The 2020 F-150 has two cabin air filters, not one, and they sit behind your glove box

The 2020 Ford F-150 uses a dual-filter cabin air system. Both filters are located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side of the truck. One filter handles the main cabin air, and the second handles recirculated air. Most owners discover this the hard way — they replace one filter and wonder why the air still feels stale. Knowing there are two separate filters and where each one sits saves time and frustration.

Ford designed this setup to give the truck better air filtration and climate control, but it also means you have two maintenance tasks instead of one. The filters are not difficult to access if you know the steps, and you can replace both in about 15 to 20 minutes with basic hand tools.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2020 F-150 cabin air system has two filters located behind the glove box: the main cabin air filter and the recirculation filter.
  • You will need a Phillips head screwdriver and possibly a trim removal tool to access the filters without damaging the plastic glove box housing.
  • Ford part numbers for the 2020 F-150 cabin filters are FL2Z-19G244-A for the main filter and FL2Z-19G244-B for the recirculation filter, though aftermarket equivalents are widely available.
  • Replacing both filters at the same time prevents you from having to repeat the disassembly work in a few months when the second filter clogs.

How to access the cabin air filters behind the glove box

Start by opening your glove compartment fully. You will see two screws on the top inner edge of the glove box frame. Remove both screws using a Phillips head screwdriver. Some F-150s also have a small clip or latch on the right side of the glove box — if yours has one, release it by hand or with a plastic trim tool.

Once the screws are out, gently pull the glove box toward you and down. It will hinge on the bottom edge. You do not need to remove it completely; just pull it far enough to see behind it. You will now see the filter housing, which looks like a plastic box with two separate compartments stacked on top of each other.

The upper compartment holds the main cabin air filter. The lower compartment holds the recirculation filter. Each one has a cover or door that you can open by hand or with light pressure from a screwdriver. Take a photo of how the old filter sits before you remove it — the arrow on the filter frame shows the direction of airflow, and the new filter must face the same way.

Removing and replacing the main cabin air filter

Open the upper filter compartment by pressing or prying the cover gently. The filter will be a flat, pleated rectangular panel. Slide it straight out toward you. It may be dusty or even clogged with debris, which is normal after 12,000 to 15,000 miles of driving.

Before you insert the new filter, check the arrow printed on its frame. The arrow must point toward the cabin (away from the engine). Slide the new filter in straight, making sure it seats fully in the compartment. The filter should fit snugly without forcing. Close the compartment cover until it clicks or sits flush.

Removing and replacing the recirculation filter

The recirculation filter sits directly below the main filter in the lower compartment. Open this cover the same way you opened the upper one. The recirculation filter is also a flat, pleated panel, though it may be slightly smaller or shaped differently depending on your truck's configuration.

Slide the old recirculation filter out and check its arrow direction. Install the new filter with the arrow pointing the same way — toward the cabin. Seat it fully and close the compartment cover. Both filters should now be in place.

Reassembling the glove box and checking your work

Push the glove box back into place, making sure the bottom hinge aligns properly. Insert and tighten both screws at the top. Do not over-tighten; snug is enough. If your truck has a clip or latch on the right side, find it now.

Close the glove compartment and open it again to confirm everything moves smoothly. Start the truck and run the air conditioning or heat for a minute to make sure air flows normally. You should notice clearer, fresher air coming from the vents compared to before the replacement.

Choosing the right replacement filters for your 2020 F-150

Ford's original equipment filters are FL2Z-19G244-A (main) and FL2Z-19G244-B (recirculation). These are available from Ford dealerships and online retailers. Expect to pay between $15 and $25 per filter for OEM parts.

Aftermarket filters from brands like Motorcraft, Mann Filter, and Fram also fit the 2020 F-150 and often cost less. The key is to match the part number or confirm the filter dimensions match your truck's model year and cab style (Regular Cab, SuperCrew, or SuperCab). Some aftermarket filters claim longer life or better filtration; compare reviews if you want something beyond the basic replacement.

Avoid buying a single filter when you know you need two. Buying both at once is cheaper per filter and saves you from disassembling the glove box twice in a short period.

When to replace your cabin air filters

Ford recommends inspecting cabin air filters every 15,000 miles and replacing them every 20,000 to 25,000 miles under normal driving conditions. If you drive in dusty, sandy, or heavily polluted areas, replace them more often — every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. If you tow frequently or drive on unpaved roads, the filters will clog faster.

Signs that your filters need replacement include weak airflow from the vents, musty or stale odors when you turn on the climate control, or visible dust and debris on the filter itself when you inspect it. If your truck has been sitting unused for several months, check the filters before you drive it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace just one cabin air filter instead of both?

Yes, you can replace only the main filter or only the recirculation filter if only one is clogged. However, since both filters protect your cabin air quality and you have already disassembled the glove box, replacing both at the same time is more efficient and ensures consistent filtration across your entire climate control system.

What happens if I install the filter backwards?

If the arrow on the filter frame points the wrong direction, airflow will be restricted and the filter will clog much faster. The filter may also allow unfiltered air to bypass it. If you realize the filter is backwards after installation, remove it and flip it around. The arrow should always point toward the cabin.

Do I need any special tools to replace the cabin air filters?

A Phillips head screwdriver is the only tool you really need. A plastic trim removal tool or old credit card can help you gently pry the filter compartment covers open without scratching the plastic, but your fingers alone will usually work fine.

Where can I buy replacement filters for a 2020 F-150?

Ford dealerships stock OEM filters and can order them if they do not have them in stock. Online retailers like Amazon, RockAuto, and AutoZone carry both OEM and aftermarket options. Auto parts stores like O'Reilly and NAPA also stock cabin air filters for the 2020 F-150 and can often have them ready for pickup the same day.

Is there a cabin air filter for the engine intake as well?

Yes, the engine air filter is separate from the cabin air filters. The engine air filter is located under the hood and protects the engine itself, not the cabin. It is a different part with a different part number and maintenance schedule, so do not confuse the two.