Where is the cabin air filter located in the 2016 Polo?
3 Answers
The cabin air filter in the 2016 Polo is located inside the glove compartment on the passenger side. After removing the glove compartment, you can replace the cabin air filter. The cabin air filter is an important component of the car's air conditioning system. It is recommended to replace the cabin air filter every 10,000 kilometers. If the cabin air filter is not replaced for a long time, it will affect the performance of the air conditioning system and the health of the passengers. The 2016 Polo is a compact car from Volkswagen, featuring a sporty and stylish design. Its body dimensions are 3970mm in length, 1682mm in width, and 1462mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2470mm.
I need to elaborate on this question because I just replaced the AC filter on my 2016 POLO last year. It's hidden behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. To access it, you first need to press open the clips on both sides of the glove box to let it hang down. Be careful not to pull too hard and break the damping rope. Then, you'll see a rectangular cover—pry open that plastic panel, and the filter is inserted horizontally inside. Remember to note the arrow direction when removing the old filter, and install the new one in the same orientation. After doing it myself, I noticed much fresher airflow, so I recommend checking it every 10,000 km. If the glove box is cluttered, it might block the working space, so it's best to empty it before starting.
I've worked on many Volkswagen models, and the 2016 POLO's cabin air filter location is quite typical of German design. It's neither in the engine compartment nor under the pedals, but installed behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. You'll need to remove the glove box first by simultaneously squeezing the limiters on both sides to flip the entire compartment downward. Looking deeper inside, you'll find a rectangular plastic cover with clips, about 20cm long. Remove this cover to access the filter itself. This area tends to accumulate dust, so be careful not to let debris fall into the air ducts during removal. The OEM filter with activated carbon layer costs more than the standard version but offers significantly better odor elimination.