Paul's Travel Pictures

Toyota 4Runner Cabin Air Filter Replacement Guide
How to change the A/C cabin air filter element in a 5th generation 2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner SUV with pictures.

Main Menu            Home           Digital Cameras

Misc. Pictures            Articles            My Blog

2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-001
2015 4Runner Glove Box
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-002
Open Glove Box
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-003
Filter Access Cover
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the fifth generation (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016) Toyota 4Runner SUV in cleaning or changing the A/C system's cabin air filter element in the HVAC blower motor housing.

Owners of other Toyota, Lexus or Scion vehicles such as the Yaris, Corolla, Matrix, Prius, Camry, RAV4, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, FJ Cruiser, Venza, Highlander, Avalon, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, IS 250, ES 350, GS 350, tC, xB, xD, iQ and FR-S may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

A few compatible replacement filters with their part numbers are as follows: Fram CF10285, Wix 24483, TYC 800012P, Denso 453-1019, Purolator C35667, Beck Arnley 042-2082, ACDelco CF3320C, Toyota 87139-50100, K&N VF2000, MAHLE Original LAK 490 and Champion CCF1816.

No tools are needed to access and replace the cabin air filter.



 
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-004
Push Down Tabs To Release
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-005
Release 2nd Plastic Clip
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-006
Remove Access Panel
The first two steps are to open the glove box and empty out the contents.

Then locate the rectangular shaped black plastic access cover at the back of the glove box.

Push down the two tabs on the top edge of the panel before pulling it straight out.

Set the glove box filter access panel aside in a safe place.

2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-007
White Plastic Filter Slot Cover
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-008
Push In Release Tab On Right
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-009
Push In Left Side Tab
There are two retaining clips on the white plastic rectangular shaped filter access cover on the HVAC blower motor housing.

Push in the tab on the left and the other tab on the right side of the filter cover to release the panel.

2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-010
Remove Filter Cover
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-011
Old Filter Exposed
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-012
Slide Out Old Filter
Pull out the filter cover and set it aside in a safe place.

Slide the old cabin air filter straight out of the slot.



 

2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-013
Inspect Both Sides
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-014
Empty Filter Slot
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-015
"Up" Air Flow Arrow
Inspect both sides of the old filter.

If the old filter is relatively clean, just tap out the large debris and remove any fine dust with a wet/dry shop vacuum cleaner.

If the old filter is dark grey or black and clogged with pollen, soot, leaves, insects, hair, twigs, sand, dirt and other debris, it should be replaced with a new filter element.

I always buy the Fram CF10285 cabin air filters since they have the best reviews on Amazon. I also like how they contain Arm & Hammer baking soda and carbon to prevent the A/C from smelling musty or moldy.

Orientate the new filter with the "Air Flow" arrow pointing down towards the floor mat.

Note - If you buy the OEM Toyota cabin air filter, it may instead have an "UP" arrow that needs to be pointed up. Most aftermarket cabin air filters have an "Air Flow" arrow that will point down into the fan of the blower motor.

Slide the new filter straight in to the slot.

2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-016
Slide In New Air Filter
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-017
Push On Filter Cover
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-018
Filter Cover Secured
Push the white plastic filter access panel on to the slot in the HVAC blower motor housing with the "UP" arrow pointing in the correct direction until the two retaining clips "click" securely in to place.
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-019
Line Up Glove Box Panel
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-020
Plastic Clips Secured
2010-2016-Toyota-4Runner-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-021
Close Glove Box
Line up the black plastic cover over the opening in the rear of the glove box and push it back in to place.

Replace the contents of the glove box and close it to complete the job.

Enjoy the fresh clean air from your A/C system!

Be sure to record the bulb change in your vehicle's service records.

For more, check out my other 2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

If you found this guide to be helpful, please consider making a small donation by clicking on the PayPal.com "Donate" button located to the right of this paragraph. Thank you!
(Note: I am not a registered charity. Donations are not tax deductible.)

Main Menu       Home       Digital Cameras

Misc. Pictures       Articles       My Blog

 

Copyright 2024 © PaulsTravelPictures.com
 All Rights Reserved ®

Paul's Travel Pictures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Privacy Policy     About Paul & Author Contact Info