The passenger compartment air filter is located in the engine compartment below the air inlet grille, near the passenger's side windshield wiper arm. See Engine Compartment Overview .

The filter traps most of the pollen from the air entering the air conditioning module. The filter needs to be changed periodically to keep the air conditioning working at its best. For information on how often to change the passenger compartment air filter, see Scheduled Maintenance .

To change the passenger compartment air filter, use the following steps:

1. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY and turn the windshield wipers on.
2. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF when the windshield wipers are in the upright position.
3. Raise the hood.
4. Disconnect the windshield washer pump hose from the fender rail and air inlet grille.
5. Peel back the hood weather-strip from the passenger's side of the vehicle halfway to the center of the hood.



6. Remove the three air inlet grille retainers.
7. Remove the air inlet grille.
8. Remove the water deflector panel.




Remove the old air filter.

9. Install a new passenger compartment air filter. See Maintenance Replacement Parts for the type of filter to use. Make sure it slides under the compartment retainers.
10. Reverse Steps 1 through 8.

For best climate control performance, re-installation of a clean air filter is required.