Paul's Travel Pictures

Chevrolet Cruze Cabin Air Filter Replacement Guide
How to clean or change the A/C system's cabin air filter element in a 2nd generation 2016 to 2019 GM Chevy Cruze.

Main Menu            Home           Digital Cameras

Misc. Pictures            Articles            My Blog


By
Paul B. Michaels
Author & Photographer
Auto Mechanic Since 1989

 
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-001
2018 Cruze Glove Box
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-002
Open Glove Box - Empty
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-003
Plastic Side Trim Cover
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the second generation 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 GM Chevrolet Cruze in cleaning or changing the air conditioning system's cabin air filter element located in the HVAC blower motor housing.

Owners of other General Motors vehicles from Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac and Holden such as the Sonic, Spark, Malibu, Impala, Volt, Bolt, Camaro, Corvette, Trax, Equinox, Blazer, Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, Colorado, Silverado, Express, TrailBlazer, Encore, Regal TourX, Envision, Enclave, LaCrosse, Cascada, Sierra, Canyon, Acadia, Terrain, Yukon, Savana, XT4, XT5, XT6, Escalade, CT5, CTS-V, XTS, CT6, ATS, Astra and Commodore may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

A few compatible replacement cabin air filters with their part numbers include the following: Spearhead BE-966, ACDelco CF185, Fram CF11966, K&N VF2040, EcoGard XC10022C and Wix 24211.

The tools needed to access and replace the cabin air filter include the following: a plastic pry bar tool, a 7mm socket with a short extension bar, a 1/4" drive ratchet and a flat head screwdriver.

The first few steps are to sit in the front passenger seat, open the glove box and empty out the contents.



 

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-004
Pull To Loosen Clips
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-005
Release Friction Fasteners
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-006
Side Trim Panel Removed
Then move to the rounded trim panel that covers the outer edge of the dashboard near the front passenger door hinges.

Carefully pull the trim cover off the side of the dashboard.

You may need to use a plastic pry bar tool to gently loosen the plastic friction fastener retaining clips.

Set the trim cover aside in a safe place.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-007
Two Screws Exposed
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-008
Left Side Black Screws
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-009
Loosen Counterclockwise
Once the trim panel on the outside edge of the dashboard has been removed, you'll be able to see the two black metal screws on the right side of the glove box.

There are another two black metal screws on the left side of the glove box.

Remove the two screws on the right side of the glove box by turning them in the counterclockwise direction with a 7mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet.

I found it easier to attach a short extension bar to the socket for extra reach.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-010
Loosen Bottom Screw
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-011
Remove Left Side Screws
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-012
Lower Left Screw
Then loosen the two screws on the left side of the glove box by turning them in the counterclockwise direction with the 7mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet.

Set the four screws aside in a safe place such as down on the front passenger floor mat.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-013
Four Screws Removed
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-014
Look Under Glove Box
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-015
Release Plastic Pop Rivet
Next, look under the glove box and locate the black plastic pop rivet fastener near the right side of the glove box.

Pry out the smaller round pin in the center of the fastener to unlock it.

Then pull out the entire pop rivet fastener from the fabric liner to detach it from the underside of the glove box.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-016
Pull Out Pop Rivet
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-017
Fabric Liner Released
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-018
Bottom Screw Exposed
Once the fabric cover under the glove box has been pulled down, you'll be able to see the final black metal screw holding the glove box in place.
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-019
Loosen Counterclockwise
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-020
Five Screws Removed
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-021
Left Side Kick Panel
Remove the screw under the glove box by turning it in the counterclockwise direction with the 7mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet.

Set the screw aside with the other screws.

At this point, you should have removed a total of five screws.

Then move to the black plastic kick panel on the left side of the front passenger floor mat.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-022
Gently Pull Off Panel
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-023
Plastic Clips Released
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-024
Kick Panel Removed
Gently pull the kick panel straight off the bottom of the center stack to release the plastic retaining clips.

Set the kick panel aside in a safe place.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-025
Pull Fuse Access Cover
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-026
Fuse Cover Removed
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-027
Pull Center Console Cover
Then move to the interior fuse panel access cover located below the A/C system controls on the dashboard.

Place your fingers into the opening in the access cover and firmly pull it straight out.

Set the fuse access cover aside in a safe place.

