Where is the cabin air filter located in the Malibu?
2 Answers
The cabin air filter in the Malibu is located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. Before removal, the glove compartment needs to be taken out, after which the exact position of the cabin air filter can be seen. The cabin air filter tends to accumulate a lot of dust, which can be blown away using compressed air or similar methods. It is important not to wash it with water, as this may render it unusable. In terms of exterior design, the Malibu integrates the headlights with the grille, featuring a single-unit structure for high and low beams with xenon light sources. Under the hood, the Malibu is powered by a 1.5T engine delivering a maximum power of 125 kW and a peak torque of 250 Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
I drive a Chevrolet Malibu, and the cabin air filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side. There's a little trick to doing it yourself. First, open the glove box door and locate the clips or release tabs on both sides of the box. Press them down or gently pull outward to slide the entire glove box assembly down. You'll then see a plastic cover or small hatch, which might be secured with screws or clips. Use a small Phillips screwdriver to carefully remove or pry it open—the filter is inside and can be pulled out directly for replacement. I usually replace it once a year or check it if I notice any odd smells, as a clogged filter affects cabin air quality, especially during spring when pollen is heavy—fresh air matters. When installing the new filter, make sure it's not upside down; the arrow should point downward. Installing it backward reduces airflow. The whole process takes about ten minutes. It's best to wear gloves to avoid scratches, and be gentle when handling the narrow glove box area—forcing it might break the plastic parts. Regular maintenance also reduces AC load, saving some fuel costs.
