash. The head of the screw

faces the back of the vehicle. I used an 8mm closed end box wrench to

remove it. I loosened it with the wrench then took it out the rest of

the way with my hands. I small pair of hands helps!

3. Remove the AC Filter (a.k.a. Dust and Pollen Filter). The filter

element is held is place by a vertical black plastic cover almost dead

center in the middle of the hole left by the removal of the glove box.

It simply locks in place with a clip at the top and bottom of the

filter box. Just use a flat head screwdriver to pop loose the top and

bottom tabs. A vacuum with a small hose will come in handy to sweep

out any extra debris left back in there after the filter is removed.

Again, the filter is mounted in a vertical position with the two

"faces" of the filter facing the left and ride sides of the vehicle.

4. Insert the new filter. Match the "Air Flow" labels on the filter

box and on the filter element itself. The little black tab that is on

the filter element will be towards the front/bottom of the filter

facing the rear of the vehicle. Snap the filter cover back in place

then you are ready to reassemble.

5. Re-install the metal brace (4 screws total). Keep in mind that the

plastic brace is no longer needed and can be thrown out.

6. Re-install the glovebox (2 screws).