Next, pull out the bottom edge of the center console cover located to the right of the interior fuse panel.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-028
Rest Panel On Shift Knob
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-029
Gently Pull Out Glove Box
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-030
Pulling Out Right Side
Rotate the center console cover towards the shift knob and rest it on the cup holders.

Now you can begin pulling the glove box out of the dashboard.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-031
Glove Box Clips Released
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-032
Glove Box Removed
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-033
HVAC Blower Motor
Carefully pull the left and right side of the glove box straight out of the dashboard to release the plastic retaining clips.

Gently set the glove box down on the floor mat.

Finally, after all of those steps we can see the HVAC blower motor housing and the A/C cabin air filter access cover.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-034
Filter Access Cover
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-035
Pull Out Release Tab
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-036
Right Retaining Clip
There are two retaining clips on the rectangular shaped filter access cover.

One is located on the left side and the other on the right side.

Gently pull the tabs away from the center of the filter cover to release the retaining clips.



 

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-037
Swing Down Filter Cover
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-038
Slide Out Old Filter
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-039
Remove Filter From Slot
Swing down the filter access cover.

Slide the old filter straight out of the slot.

You may need to use a plastic pry bar tool or a flat head screwdriver to pull the filter out of the slot.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-040
Old Filter Removed
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-041
Clean With Vacuum
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-042
OEM Part Number
Inspect both sides of the old filter.

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

I recommend buying the Spearhead BE-966 cabin air filter since it has excellent reviews on Amazon.

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.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) filter part number in this 2018 Chevy Cruze LT was MicronAir GM 13508023 GS600001 (ACDelco # CF185).

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-043
Empty AC Filter Slot
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-044
"Air Flow" Arrow Down
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-045
Install New Air Filter
Check the filter slot in the HVAC blower motor housing for any large debris such as leaves, insects or rodent nests.

Clean out any debris with the crevice attachment of a wet/dry shop vacuum.

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

Slide the new filter straight into the slot. Make sure the new filter is fully seated in the HVAC blower motor housing.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-046
Swing Up Filter Door
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-047
Push To Secure Clips
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-048
Filter Cover Secured
Swing the filter access door up and push on to secure the two retaining clips.

You should feel or hear the two retaining clips "click" securely into place.

Double check that the filter access cover is secured.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-049
Raise Glove Box
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-050
Line Up Retaining Clips
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-051
Pop In Glove Box
Lift the glove box and line it up with the opening in the dashboard.

Line up the plastic retaining clips with their corresponding slots.

Carefully push the glove box back into place.

You should feel the retaining clips "click" securely into place.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-052
Spin In Right Side Screws
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-053
Replace Lower Screw
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-054
Screw Under Glove Box
Replace the two screws on the right side of the glove box by turning them in the clockwise direction with a 7mm socket and the 1/4" drive ratchet until they are snug.

Replace the single 7mm screw on the underside of the glove box.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-055
Replace Left Side Screws
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-056
Tighten Clockwise
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-057
Replace Fabric Cover
Replace the two 7mm screws on the left side of the glove box.

Lift the fabric trim cover back into place on the underside of the glove box.

Re-insert the black plastic pop rivet and secure it by pushing in the smaller round button in the center.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-058
Push In Plastic Pop Rivet
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-059
Glove Box Replaced
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-060
Replace Console Cover
Swing the center console trim piece back into place on the left side of the glove box.
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-061
Pop Panel In Place
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-062
Center Console Assembled
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-063
Replace Fuse Cover
Push on the panel to secure it to the right side of the center stack.

Move the fuse access cover back into place below the A/C controls and in front of the gear selector (shift knob).

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-064
Fuse Access Cover
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-065
Line Up Left Kick Panel
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-066
Plastic Friction Fasteners
Line up the kick panel on the left side of the front passenger footwell.

Push the kick panel back in to place.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-067
Firmly Tap In Fasteners
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-068
Kick Panel Replaced
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-069
Dashboard Side Cover
Firmly tap on the kick panel to make sure the plastic friction fasteners are secured.

Line up the trim cover on the outer right side of the dashboard.

2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-070
Line Up Retaining Clips
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-071
Firmly Tap In Trim Cover
2016-2019-Chevrolet-Cruze-Cabin-Air-Filter-Replacement-Guide-072
Cabin Filter Replaced!
Tap on the panel to secure the retaining clips.

Be sure to write down the cabin air filter change in your vehicle's service records.

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

For more, please check out all of my 2016-2019 GM Chevrolet Cruze 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