Toyota Tacoma
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Guide
How to clean or change the A/C system's
cabin air filter in a third generation 2016 to 2021 Toyota Tacoma.
2020 Tacoma Glove Box |
Open Glove Box - Empty |
Rear of Glove Box |
This automotive
maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the third
generation (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and probably also the 2022
and 2023 model years) Toyota Tacoma truck in cleaning or changing the A/C
system's cabin air filter element located in the HVAC blower motor housing. Owners of other Toyota or Lexus vehicles such as the Tundra, 4Runner, Hilux, Highlander, C-HR, Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Supra, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Mirai, Sequoia, Sienna, Yaris, CT 200h, ES 300h, RX 350, GX 460, LX 570, NX 300, RX 450h, UX 200 and UX 250h may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. A few compatible replacement cabin air filters with their part numbers are as follows: Spearhead BE-374, Bosch 6033C, Fram CF10374, EPAuto CP374, K&N VF2005 and EcoGard XC35644. No tools are required to access and replace the cabin air filter. The first few steps are to sit in the front passenger seat, open the glove box and empty out the contents. Locate the rectangular shaped black plastic trim cover at the rear of the glove box compartment. |
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Slide Up & Remove |
Four Tabs Bottom Edge |
Trim Cover Removed |
The trim cover has
the instructions "Slide Up and Remove" written on it. Pull up the top edge of the trim cover to dislodge the four tabs. Remove the trim cover and set it aside in a safe place. |
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Filter Cover Exposed |
Push In Left Release Tab |
Push In Right Tab |
Once the outer trim
cover has been removed, you'll be able to see the filter access cover on the
HVAC blower motor housing. There are two retaining clips on the filter access panel with one on the left side and the other on the right side. Push in the tabs to release the retaining clips. |
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Pull Off Filter Cover |
Old Filter In Slot |
Slide Out Old Filter |
Pull off the filter
cover and set it aside in a safe place. Slide the old filter straight out of the slot in the HVAC blower motor housing. |
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Old Air Filter Removed |
Inspect Both Sides |
Clean With Vacuum |
Inspect both sides
of the old filter. If the old filter is dark grey or black and clogged with dirt, dust, sand, pollen, soot, hair, leaves, insects, twigs and other debris, it should be replaced with a new element. I recommend buying the Spearhead BE-374 cabin air filter since it has excellent reviews on Amazon. If the old filter is still relatively clean, you can just tap out the large debris and remove any fine dust with a wet/dry shop vacuum. (The OEM filter was marked as part number MicronAir TY02116P 9305 16 6310.) |
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Empty Filter Housing |
This Side Up - Direction |
Slide In New Filter |
Check the new
filter for an "Air Flow" arrow. The OEM filter has the instructions "This Side Up - Insert This Direction" with arrows indicating the correct orientation printed on the edge. Slide the new filter into the slow with the "Air Flow" arrow pointing down towards the floor mat. Or if the filter has a "This Side Up" arrow, make sure it is pointing up towards the windshield. |
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New Filter Installed |
Line Up Filter Cover |
Push To Secure Clips |
Make sure the new
filter is fully seated in the slot. Line up the filter cover with the opening in the HVAC blower motor housing. Push on the cover to secure the two retaining clips. You should feel or hear the retaining clips "click" securely into place. |
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Filter Cover Secured |
Line Up Trim Cover |
Push In Cover |
Double check that
the filter access panel is securely in place. Line up the outer black plastic trim cover with the rear of the glove box compartment. Slide the four tabs at the bottom edge of the trim cover into the bottom of the glove box. |
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Snap Down In Place |
Trim Cover Secured |
Close Glove Box |
Gently push down on
the trim cover until it "snaps" securely into 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! Don't forget to write down the filter change in your truck's service records. The service interval specification in the owner's manual for changing the cabin air filter is every 20,000 miles or every 24 months. Please
check out all of the
2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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