Where to Find the Cabin Air Filter on a 2019 Audi Q5
The cabin air filter on a 2019 Audi Q5 is located behind the glove box on the passenger side of the vehicle, inside the HVAC (climate control) housing. Access requires opening and lowering the glove box, then removing a small rectangular cover on the air box behind it. Below is a detailed, step‑by‑step look at how to locate and access it, along with context on why this component matters and what owners should know before attempting replacement.
Contents
Understanding the Cabin Air Filter Location
On the 2019 Audi Q5, Audi routes outside air into the cabin through an HVAC system positioned behind the dashboard. The cabin air filter sits in this air path, filtering dust, pollen, and other particles before they enter the interior. For this model year and generation (FY platform, introduced for 2018), Audi places the primary cabin air filter assembly behind the passenger-side glove box rather than under the hood or in the engine bay.
Primary Location: Behind the Glove Box
The key point for owners is that access to the cabin air filter begins at the glove box. You do not need to remove dashboard trim panels or work under the hood; instead, you work from the passenger seat area. The filter housing is hidden behind the glove box liner and is reached once the glove box is lowered or partially detached from its hinges and stops.
Basic Orientation in the Passenger Footwell
When seated in the front passenger seat, the filter is positioned roughly behind and slightly above where your feet rest. It is encased in a vertical plastic housing that forms part of the climate control module. The glove box effectively hides this housing from view in normal use, which is why most owners don’t realize the filter sits directly behind it.
Step-by-Step: How to Access the Cabin Air Filter
The following steps outline a typical DIY procedure to reach the cabin air filter on a 2019 Audi Q5. These are general instructions based on the design of the FY-platform Q5; minor variations can occur depending on market or options, but for most vehicles the process is essentially the same.
- Prepare the vehicle and area
Park the Q5 on a level surface, set the parking brake, and turn off the ignition. It’s good practice to ensure the HVAC system is off and the key is removed. Move the passenger seat back to give yourself room to kneel or lean into the footwell.
- Empty and open the glove box
Open the glove box and remove any contents. This prevents items from falling when you lower or manipulate the box. Keep documents and loose objects out of the way so you can see the interior hinges and stops clearly.
- Release glove box stops or side dampers
On many 2019 Q5s, the glove box is limited in how far it can drop by plastic stops or a small damper on one side. You typically need to gently flex or release these stops so the glove box can swing further downward, exposing the area behind it. In some versions, a small side arm (damper) unclips from a peg on the glove box wall.
- Lower the glove box to reveal the HVAC housing
Once the stops or damper are released, carefully lower the glove box. It may swing down and rest against the passenger footwell. Behind it, you should see a plastic HVAC housing facing you; this vertical surface is where the cabin air filter access panel is located.
- Locate the cabin air filter cover
Look for a narrow, rectangular plastic cover on the front of the HVAC housing, usually running vertically or slightly angled. It may have small clips or tabs at the top and/or bottom. In many Audi Q5s, the cover is black or dark gray and clearly distinct from the surrounding housing plastic.
- Release the filter cover clips
Press or pry the small tabs on the cover to release it. Some covers swing open like a door once unclipped; others pull straight off. Take care not to break the plastic tabs—only modest pressure is usually required. Set the cover aside where it won’t get lost.
- Slide out the old cabin air filter
With the cover removed, the cabin air filter element will be visible inside the housing. Grasp the exposed edge and gently slide it out. Note the orientation of the filter and the airflow arrows (typically printed on its side), as you’ll want to match this orientation with the new filter.
- Inspect the filter and housing
Before inserting a replacement, check the removed filter for signs of heavy dirt, leaves, or odors. Also look inside the housing for debris. You can gently vacuum the area around the opening, taking care not to damage any internal fins or components.
- Install the new cabin air filter
Align the new filter so the airflow arrows match the airflow direction indicated on the housing (generally “airflow down” into the cabin, but confirm markings). Slide the filter fully into the slot so it seats evenly and does not warp or buckle.
- Reattach the filter cover and reassemble the glove box
Reinstall the plastic cover, ensuring its clips engage securely. Then lift the glove box back into position, reattach the damper arm or stops as needed, and confirm the box opens and closes smoothly. Return your items to the glove box once everything is back in place.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the new cabin air filter is in place behind the glove box, and the HVAC system will pull air through it during heating, cooling, and ventilation. The process is straightforward for most owners comfortable with light interior trim handling.
