2019 Nissan Altima Cabin Air Filter Location - Find & Replace It Yourself Fast

Finding and replacing the cabin air filter in your 2019 Nissan Altima is a straightforward task taking less than 10 minutes. The filter is located behind the glove compartment inside the passenger footwell, accessed by releasing the glove box and removing an access panel. No special tools are needed beyond a new filter (size CF1034) and possibly a Phillips screwdriver.

Replacing your cabin air filter is essential maintenance every Nissan Altima owner should perform regularly. A clogged filter reduces airflow from your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. A dirty filter fails to capture dust, pollen, and exhaust fumes effectively. This guide provides precise steps for locating and changing the cabin air filter in a 2019 Nissan Altima, ensuring cleaner, healthier air inside your vehicle and optimal HVAC system performance.

Why Replace Your Cabin Air Filter Regularly?

The cabin air filter acts as the first line of defense for the air you breathe inside your Altima. Positioned in the air intake path before air enters the interior, its primary function is trapping airborne contaminants. Regular replacement is necessary as the filter collects significant debris over time.

A filter nearing the end of its useful life becomes saturated. Particulates like road dust, pollen spores, mold spores, soot from exhaust fumes, and even small insects become trapped in the filter media. Eventually, the accumulation of these materials obstructs the airflow path significantly. Reduced airflow forces your Altima's blower motor to work harder to push air through the clogged filter material. This extra strain uses more energy and can potentially shorten the lifespan of the motor fan assembly.

More importantly, a heavily soiled filter becomes less effective at capturing new contaminants. Fine particles bypass the packed filter media and enter the passenger compartment freely. These pollutants diminish interior air quality noticeably. Occupants may experience increased allergy symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, or nasal congestion more frequently during drives. Musty or unpleasant odors originating from decaying debris in the filter core often linger in the cabin space persistently.

Nissan typically recommends changing the Altima's cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Driving conditions heavily influence actual replacement intervals. Owners navigating dirt roads frequently should expect shorter filter life. Those driving regularly in heavy traffic or areas with high pollen counts should also prioritize more frequent cabin air filter replacements for optimal results. Visual inspection provides the most accurate assessment; replacing the filter once airflow seems noticeably reduced or unpleasant odors develop ensures continuous protection regardless of mileage milestones.

Tools & Parts Required for Replacement

Completing this maintenance task requires minimal preparation. Gather these items beforehand for maximum efficiency. The primary part needed is a new cabin air filter specifically designed to fit the 2019 Nissan Altima. The standard size and type for this application is a regular particulate filter identified by the industry part number CF1034. Several reputable brands manufacture compatible filters to this specification. Popular options include Fram Fresh Breeze (CF10334), Bosch (6022C), Purolator One (C25574), and WIX (WP2440). Genuine Nissan filters are also available for those preferring OEM parts. All these filters share identical dimensions and fit the housing correctly. Consider activated carbon options if odor reduction is a higher priority.

Beyond the filter itself, you need basic hand tools. A Phillips screwdriver proves essential for models equipped with a fastener securing the access panel. While simple, having one readily accessible avoids delays. Protect the interior trim by having a small towel or rag on hand. Laying this under the work area prevents scuffs on the plastic glove box finish accidentally. Wear gloves optionally if desired for hand cleanliness during the extraction phase. Finally, ensure adequate lighting within the passenger footwell. A flashlight provides crucial illumination for inspecting and maneuvering the filter into position within the enclosed compartment space effectively.

