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 passenger compartment. A clogged filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, reduces airflow, and can allow dust, pollen, and odors to build up inside the car.

On the 2013 Altima, the cabin filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side. You do not need to remove the entire glove box — Nissan designed it to drop down partway so you can access the filter housing without taking it apart completely.

Key Takeaways

  • The cabin filter sits behind the glove box and should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or sooner if you drive in dusty conditions.
  • You can do this job yourself with no tools other than possibly a flashlight, and it takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • The filter slides straight out and in — there are no clips, bolts, or fasteners holding it in place.
  • A new cabin filter for the 2013 Altima costs between $15 and $40 depending on the brand and where you buy it.
  • If you hear rattling or see debris when you open the housing, the old filter may have broken apart and left pieces inside that need to be vacuumed out.

Getting the glove box out of the way

Open your glove box fully and look at the hinges on both sides. You will see a small tab or clip on each hinge. Press or pull these tabs inward — the exact mechanism varies slightly, but they are designed to release by hand without tools.

Once both tabs are released, the glove box will drop down on its hinges. It does not come all the way out; it straightforward hangs open below the dashboard. This gives you enough room to see the cabin filter housing directly above where the glove box was.

Removing the old filter

Look at the filter housing — it is a rectangular plastic box with a cover or door. The cover usually has a small tab or lip you can grip. Pull the cover toward you; it slides straight out without any fasteners.

The old filter will be visible inside. Slide it out toward you. If it is very dirty or has been in the car for a long time, it may be stiff or may crumble slightly as you remove it. If pieces break off inside the housing, use a flashlight to look inside and vacuum out any debris before installing the new filter.

Installing the new filter

Before you slide the new filter in, check the arrow printed on its frame. The arrow shows the direction of airflow and must point toward the cabin (away from the engine). Slide the new filter straight into the housing until it sits flush against the back.

Replace the cover by sliding it back into the housing until it clicks or seats fully. The cover should sit flush with the housing opening — if it sticks out, the filter may not be seated all the way back.

Closing the glove box and checking your work

Push the glove box back up into its closed position. You will hear or feel a click as the hinges re-engage and lock. Open and close it once to confirm it latches properly and sits flush with the dashboard.

Start the engine and turn on the air conditioning or heat. You should notice improved airflow compared to before. If airflow is still weak, double-check that the filter is seated all the way back in the housing and that the cover is fully closed.

When to replace the cabin filter

Nissan recommends replacing the cabin filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles under normal driving conditions. If you drive frequently on dusty roads, in heavy traffic, or in areas with high pollen counts, replace it sooner — every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.

Signs that your filter needs replacement include weak airflow from the vents, musty or stale smells when you turn on the HVAC, or visible dust and debris on the filter itself when you open the housing. Some drivers also notice that the windows fog up more easily when the filter is clogged, because the system cannot move air efficiently.

Choosing a replacement filter

OEM (original equipment manufacturer) Nissan filters are available through Nissan dealerships and online retailers. Aftermarket brands like Bosch, Mann, and Fram also make filters for the 2013 Altima and are usually less expensive than OEM parts.

The part number for the OEM cabin filter is 27891-3DA0A. When you order a replacement, confirm the part number matches your specific Altima model year, because earlier and later generations use different filters. Both OEM and quality aftermarket filters perform similarly; the main difference is price and availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean and reuse the old cabin filter instead of replacing it?

You can vacuum the old filter gently to remove surface dust, which may temporarily improve airflow. However, this does not restore full performance. Once a filter has been in service for several thousand miles, the fibers become clogged with particles that vacuuming cannot remove. Replacement is more effective and costs little.

What if the glove box hinges won't release?

The release tabs are sometimes stiff if they have not been used in a long time. Try pressing them firmly inward or pulling them outward — the direction depends on the hinge design. If they still will not budge, consult your owner's manual for the exact release mechanism, or take the car to a dealership rather than forcing the hinges.

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

No. The 2013 Altima does not have a cabin filter warning light or reminder system. Once you install the new filter and close the glove box, you are finished. There are no computer settings to change or codes to clear.

How do I know if the new filter is the right size?

The new filter should slide into the housing smoothly and sit flush against the back without forcing. If it is too large or too small, you have the wrong part number. Stop and verify the part number before trying to force it in, as this can damage the housing.

Can I replace the cabin filter while the engine is running?

It is safer to turn off the engine first. This prevents accidental contact with moving parts and gives you better visibility inside the housing. The job takes only 10 to 15 minutes, so there is no time pressure to rush.