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. The Soul's glove compartment is secured by eight screws and four clips. After removing the glove compartment, you will see the cover for the cabin air filter, allowing you to replace it. Here is some relevant information about cabin air filters: 1. The primary function of a vehicle's cabin air filter is to filter out impurities from the outside air, preventing these impurities from entering the air conditioning system, thereby protecting the health of the vehicle's occupants. There are two types of cabin air filters used in vehicles: one is a standard type, and the other is an activated carbon type. 2. Generally, when replacing a cabin air filter, the activated carbon type is preferred. This type of filter not only filters the outside air but also absorbs odors caused by prolonged use of the air conditioning system, resulting in better performance. The replacement interval for a vehicle's cabin air filter depends on the vehicle's usage. If the vehicle is not used frequently, the replacement interval for the cabin air filter can be extended.
Those who have driven the old Soul know that the cabin air filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side, requiring complete removal of the glove box. Press both sides of the glove box inward with your hands until you feel the clips release, then lower it flat to reveal a plastic cover. Use your fingernail or a flathead screwdriver to flip open the small clip on the left. After removing the cover, you'll see a long slot where the filter is inserted. Make sure not to install it backward—the arrow on the filter edge indicates the airflow direction, which should point toward the rear of the vehicle. It's recommended to replace it twice a year, preferably in spring and autumn, especially in northern areas with heavy dust. Last time I helped a neighbor replace theirs, I found their two-year-old filter had mold—no wonder the AC smelled bad.
As a hands-on car owner, I've changed the air filter for my Soul multiple times myself. The filter is located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. First, empty the glove compartment, then press firmly inward on both sides of the glove box's stoppers with both hands to lower the entire compartment. You'll see a black plastic cover with clips—unclip and remove the cover to reveal the approximately 20 cm long white filter inside. When replacing the old filter with a new one, remember to install it with the airflow arrow on the side facing downward. The design of this location is indeed hidden, and the labor cost at a 4S shop is more expensive than the filter itself. Doing it yourself costs just ten yuan and takes only three minutes.
