Where is the cabin air filter located in a Kia Soul?
3 Answers
The cabin air filter in a Kia Soul is located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. To replace the cabin air filter, you first need to remove the glove compartment, which is secured by eight screws and four clips. After removing the glove compartment, you will see the cover for the cabin air filter. The functions of the cabin air filter are as follows: 1. It ensures the filter fits tightly against the housing, preventing unfiltered air from entering the cabin. 2. It separates solid impurities such as dust, pollen, and abrasive particles from the air. 3. It absorbs moisture, soot, ozone, odors, carbon oxides, SO2, CO2, and other substances from the air, providing strong and long-lasting moisture absorption. 4. It prevents the car windows from fogging up, ensuring clear visibility for the driver and passengers and enhancing driving safety.
I've been driving my Kia Soul for almost two years now. The first time I looked for the cabin air filter, I was totally confused. Later, I discovered it's actually located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. The process is quite simple: First, open the glove box and remove all items inside. Then, firmly push or pinch the plastic clips on both sides, which will cause the entire glove box to drop down or open the rear access panel. You'll then see a rectangular plastic cover - just pry it open to reveal the filter slot. That time, I followed a video tutorial and managed to do it myself in about twenty minutes, saving the dealership service fee. I recommend replacing it every 8,000 kilometers or every six months, especially if you drive in dusty cities. When the filter gets dirty, you'll notice foul odors from the AC vents, and poor air quality inside the car can easily cause coughing or allergies. That's why I opted for the activated carbon filter - it costs a bit more but is definitely worth it. Regular maintenance like this keeps the AC system running more efficiently with faster cooling, making long drives much more comfortable without that stuffy feeling.
As a mechanic, the Kia Soul's cabin air filter is located above the passenger footwell area near the lower part of the dashboard. First, empty the glove compartment contents, then locate and firmly press the clips on both sides to fully lower or remove the glove box. Afterwards, you'll see a black plastic panel with screws or clips - gently pry it open to remove the old filter. Remember to install the new filter with its airflow arrow pointing the correct direction to avoid restricted airflow. Typically, replace every 10,000 km as accumulated dust and rapid bacterial growth in the filter material can cause slow AC cooling in summer, noisy fan operation, and compromised cabin air quality. I always recommend using genuine OEM parts - the replacement takes just 5 minutes. For safety, disconnect the battery before starting. This saves repair costs and prevents air leakage issues.
