Where the cabin filter sits and what it does

The cabin filter in your 2013 Nissan Altima cleans the air that flows through your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system before it reaches the interior. It traps dust, pollen, mold spores, and other particles so you breathe cleaner air while driving. Over time, the filter becomes clogged and restricts airflow, which reduces the effectiveness of your climate control and can make the cabin smell stale.

In the 2013 Altima, the cabin 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 to access the filter housing. The job takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires no special tools beyond a screwdriver.

Key Takeaways

  • The cabin filter in a 2013 Altima sits behind the glove box and can be replaced by dropping the glove box door without removing it completely.
  • Nissan recommends replacing the cabin filter every 15,000 miles or once per year, whichever comes first, though clogged filters may need replacement sooner in dusty climates.
  • The correct replacement filter is Nissan part number 27891-3DA0A, which costs between $20 and $35 depending on where you buy it.
  • You will need only a Phillips head screwdriver and a few minutes to complete the replacement yourself, making this one of the easiest maintenance tasks on the vehicle.

How to access the filter housing

Open the glove box and look for the two tabs or clips on either side of the box door. Press or pull these tabs inward while gently lowering the door. The door will swing down and rest against the dashboard, giving you clear access to the filter housing behind it. Do not try to remove the glove box entirely — the drop-down method is all you need.

Once the door is down, you will see a rectangular plastic housing with a cover held in place by one or two screws or clips. This is the cabin filter housing. If your Altima has clips instead of screws, you can usually release them by hand without tools. If it has screws, use your Phillips head screwdriver to remove them.

Removing the old filter and installing the new one

After you have removed the screws or clips, slide the cover off the housing. The old filter will be visible inside, usually held in place by friction or a light plastic frame. Slide the old filter straight out toward you. Note the direction the filter is facing — there is usually an arrow printed on the frame showing the direction of airflow. The arrow should point toward the interior of the car, away from the engine.

Before inserting the new filter, check that the housing is clean. Use a dry cloth or your hand to wipe out any loose dust or debris. Slide the new filter into the housing with the airflow arrow pointing in the same direction as the old one. The filter should fit snugly but not require force. Once it is seated, replace the cover and tighten the screws or clips.

Choosing the right replacement filter

The original equipment filter for a 2013 Nissan Altima is Nissan part number 27891-3DA0A. You can order this directly from a Nissan dealer, or purchase it from auto parts retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, or Advance Auto Parts. Prices typically range from $20 to $35 depending on the retailer and whether you buy the OEM Nissan part or an aftermarket equivalent.

Aftermarket filters from brands like Fram, Bosch, and Mann Filter are also compatible with the 2013 Altima and often cost less than the Nissan part. All of these filters meet the same size and airflow specifications. If you have allergies or live in a dusty area, some retailers sell premium cabin filters with activated charcoal or HEPA-grade media, though these cost more and may need replacement more frequently.

When to replace your cabin filter

Nissan recommends replacing the cabin filter every 15,000 miles or once per year, whichever comes first. However, the actual interval depends on your driving conditions. If you live in a dusty, dry climate or drive frequently on unpaved roads, you may need to replace it every 10,000 miles. If you drive mostly on clean highways in a humid area, you might stretch it to 20,000 miles.

Signs that your filter needs replacement before the scheduled interval include reduced airflow from the vents, a musty or stale smell when you turn on the air conditioning, or visible dust and debris on the filter itself. If you open the glove box and notice dust around the housing, that is a sign the filter is clogged and air is leaking around the edges.

Tools and supplies you will need

This is one of the simplest maintenance tasks on your Altima. You need only a Phillips head screwdriver, which you likely already have at home. Some filter housings use clips instead of screws, in which case you need no tools at all — just your hands. Have a dry cloth or paper towel nearby to wipe out the housing before installing the new filter.

If you are replacing the filter for the first time and want to be thorough, you can use a small handheld vacuum to clean out any dust inside the housing. This step is optional but helps may support the new filter works at full efficiency. Do not use compressed air, as it can blow dust deeper into the ventilation system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a clogged cabin filter?

Yes, a clogged cabin filter does not affect engine performance or safety. It only reduces the airflow through your heating and air conditioning system and may allow more outside air pollution and pollen into the cabin. You can drive safely until you replace it, but your climate control will work less effectively.

What happens if I do not replace the cabin filter?

A severely clogged filter can reduce airflow enough to strain your air conditioning compressor, potentially shortening its lifespan. More when ready, you will notice weak heating and cooling, and the cabin may develop a musty smell. Replacing the filter is inexpensive compared to repairing or replacing the HVAC system.

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

No. The engine air filter cleans air before it enters the engine for combustion and is located under the hood. The cabin filter cleans air before it enters the passenger compartment. Both should be replaced on schedule, but they are separate components in different locations.

Do I need to reset anything after replacing the cabin filter?

No. The 2013 Altima does not have a cabin filter warning light or any electronic system that tracks filter replacement. Once you install the new filter and close the glove box, you are done. There are no codes to clear or settings to adjust.