Where is the cabin air filter located in the Explorer?
2 Answers
The cabin air filter of the Explorer is located inside the glove compartment in front of the front passenger seat. After removing the glove compartment, you can see the cover of the cabin air filter. The Explorer is an SUV launched by Ford Motor. Equipped with a longitudinally mounted rear-wheel-drive system, the sixth-generation Explorer features a more balanced front and rear axle load distribution, with a static weight distribution of 50:50, enhancing the vehicle's dynamic balance. In terms of interior, the Explorer comes standard with a 12.8-inch central control screen, adopting the SYNC 2.0 intelligent infotainment system. The instrument panel uses a full LCD mode, allowing theme changes according to Sport, Economy, and Snow modes.
I've been driving the Explorer for several years and have replaced the cabin air filter multiple times. It's located behind the front passenger footwell, concealed under a black plastic cover. You open the passenger door, crouch down and look towards the innermost part of the footwell on the right—there's a small rectangular area there. The cover is usually secured with clips and can be opened by prying or pulling, revealing the filter inside, which resembles folded paper with directional arrows. During my own replacements, I found that the location is hard to spot without removing the cover, so beginners should be careful not to damage the plastic parts. The Explorer has maintained this design since 2011, and the filter should be replaced every 12 to 18 months. Otherwise, the AC may produce odd odors and weak airflow, especially in summer when dust affects driving comfort. The replacement process is simple—I finish it in about 15 minutes each time. Keeping the cabin air fresh is crucial, especially for families with kids to prevent allergies.