Why the Cabin Air Filter Is Placed Behind the Glove Box
Automakers like Audi commonly locate cabin air filters behind the glove box because this position strikes a balance between effective filtration and serviceability. In the 2019 Q5, the climate control unit sits centrally behind the dashboard, pulling outside air in from the cowl area near the windshield. Routing that incoming air through a filter just ahead of the cabin vents ensures particles are removed from both fresh and often recirculated air streams.
Design and Service Considerations
Placing the filter behind the glove box means owners and technicians can access it without removing the entire dashboard or working under the hood. This helps keep replacement labor reasonable at dealerships and makes do‑it‑yourself changes more practical. At the same time, the position protects the filter from direct exposure to weather and engine-bay heat, which can accelerate wear in filters placed under the hood.
How to Confirm You Have the Right Location
While the cabin air filter on a 2019 Audi Q5 is consistently behind the glove box on the passenger side across the FY generation, owners sometimes wonder if there might be a secondary or alternate filter position. The following checks can help confirm you are accessing the correct component and area.
- Consult the owner’s manual
The owner’s manual typically includes a maintenance section referencing the “dust and pollen filter” or “cabin air filter,” and describes its approximate location. For the 2019 Q5, this guidance aligns with the glove box area on the passenger side.
- Look for HVAC housing labels or arrows
Inside the glove box cavity, you may see small symbols or airflow arrows on the plastic housing near the filter cover. These markings confirm that the component you are opening is the filter housing rather than an unrelated module.
- Compare with parts diagrams or online references
Genuine Audi parts catalogs and reputable aftermarket parts suppliers often provide diagrams or photos showing the filter’s position. For the 2019 Q5 (FY), these consistently depict a behind‑glove‑box installation for the interior cabin filter.
- Note the filter’s shape and orientation
The cabin filter used on the 2019 Q5 is a rectangular panel designed to slide into a vertical housing. If what you remove matches this description and shows dust and debris on its surface, you’ve accessed the correct component.
Together, these checks help ensure that you’re working in the correct area and handling the intended filter, reinforcing that the cabin air filter on the 2019 Q5 is indeed located behind the passenger-side glove box.
When and Why to Replace the Cabin Air Filter
Knowing the location of the filter is only part of the picture. Owners should also understand how often to service it and why replacement matters for comfort and health inside the vehicle. The filter’s placement deep in the HVAC system means it directly affects air quality at every drive.
- Recommended service interval
Audi and many service providers commonly recommend replacing the cabin air filter about once a year or every 15,000–20,000 miles (24,000–32,000 km), depending on driving conditions. Drivers in dusty, urban, or high-pollen environments may need more frequent changes.
- Signs it may be time for replacement
Reduced airflow from vents, persistent interior odors, hazy windows that fog more easily, or visible dirt and debris on the filter element are typical indicators that a new filter is due.
- Benefits of a fresh filter
A new cabin filter can improve ventilation performance, reduce interior dust, lessen allergy triggers, and help maintain a cleaner environment for passengers. It may also reduce strain on the blower motor by restoring proper airflow.
- Types of replacement filters
For the 2019 Q5, you can choose between standard particulate (dust and pollen) filters and upgraded activated carbon or combination filters that also help reduce odors and certain gaseous pollutants. Both styles fit in the same behind‑glove‑box housing.
By tracking service intervals and watching for symptoms of a clogged filter, owners can use the convenient glove box access point to maintain better air quality and ventilation performance inside their 2019 Audi Q5.
Summary
The cabin air filter on a 2019 Audi Q5 is located behind the glove box on the passenger side, inside the vertical HVAC housing. Access involves opening and lowering the glove box, removing a small rectangular cover, and sliding the filter in and out of its slot. Audi’s decision to place the filter here makes it relatively easy to service without engine-bay work or major interior disassembly, while still protecting it within the climate control system. Regular replacement—typically every 12 months or 15,000–20,000 miles—helps maintain clean cabin air, proper airflow from the vents, and a more comfortable environment for occupants.
