How to Replace the Air Conditioning Filter in a Volkswagen Santana?

[LeElla]

Remove the old filter. The white one is the old air conditioning filter; simply pull it out. Before installing the new one, turn on the air conditioner and run it on both cold and hot settings at high fan speed for 3 minutes each. Then, install the new filter with the black side (which contains activated carbon) facing the driver's seat—make sure not to install it backward. Push it firmly upward in this direction until it clicks into place. Additional Information: 1. The air conditioning filter in the Volkswagen Santana is located on the passenger side, beneath the glove compartment near the center console. Look up from the floor to see it. The arrow points to the filter's clips—there are three in total. Gently pull them outward to open the compartment, revealing the air filter. 2. The Kun brand car air conditioning filter is specifically designed for the Santana. The black side contains activated carbon, visible as tiny cylindrical particles evenly distributed within the honeycomb mesh. The filter also features sealing foam around the edges to tightly fit the housing, preventing dust leakage and intercepting surrounding dust.

[LaNatalie]

Replacing the Santana's cabin air filter yourself is actually quite simple, and it's all done behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. First, empty the glove box, then press the limit clips on both sides inward, and the entire glove box can be pulled downward. At this point, you'll see a filter cover with clips. Pinch the clips on both sides with your hands and pry it open, and the cover will come off. When removing the old filter, remember the direction of the arrow on it. The new filter should be inserted with the same orientation—installing it backward will affect the airflow. Finally, close the cover and push the glove box back into place until it clicks. The whole process requires no tools and takes about ten minutes. I replace it every six months, and doing it before using the air conditioner in summer works best to avoid musty odors. Buying an activated carbon filter costs just a few dozen yuan, saving half the money compared to going to the 4S shop.

[RowanRose]

I recently replaced the air conditioning filter in my Santana, and it was quite convenient to operate from the passenger side. After opening the glove box, don't rush to remove it; first check if there are any damper rods connected on both sides, as some models require removing this part first. Once the glove box is removed, you'll see a rectangular cover on the back wall—that's the filter slot. The plastic clips on the cover are quite fragile, so use your fingertips to gently pry them open without applying too much force. When installing the new filter, pay special attention to the direction of the arrow, which usually points toward the driver's seat. The first time I replaced it, I installed it backward, and the airflow was noticeably weak when I turned on the AC. After installation, test all the AC settings to ensure it's properly installed without any air leaks. If you have a PM2.5 detector on hand, you'll clearly see an improvement in the air quality inside the car after the replacement.

[HaydenLee]

The air filter for the Santana is located behind the glove compartment, and even those with limited DIY skills can replace it. After opening the glove compartment, look at the inner walls on both sides and push the plastic clips inward with some force to loosen the entire glove compartment. The filter slot is a black plastic box; use your fingers to pry open the clip cover. When removing the old filter, you'll notice accumulated dust and leaves—no wonder the air conditioning emits odors. The new filter must be fully inserted into the slot, ensuring the edges are not curled up. Every time I replace it, I take the opportunity to wipe the dust inside the slot with a damp cloth and check the air ducts for mold. Doing it yourself costs only 20-30 yuan, while repair shops charge over a hundred. Remember to wear gloves during the operation, as the accumulated dust on the air filter can easily cause allergies.