Step-by-Step: Locating and Accessing the 2019 Altima Cabin Air Filter

The filter resides inside the HVAC housing, behind the glove box assembly. Follow these steps carefully for safe and damage-free access:

1. Open and Empty the Glove Box: Pull the glove box latch release handle firmly. This action disengages the glove box door latch mechanism. Open the compartment completely downwards until it reaches its travel stops naturally. Remove all contents, including manuals, documents, and miscellaneous stored items. A completely empty glove box provides necessary clearance for the next steps.
2. Release the Glove Box Damper (If Equipped): Many 2019 Altimas feature a small piston damper attached to the top left glove box structure. This device controls descent speed. Locate the plastic attachment clip securing the damper rod to the glove box side. Pinch the sides of this clip gently while simultaneously pulling the damper rod end directly away from its mounting point. This action disconnects the damper assembly successfully.
3. Detach Glove Box Stoppers: Examine the inner sidewalls of the glove box opening intently. You will find curved plastic tabs protruding inward from both the left and right sides near the front. These tabs act as stops preventing the glove box from descending too far. Use your hands to push inward firmly on both the left and right stopper tabs simultaneously. Apply pressure towards the vehicle centerline direction while pressing. Maintain pressure as you lower the glove box downwards past its usual stopping position carefully. This manipulation provides the extra clearance needed to reach the filter compartment fully.
4. Locate the Filter Access Door: With the glove box held down and out of the path, direct your gaze towards the back wall of the glove box opening space. Immediately behind the position where the glove box bottom rests is a large rectangular plastic panel. This component serves as the cabin air filter door cover. It measures approximately 8 inches wide by 6 inches tall. Typically colored black or dark gray, it blends somewhat with the surrounding HVAC unit housing. On the left side of this panel, identify either a plastic securing tab molded into the cover itself or a single Phillips head screw installed horizontally. Models without the screw rely solely on this tab clip retention mechanism for securing the panel.
5. Remove the Access Panel: If your Altima has the securing screw present near the panel's left edge, use your Phillips screwdriver to turn it counterclockwise until fully unthreaded. Place the removed screw in a secure location to prevent accidental misplacement. Next, regardless of screw presence, push the entire left side of the filter access panel towards the passenger seat approximately half an inch. This movement disengages the tab lock mechanism built into the cover. Once released, the panel detaches completely. Carefully pull it straight back towards the seat and set it aside temporarily. The cabin air filter compartment is now fully exposed and accessible.
6. Identify the Filter Compartment: You now see a rectangular opening approximately 7.5 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall. This aperture leads directly into the filter housing slot cavity. Observe the orientation within this slot closely. Prominent molded directional arrows indicate airflow direction specifically. These arrows point downward. New replacement filters feature corresponding arrows on their plastic frame; ensure these align correctly during installation later. Inside the slot, the edge of the existing cabin air filter should now be visible.

Step-by-Step: Removing the Old Filter and Installing the New One

With the compartment open, the replacement procedure is straightforward:

