DIY In-cabin microfilter replacement

[AustinG35]

Looks like the old link no longer works. Mods, please add this to your DIY section.

As part of the 15k "premium" service, the dealership will replace the in-cabin microfilter (located behind the glovebox) for about ~$150 (~$50 for parts, ~$100 for labor.) You can do this yourself with relative ease. Order your microfilter through Grubbs Infiniti parts (they sent me one specified for the Sentra/Altima, however, it appears to be the same part and fits with no problems.) With your "6mt.net" discount, it should cost around $29 plus some shipping.

All you will need is a #2 crosstip screwdriver, possibly a #14 socket, and possibly a microfiber towel or equivalent.

1. Move your passenger seat back as far as it will go.

2. Your filter should come with instructions (for the Sentra/Altima which won't be applicable to your car), a new filter (the picture shows the old filter), precaution sticker (you most likely already have one attached to the wall directly behind the back of the glove box), and a filter replacement interval sticker (which is supposed to be attached to the inside end of your driver's door, but I did not attach it.)

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3. Locate the instrument lower cover directly beneath the glove box. Pull at either ends straight down to pop it off. It has two tabs in the back that will slide out once the front is loose. Remove this piece.

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4. Remove the entire front pillar garnish (the long plastic piece that is located directly above the center mud guard finisher that has "INFINITI" etched on it.) It’s long and awkward, but it will pop off. Carefully lift up and remove.

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5. Pull the rubber weatherstripping away and out from the frame. You want to pull enough of it out to access the glove box and the kick panel.

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6. Locate the plastic nut fastener located towards the farthest end of the side kick panel which is attached to the floor carpeting. Remove the plastic nut fastener with the #14 socket. This is actually just pushed in over a metal stud in the floor, and should easily come loose.

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7. Locate the side kick panel. Once the plastic nut fastener is removed, it will be attached at either closest end. Carefully remove the side kick panel. It will pop off. Be careful not to wedge the upper side into the plastic tab. Use the microfiber towel or equivalent and push between the two sections of plastic to avoid scaring the plastic tabs.

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8. The lower portion of the glove box will be attached to the dash assembly by two screws at either end. Remove both screws. Note the "scaring" I mentioned in step #7 in the second photo.

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9. Locate the 4 screws that attach the upper section of the glove box to the dashboard. Remover all 4 screws and the metal glove box striker.

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10. Locate the the instrument lower passenger panel. The glove box is secured to it. It will be attached at either end outside the glove box. Pull downward and it will pop off. Lower the entire assembly down far enough to access behind it, but not too far. There are several wires and cables behind the glove box. The in-cabin microfilter is located inside the large white assembly directly behind the glove box.

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11. Locate the glove box light assembly (left arrow) and the large yellow airbag control connector (right arrow)

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12. Carefully disconnect the light assembly by grabbing at the base and turning a quarter turn. The light assembly should disconnect.

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13. Locate the retaining plugs on the other side of the glove box for the yellow airbag controller. NOTE: do not attempt to disconnect the airbag controller! (This will cause your airbag light to come on and you will have to visit the dealership to get it reset!) You are removing the controller from the actual glove box itself. Squeeze the retaining plugs in and carefully disconnect the big yellow airbag controller connector from the glove box.

[AustinG35]

14. Locate the wiring harness that runs directly in front of the in-cabin ventilation assembly (the big white box). You will need to gently move it up and around the edge of the panel to remove the filter cover.

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15. Locate the tab on the right side of the filter cover and push it to the left and pull the filter cover out. While performing this task, you may also need to hold the loose wires and cables out of the way.

[AustinG35]

16. Once the filter cover is removed, you will be able to see the filter. Again, hold the loose wires and cables and gently remove the filter without catching the loose wires or cables.