
The cabin air filter in the Captiva is located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. Simply remove the glove compartment to access it. The functions of the cabin air filter are: 1. To filter out dust, pollen, and abrasive particles from the air; 2. To ensure clean air in the cabin and prevent bacterial growth. Taking the 2017 Captiva as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4690mm, width 1868mm, height 1756mm, with a wheelbase of 2707mm and a fuel tank capacity of 65 liters. The 2017 Captiva is equipped with a 2.4L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 123kW and a maximum torque of 230Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Captiva's cabin air filter is hidden behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. I changed it myself last time - it's quite simple: First open the glove compartment in front of the passenger seat, then lift it firmly upward to remove the entire glove box. The exposed rectangular plastic cover is the filter housing, which has a clip on the side - just squeeze it to open the lid. Remember there's an arrow indicating the installation direction on the filter, don't install it backwards. I usually replace it every 20,000 km, especially since air quality isn't great these days - you can really feel the difference in airflow freshness afterwards. A DIY replacement with a Mann filter only costs about 100 yuan, saving more than half compared to dealership service.

Here's a simple way to find it: Sit in the passenger seat and look down at the footwell area. See that rectangular black plastic cover? The cabin air filter is right behind it! The cover has a spring clip on the side—just press it with your thumb to remove it. But be careful when taking out the old filter, as it might have trapped leaves and dust, so wearing a mask is recommended. I recently replaced mine with an activated carbon filter, and now there's no weird smell when I turn on the AC. Actually, changing it yourself is easier than you'd think—just buy a 30-yuan filter online and you're done in ten minutes, even female drivers can do it easily. The key is to remember to change it regularly, otherwise a clogged filter can affect cooling performance.

I've changed the cabin air filter location on three Chevrolet Captivas. The OEM design places it right in front of the blower motor. To replace it, first empty the glove compartment, then lift the box upwards by supporting its base with both hands. When you see the white plastic housing, don't rush to dismantle it! There's a T20 Torx screw securing the filter box on the left side that needs removing first. I recommend using an LED flashlight for better visibility during operation - last time my apprentice almost broke the retaining clip. The Mann-Filter CUK2442 model fits best, with its activated carbon layer providing excellent adsorption performance and resisting mold during rainy seasons. Oh, and remember to reset the AC system after replacement.

Remember three key steps: 1 Empty the glove box. 2 Press both sides inward to remove the box. 3 Unclip the filter cover fastener. You'll need a T20 screwdriver—there's a small screw in the upper left corner of the box to loosen. The old filter might be full of dust when pulled out, so it's recommended to vacuum the air duct first. When installing the new filter, ensure the arrow points toward the driver's seat—installing it backward will significantly reduce airflow. My tests show the Mahle LAK948 is thicker than the OEM filter, making it less irritating during smoggy weather even on recirculation mode. Doing this yourself saves $200 in labor—just avoid using excessive force on the plastic clips.


