Where is the cabin air filter located in the Ford Explorer?
2 Answers
Ford Explorer's cabin air filter is located under the plastic cover panel on the passenger side, beneath the wiper. Maintenance instructions for the cabin air filter are as follows: 1. If the filter is dirty, clean it by blowing compressed air from the opposite side. Hold the air gun 5cm away from the filter and blow at 500kPa pressure for approximately 2 minutes. 2. The cabin air filter easily accumulates dust; simply use compressed air to remove surface dust. Never wash it with water as this may damage the filter. 3. After prolonged use, the activated carbon filtration function of the cabin air filter diminishes, so it's necessary to regularly replace the cabin air filter at authorized 4S dealerships.
After driving a Ford Explorer for so many years, I've found that the cabin air filter is hidden quite deep inside the glove compartment in front of the passenger seat. When it's time to replace it, you need to empty the glove compartment first, then press down or pull to remove the entire compartment. Inside, there's a panel with small screws that can be unscrewed with a screwdriver to reveal the filter slot. Be careful not to break those plastic clips when handling them, or you might not be able to put them back. It's no surprise that the cabin air filter starts to smell bad over time, especially with poor urban air quality. Replacing it every six months ensures fresh air inside the car and prevents breathing discomfort. Changing the filter at home is simple for me—just a few minutes' work—saving the hassle and money of going to a repair shop.
