2003 Toyota Matrix Cabin Air Filter

Is your air conditioner or heater air in your Toyota Matrix slowing down and getting a bit smelly?  If it is the problem may not be a fan motor or anything expensive like that, it may only be that your cabin air cleaner in clogged.

The cabin air filter in the Toyota Matrix if cheap, only $18.00 and is easy to replace.  To replace the filter open the glove box and disengage the stops on either side of the door that stops it from dumping its contents on the floor. Once you have the glove compartment door open, beyond what it would open with the clips engaged, allow it to hang free. You do not have to remove the glove compartment door completely.


With the door open and out of the way, using a flashlight or a drop light, look at the area that was right behind the glove box and you will see a wide and thin access door that holds the cabin air filter. Remove the filter access door by squeezing the clips on either side and take the access door off. With the door off you will see the old filter inside its housing, simply slide the old filter out and slide the new one in making sure it is seated correctly. It should fit square and snug in the housing.

Once the new filter is installed and the access cover replaced push the glove compartment door closed and it will re-engage the holding clips that you had to release when you opened the glove box door fully. That is all there is to it. It is a good idea to replace the cabin air filter twice a year for best results.