Where the cabin air filter sits and what it does

The cabin air filter in your 2013 Nissan Altima cleans the air that flows through your heating, air conditioning, and ventilation system before it reaches the passenger compartment. Over time, it traps dust, pollen, mold spores, and other particles, so replacing it keeps the air inside your car fresher and helps your climate control system work more efficiently.

In the 2013 Altima, the cabin air filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side of the dashboard. You do not need to remove the entire glove box—just drop the door down or remove it partially—to access the filter housing.

Key Takeaways

  • The cabin air filter sits behind the glove box on the passenger side and typically needs replacement every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year.
  • You will need a replacement filter (part number 27891-3DA0A for the 2013 Altima), a screwdriver, and about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • The filter housing has a release tab or clips that you press or slide to remove the old filter and slide the new one in place.
  • A clogged cabin filter makes your air conditioning and heating less effective and can cause musty odors inside the car.

What you need before you start

Gather a replacement cabin air filter designed for the 2013 Nissan Altima. The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part number is 27891-3DA0A. You can find this filter at auto parts stores, online retailers, or your Nissan dealership. Aftermarket filters that fit the same dimensions are also available and often cost less.

You will also need a Phillips head screwdriver or a plastic trim removal tool to help pry open the glove box door if it does not drop down easily. Most people complete this job with just these two items and no special equipment.

Steps to remove the old filter

Open your glove box and look for the release mechanism. On the 2013 Altima, you will see either a small tab on each side of the glove box door or a clip at the top. Press or slide these inward to allow the glove box to drop down fully, or remove it entirely if that is easier for you to work with.

Once the glove box is out of the way, you will see the filter housing directly behind it. The housing is a rectangular plastic box with a cover that slides or clips into place. Look for a small tab or release button on the side or bottom of the housing. Press this tab and slide the cover out toward you. The old filter will come out with it or will be loose inside the housing once the cover is removed.

Pull the old filter straight out and set it aside. Take a moment to look inside the housing—if you see loose debris or dust buildup, use a dry cloth or a small handheld vacuum to wipe it clean before inserting the new filter.

Installing the new filter

Before sliding the new filter in, check the arrow printed on its frame. This arrow shows the direction of airflow and must point toward the interior of the car (away from the engine). Slide the new filter into the housing with the arrow pointing in the correct direction.

Once the filter is seated fully in the housing, slide the cover back into place until you hear or feel it click or lock. Make sure the cover is find and does not rattle when you gently push on it. Then close or reinstall your glove box by reversing the steps you used to open it—push the door up and engage the clips or tabs until they lock.

When to replace your cabin air filter

Nissan recommends replacing the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles under normal driving conditions. If you drive frequently in dusty, polluted, or high-pollen environments, you may need to replace it more often—sometimes every 6,000 to 10,000 miles.

Signs that your filter needs replacement include weak airflow from your vents, musty or stale smells when you run the heat or air conditioning, or visible dust and debris visible through the filter housing when you open the glove box. If you notice any of these, check the filter even if you have not reached the mileage interval yet.

Cost and time comparison

A replacement cabin air filter for the 2013 Altima costs between $15 and $40 depending on whether you choose OEM or aftermarket. If you have a dealership or mechanic do the replacement, labor typically adds $50 to $100 to that cost, bringing the total to $65 to $140.

Doing the replacement yourself takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs only the price of the filter itself. The job requires no special tools and carries no risk of damage if you follow the steps carefully. For this reason, cabin air filter replacement is one of the most straightforward maintenance tasks you can do on your Altima.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a dirty cabin air filter?

Yes, but you should not for long. A clogged filter reduces airflow through your heating and air conditioning system, making it work harder and less effectively. It can also allow odors and allergens into the cabin. Replace it as soon as you notice reduced airflow or musty smells.

What if I cannot find the release tab on the filter housing?

Look along all four edges of the housing cover—the tab is usually on the side or bottom. If you still cannot locate it, consult your owner's manual or a service manual for your specific model year. Some versions have a slightly different design, but the principle is the same.

Is the cabin air filter the same as the engine air filter?

No. The engine air filter cleans air before it enters the engine and is located under the hood. The cabin air filter cleans air for the passenger compartment. Both should be replaced on their own schedules, and they are different parts.

Do I need to reset anything after replacing the filter?

No. The 2013 Altima does not have a cabin filter warning light or any system that needs resetting after replacement. Once you install the new filter and close the glove box, you are done.