1. Extract the Existing Filter: Locate the white plastic tab attached to the leading edge of the current cabin air filter. Pull this tab gently but directly outwards towards the passenger seat direction. Slide the old filter smoothly out of its housing slot completely. Inspect its condition visually. Note the heavy accumulation of dust, leaves, debris, and potentially trapped insects. This contamination validates the need for replacement. Dispose of the old filter properly; recycling centers may accept it if the core media lacks excessive oil contamination.
2. Clean the Filter Cavity (Optional but Recommended): Before inserting the new filter, inspect the now-empty filter slot interior. Shine a flashlight inside to check for accumulated debris within the housing chamber. Use a vacuum cleaner hose attachment to remove any loose dust, leaf fragments, or insect remnants carefully. Avoid dislodging debris further into the ductwork beyond the filter housing itself. Keep the vacuum nozzle near the opening. A brief wipe with a clean, dry microfiber cloth or damp rag can remove stubborn films if present, ensuring the new filter seats optimally. Allow the area to dry completely if moisture was used.
3. Prepare the New Filter: Unpack the new cabin air filter. Verify the correct part number matches specifications earlier. Identify the airflow direction arrows clearly printed or molded onto the filter's rigid plastic frame edge. Ensure these arrows point downwards when installing into the housing slot later. Observe the filter media itself. Confirm the accordion-pleated material is intact and undamaged before proceeding with installation.
4. Insert the New Filter: Carefully slide the new filter into the exposed slot within the compartment. Align it precisely to fit flush into the channel guides. Pay careful attention to the direction of the arrows: The arrows on the filter frame must point DOWNWARD, matching the molded arrows inside the housing. This direction indicates airflow passing through the media layers correctly first before reaching the HVAC unit. Failure to orient these arrows downward reduces filtration efficacy significantly. Push the filter completely inward into the slot until it sits fully seated against the stop position within its track. The pull tab should be positioned facing outwards easily accessible. Ensure no filter media is folded or caught during insertion preventing full seating.
5. Reattach the Access Panel: Retrieve the filter access panel. Position it back over the filter compartment opening. Align its edges carefully with the surrounding housing contours. Slide the left side of the panel slightly towards the center console direction until you hear and feel the locking tab mechanism click securely into place. If your specific model utilizes the securing screw, reinstall it now. Insert it into its mounting hole and use the Phillips screwdriver to tighten it snugly. Avoid over-tightening, which may damage the plastic housing.
6. Reinstall the Glove Box: Lift the glove box assembly upwards carefully. Align its sides with the opening in the dashboard. Maneuver the top edge of the glove box under the dashboard overhang smoothly. Push the glove box gently rearward until its sides encounter the stopper tabs mentioned earlier. Apply firm inward pressure simultaneously on both the left and right sides of the glove box near those stoppers. Continue pushing upwards until the glove box clicks completely back into its original mounted position. The glove box front should now sit flush with the surrounding dashboard trim.
7. Reconnect the Glove Box Damper (If Applicable): If disconnected earlier, relocate the damper arm end. Position it near its mounting clip on the glove box interior sidewall. Insert the damper rod pin back into the plastic clip receptacle firmly until it snaps audibly into a locked position successfully. Tug gently to confirm secure attachment.
8. Test the System: Start your Altima's engine normally. Activate the HVAC system to a moderate fan speed setting using the climate control panel. Select both the upper and lower air distribution modes sequentially. Feel for adequate airflow volume emerging from the center, side, and floor vents equally. Verify that any previous musty odors associated with a dirty filter have been eliminated effectively. Close the glove box normally; it should latch securely as intended.

Common Mistakes & Problems to Avoid

While generally simple, certain errors can complicate the process:

• Ignoring Airflow Direction: Installing the filter backwards (with arrows pointing upward) is the most frequent mistake. This drastically reduces filtration efficiency as air pushes against the media pleats incorrectly. Double-check arrow alignment points downward before final insertion every time.
• Forcing the Filter: If the new filter encounters significant resistance while sliding in, avoid using excessive pressure immediately. Remove it partially to check for alignment problems. Confirm no protective wrapping remains on the filter. Ensure the media pleats haven't bunched up accidentally against the housing edge. Proper alignment allows smooth insertion.
• Not Fully Seating the Filter: A filter pushed most but not entirely into its housing slot creates gaps. Unfiltered air bypasses the media through these gaps, allowing contaminants into the cabin directly. Push firmly until no gap exists between the filter frame and the housing stop. The pull tab should rest flush with the access opening when complete.
• Damaging the Glove Box Stoppers: Applying excessive downward force on the glove box while clearing the stopper tabs risks cracking them. Use controlled pressure inward and downward for smooth clearance only.
• Losing/Mismatching Screws: If removing the panel screw, place it immediately in a cup holder or magnetized tray to prevent loss. Reinstalling it ensures the panel remains secure long-term.
• Toucling Wet or Oily Hands: Filter media readily absorbs oils and moisture, which can reduce effectiveness. Handle the filter only with clean, dry hands to preserve its performance integrity.
• Skipping Cavity Cleaning: Neglecting to vacuum accumulated debris from the housing means the new filter immediately faces increased dirt loading unnecessarily. A quick cleaning extends intervals.
• Overtightening Screws: The plastic screw mounts crack easily if stressed beyond their design limits. Finger-tight plus a quarter turn with the screwdriver provides sufficient clamping force without damage risk.

