The passenger compartment air filter traps most of the pollen from the air entering the vehicle. Like your vehicle's engine air cleaner/filter, it needs to be changed periodically. See Scheduled Maintenance .

Using the climate control system without the passenger air filter installed could let water or other debris enter the system. This could cause a water leak or noises. Make sure to install a new air filter after removing the old one.

The passenger compartment air filter is located underneath the hood below the windshield wiper arm on the passenger side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview for more information on location.

To replace the passenger compartment air filter:

1. Turn the ignition to ON with the engine off.
2. Turn on the windshield wipers and turn them off again when the wipers are straight up on the windshield.

This allows you access to the leaf screen. The passenger compartment air filter is located under the leaf screen.

3. Open the hood to access the engine compartment. See Hood Release for more information.
4. Remove the four screws that hold the leaf screen in place and lift off the screen by lifting and sliding it toward the center of the vehicle.
5. Pull out on the two tabs located on each end of the filter cover.
6. Lift the filter cover off by pulling it straight up.
7. Remove the old filter and insert a new one. Make sure the arrow on the filter is pointing toward the passenger compartment.

See Maintenance Replacement Parts for the correct part number for the filter.

8. Reverse Steps 1 through 6 to reinstall the cover.