How to Change the Cabin Air Filter on a 2009 Honda Fit

You can change the 2009 Honda Fit’s cabin air filter in about 5–10 minutes with no tools: open the glove box, unhook the small damper arm on the right, squeeze the glove box sides to drop it down, remove the rectangular filter door on the HVAC unit, slide out the filter tray, replace the filter (airflow arrow pointing down), then reassemble in reverse. Below is a step-by-step guide with tips to ensure a clean, correct installation.

What you’ll need

This section outlines the basic items that make the job easier and helps you prepare before you start.

• Replacement cabin air filter (for 2009 Honda Fit; standard or activated carbon type)
• A vacuum with a crevice tool or a soft brush (optional, for cleaning the housing)
• Gloves (optional, to keep hands clean)

Most owners can complete the job with just the new filter; cleaning tools simply help remove trapped leaves or dust from the housing.

Preparation and safety

Before working around the glove box and HVAC housing, take these simple steps to protect you and the interior trim.

1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and turn the ignition off.
2. Turn off the blower fan and A/C to prevent debris from being drawn into the system.
3. Empty the glove box so nothing falls when it drops down.

With the area clear and the vehicle powered down, you’ll avoid accidental damage and make access much easier.

Accessing the cabin filter housing

The 2009 Fit’s cabin air filter sits behind the glove box, directly in front of the HVAC blower unit.

1. Open the glove box fully.
2. On the right side of the glove box, gently unhook the small damper arm from its pin. Support the glove box as you do this.
3. Press inward on both sides of the glove box to clear the built-in stop tabs, then let the glove box swing down and hang.
4. Look straight ahead into the opening: locate the rectangular plastic filter door on the HVAC housing.
5. Depress the locking tabs on the sides of the door and pull the door straight off.
6. Slide out the filter tray/frame toward you.

With the glove box lowered and the door removed, the filter tray will pull out easily; take note of how it’s oriented as you remove it.

Replacing the filter element

Swapping the filter is straightforward; pay special attention to airflow direction markings to ensure proper function.

1. Note the airflow direction arrow on the old filter and/or the HVAC housing. On the Fit, the arrow should point down (toward the floor) when installed.
2. Remove the old filter media from the tray/frame. Some light debris may fall—vacuum the housing opening if needed.
3. Insert the new cabin filter into the tray with the airflow arrow pointing down. Ensure the filter edges seat evenly and are not buckled.
4. Slide the tray back into the housing until fully seated, then reinstall the filter door, pressing until both side tabs click.

Correct orientation matters: a reversed filter can reduce airflow and increase blower noise. If the housing shows an “AIR FLOW” marking with an arrow, use that as the definitive guide.

Reassembling the glove box

Once the filter is secured, return the glove box to its normal position.

1. Lift the glove box and press inward on the sides to get the stop tabs past the dash opening, then release.
2. Reattach the right-side damper arm by slipping it back onto its pin.
3. Close the glove box and start the car to test the fan at multiple speeds, checking for steady airflow and quiet operation.

If the glove box doesn’t close smoothly, verify the damper arm is correctly seated and that no items are obstructing the hinge area.

Replacement interval and smart tips

Keeping the cabin filter fresh improves HVAC performance and interior air quality. Consider the following guidance.

• Typical interval: every 12 months or 12,000–15,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Replace more often if you drive in dusty areas, urban pollution, wildfire smoke, or pollen-heavy seasons.
• Upgrades: activated carbon filters help with odors; HEPA-style filters capture finer particles.
• Keep leaves and debris out of the cowl (base of windshield) to prolong filter life.

Intervals are recommendations; if airflow drops or odors appear sooner, replace the filter ahead of schedule.

Troubleshooting common hiccups

If something doesn’t feel right during or after the swap, these quick checks usually resolve it.

• Damper arm won’t unhook: gently lift the glove box a bit to relieve tension, then slide the arm off the pin—avoid prying hard.
• Filter door won’t latch: remove the tray and ensure the new filter isn’t bowed or mis-seated; reinsert squarely.
• Increased blower noise: confirm the airflow arrow points down and that the tray is fully seated.
• Persistent odors: choose an activated carbon filter and run the fan on fresh air (not recirc) for a few minutes after installation.
• Rattling glove box: verify both side stop tabs are engaged and the damper arm is secure.

Taking a moment to reseat the filter and hardware typically restores quiet, smooth operation.

Disposal and environmental notes

Used cabin filters collect dust, pollen, and organic debris; dispose of them responsibly.

• Place the old filter in a sealed trash bag to prevent dust from spreading.
• Check local guidelines; most areas allow disposal with regular household waste.
• If heavily soiled with soot or unusual contaminants, consult your municipality’s recommendations.

Simple containment keeps your workspace clean and avoids redistributing captured allergens.

Time and cost expectations

Most owners complete this DIY in under 10 minutes. Replacement filters typically cost $10–$30 depending on brand and filtration type. A shop or dealer may charge an additional $40–$80 for labor, making DIY a quick money-saver.

Summary

On a 2009 Honda Fit, the cabin air filter sits behind the glove box. Unhook the right-side damper, drop the glove box, remove the filter door, swap in a new filter with the airflow arrow pointing down, and reassemble. The job requires no tools, restores airflow and air quality, and takes just a few minutes.

Does a 2009 Honda Fit have a cabin air filter?

Open the glove. Box. And squeeze in on both sides. Pull down at the same. Time.

What are three symptoms of a clogged cabin air filter?

3 Signs Your Cabin Filter is Clogged

• There’s Little Flow. The cabin filter is, essentially, a component of the air conditioner structure in your car.
• Dust. Another sign is is that you’re seeing more than the usual amount of dust and debris inside your car.
• Less Vehicle Power.

How to change air filter 2009 Honda Fit?

Together. Then separate the upper half from the lower. Half. Pull the filter out of the housing. Wipe out the inside of the air filter housing. Place the new filter into the housing.

How to replace cabin air filter in Honda Fit?

In. And pull it out like that. Right behind that is your cabin air filter. And just pull it straight out pretty simple as you can see this one’s pretty dirty. Has a lot of leaves.