How to Replace Cabin Air Filter - Subaru Outback (2020-2025), by Virar Automotive on YouTube. 2 min 5 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 5 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Park the car and turn off the ignition. Open the glovebox and empty it so nothing falls out while you work.
Push in the sides of the glovebox so the stop tabs clear the dashboard, then let the box hang down out of the way.
Find the rectangular filter cover behind the glovebox. Squeeze or unclip the tabs and pull the cover off.
Slide the old filter straight out. Note which way the airflow arrow points so the new one goes in the same direction.
Wipe out any leaves or dust inside the housing. A quick vacuum here keeps debris out of the new filter.
Slide the new filter in with the airflow arrow pointing down or toward the cabin, matching the old one.
Refit the filter cover and press the tabs until they click.
Lift the glovebox back into place and push the sides in so the stop tabs engage. Close it and check it opens smoothly.
Tips and common mistakes
Check the airflow arrow on the new filter before fitting it, since a backwards filter cuts airflow.
Replace the filter about every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or sooner if the air smells musty.
Do not force the glovebox past its stops, or the plastic tabs can snap.
Questions
How often should I change the cabin air filter?
Most owners change it once a year or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Change it sooner if airflow drops or the cabin smells stale.
Do I need any tools?
No tools are needed on the 2020-2025 Outback. The filter sits behind the glovebox and the cover unclips by hand.
Which filter fits my Outback?
The video lists part number CF12436 for the 2020-2025 Outback. Confirm the part fits your model year before buying.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