Professional Service vs. DIY Replacement Costs

Replacing the cabin air filter yourself offers significant financial savings compared to visiting a repair facility:

• Filter Part Cost: Purchase a quality aftermarket filter online or at an auto parts store typically ranges from $15to$35 depending on brand and technology (basic vs. activated carbon). Purchasing a genuine Nissan OEM filter adds slightly more expense. Part availability remains consistently high for the Altima.
• Dealership Service Cost: Approaching a Nissan dealership for this service costs considerably more. Expect labor charges averaging between $45and$80 in addition to the part itself. Dealers often charge the full manufacturer suggested list price for the OEM filter. Total outlay usually falls between $70and$120 dollars for the single maintenance item. Franchise dealership labor rates contribute heavily to this pricing structure.
• Independent Shop Service Cost: Independent repair shops generally offer lower costs than dealers. Labor fees might range from $25to$55 combined with the shop's markup for the filter part. Total service fees generally total between $45and$85 depending on specific shop pricing models and filter quality. Shops utilizing premium filters lean towards the higher end.
• DIY Total Cost: Completing the task independently requires buying only the filter itself. Factor in the minimal time investment required as previously discussed. Achieving professional-grade results independently saves owners upwards of $30to$100 or significantly more depending on chosen filter type and avoided labor expenses entirely. Savings increase each time this task becomes necessary.

Tips for Specific Trims and Conditions

The core process applies universally, but consider these nuances:

• S Model Manual Air Controls: Base S trims lack auto climate systems. The manual control layout makes no difference to filter location or replacement steps.
• SV, SR & SL Trims with Auto Climate: Higher trim levels feature automatic climate controls utilizing sensors monitoring air quality. These sensors function correctly only with a clean filter preventing obstruction that might skew readings.
• Slotted Air Fresheners: Avoid placing perfume-based air fresheners directly inside the glove box cavity near the filter intake region. Oils can coat the filter media prematurely reducing lifespan. Position fresheners elsewhere inside the cabin space instead.
• Pollen Surge Seasons: During intense springtime pollination periods locally, consider inspecting the filter monthly. Heavy pollen accumulation drastically shortens effective filter life expectancy. Temporary airflow reduction signals need.
• Garage Stored Vehicles: Cars parked primarily in sealed garages with limited dust exposure tend to achieve Nissan’s maximum recommended mileage intervals between changes more easily. Inspect yearly regardless.
• Post-Wildfire/Smog: Following significant smoke events regionally, check the filter immediately after air quality improves outside. Ash particles saturate filter media substantially faster than normal. Expect shortened service life accordingly.

Signs Your Cabin Air Filter Needs Replacement Now

Don't solely rely on mileage intervals. Be alert for these warning signs indicating immediate replacement is necessary:

1. Noticeably Reduced Airflow: Experiencing significantly diminished air volume blowing from the vents even when fan speed remains at its highest setting points strongly towards a severely blocked filter.
2. Unpleasant Musty Odors: Persistent damp, moldy, or sour smells present when the HVAC fan engages originate frequently from organic matter decaying within the saturated filter material.
3. Increased Allergy Symptoms: Developing sneezing, watery eyes, or a congested nose consistently during drives in the car suggests failing pollen capture effectiveness at the cabin filter level.
4. Excessive Window Fogging: A dirty filter hinders proper defogging capability as the system struggles to move sufficient volumes of dry air effectively across interior glass surfaces promptly.
5. Whistling/Hissing Noises: Air forcing its way through small gaps around a partially bypassed or improperly installed filter produces distinctive whistling sounds audible near the glove box location.
6. Visible Debris in Vents: In extreme neglect cases, small particles or dust emanating directly from the dashboard vents signal that unfiltered air is entering the compartment freely.

Following this comprehensive guide empowers you to find the cabin air filter in your 2019 Nissan Altima confidently, replace it accurately, and ensure consistently clean cabin air quality. Regular replacement protects your health, enhances HVAC performance, prevents musty odors, and contributes to overall system longevity efficiently. Performing this simple maintenance task yourself ensures significant cost savings and takes minimal time investment compared to professional service options. Commit to checking your Altima's filter at least annually. Replace it promptly whenever decreased airflow becomes noticeable or unpleasant odors return persistently inside the vehicle. Clean cabin air contributes substantially to a healthier and more enjoyable driving environment on every journey.