Where is the air conditioning filter of the Volkswagen Beetle located?
3 Answers
The air conditioning filter of the Volkswagen Beetle is located under the dashboard on the front passenger side. The functions of the air conditioning filter are: 1. To separate dust, pollen, and abrasive particles from the air; 2. To ensure clean air in the cabin and prevent bacterial growth. The Volkswagen Beetle is a compact car. Taking the 2018 Beetle as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4286mm, width 1821mm, height 1502mm, wheelbase 2540mm, and fuel tank capacity 55L. The 2018 Beetle is equipped with a 1.2T turbocharged engine, with a maximum power of 77kW and a maximum torque of 175Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It adopts a front suspension type of MacPherson independent suspension and a rear suspension type of multi-link independent suspension.
My old Beetle has had its cabin air filter replaced several times, located right behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. First, press the clips on both sides of the glovebox inward, then lower the entire glovebox to lay it flat. You'll see a rectangular plastic cover. Pop open the cover to pull out the old filter, paying attention to install the new one with its arrow pointing toward the rear of the car. It's quite simple to do it yourself—buying an activated carbon filter online costs less than 50 yuan, saving over 200 yuan compared to dealership prices. Most importantly, you must replace it before using the AC in summer. Last year, I got lazy and skipped it, resulting in musty smells from the vents that even caused allergies for my family. Now, I make sure to replace it every six months—the whole removal and installation process takes less than ten minutes.
Last week, I just helped a friend deal with the air conditioning odor issue in their Beetle, and the problem turned out to be the cabin air filter. After removing the glove compartment on the passenger side, you'll find a plastic box with clips behind it—that's where the filter is located. Remember to wear gloves during the process, as the old filter might be dirty, possibly filled with leaves or even cockroaches. I recommend opting for a composite filter with PM2.5 filtration; although it's a bit more expensive, it effectively blocks willow catkins and exhaust particles. Beginners should be careful with the force when removing the glove compartment, as the plastic clips can break easily. Parking away from trees can extend the filter's lifespan, especially in the humid southern regions where mold grows quickly during the rainy season. It's best to replace the filter once each during spring and autumn.
