Where to Find the Cabin Air Filter on an Audi A6

The cabin air filter on most modern Audi A6 models is located behind the glove box on the passenger side, while some older models place it under the plastic cowl panel at the base of the windshield. The exact position depends on model year and platform, but it is always mounted in the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) intake path between the outside air and the interior vents.

Understanding the Cabin Filter’s Role in the Audi A6

The question of where the cabin filter is located on an Audi A6 matters for anyone who wants to reduce dealership maintenance costs, address musty odors or pollen issues, and maintain good airflow from the vents. The A6 uses one or, in specific variants, two cabin filters to clean the air entering the cabin—typically a particulate filter, and often an activated charcoal version to help trap odors and pollutants.

Main Cabin Filter Locations by Generation

Audi has revised the A6 platform multiple times, and the cabin filter location has evolved with each redesign. Below is an overview of where the filter is generally found on the most common generations and markets, to help you identify which design your car likely uses.

C7 and C8 Audi A6 (Approx. 2012–Present in Most Markets)

On the C7 (around 2012–2018) and C8 (around 2019–present) Audi A6, the primary cabin filter is almost always located behind the glove box, accessible from the passenger side footwell area. This is the most common layout in North America and Europe for recent A6 models, including many A6 Avant and some S6 variants.

The following list explains the typical characteristics of the C7/C8 cabin filter layout so owners can more easily identify whether their car matches this configuration.

• Access point: Passenger side, behind or below the glove box.
• Orientation: Filter slides horizontally or at a slight angle into an HVAC housing behind a small rectangular access door.
• Fasteners: Usually a plastic panel under the glove box held by Torx screws, Phillips screws, or plastic clips.
• Common filter type: Single cabin filter, often available as a regular particulate filter or a charcoal/activated carbon version.
• Tools needed: Typically a Torx driver set (T20/T25) or a Phillips screwdriver, plus a flashlight.

Understanding these layout details helps A6 owners quickly confirm they are dealing with the behind‑glove‑box setup, which is now standard across most modern mid‑size Audi platforms.

Older Audi A6 Models (C5 and Early C6, Approx. Late 1990s–Mid 2000s)

On many earlier Audi A6 models—especially the C5 platform and some early C6 versions—the cabin filter is typically located under the hood, at the base of the windshield, usually on the passenger side beneath the plastic cowl cover. This design places the filter directly in the fresh‑air intake area ahead of the HVAC blower motor.

The following points outline how the under‑hood location is usually arranged on these older A6 generations.

• Access point: Engine bay, near the base of the windshield (often passenger side).
• Cowl cover: A plastic trim piece or cowl panel must be lifted or removed to reach the filter housing.
• Filter housing: Rectangular box with a removable lid, sometimes held by clips or small screws.
• Drainage and sealing: Filter housing sits in a plenum chamber with drains to prevent water buildup.
• Tools needed: Usually basic hand tools—Phillips or Torx driver, and sometimes trim tools to protect plastic panels.

Recognizing this under‑hood filter housing helps owners of older A6s avoid searching inside the cabin when the filter is actually mounted in the engine bay air intake area.

Step‑by‑Step: Accessing the Cabin Filter Behind the Glove Box (Modern A6)

For most newer Audi A6 models with the filter behind the glove box, the process to access and replace the filter is relatively straightforward, though it may require some care when handling interior panels. The outline below describes the general steps, but always verify specifics with the exact model year and Audi’s service documentation.

The following list explains a typical procedure to reach and replace the cabin filter behind the glove box on many C7 and C8 A6 models.

1. Prepare the area: Park on a level surface, switch off the ignition, and move the front passenger seat back to create workspace in the footwell.
2. Remove the lower panel: Look under the glove box for a trim or sound‑insulating panel. Remove any visible screws (often Torx) and gently lower the panel, disconnecting any courtesy light wiring if present.
3. Locate the filter cover: Behind the panel, identify the rectangular plastic access door on the HVAC housing. It may be oriented front‑to‑back or side‑to‑side, with small clips or tabs.
4. Open the access door: Release the clips or tabs carefully and swing or slide the door off to expose the cabin filter element.
5. Remove the old filter: Note the airflow arrow on the filter’s side, then slide it out slowly to avoid shaking dust and debris into the footwell.
6. Install the new filter: Insert the replacement filter in the same orientation, following the airflow arrow (typically pointing downwards into the blower on many models).
7. Reattach the cover and panels: Clip the access door back in place, reinstall the under‑glove‑box panel, reconnect any lights, and secure all screws firmly but without overtightening.

Following these steps methodically allows most owners to access and change the cabin filter at home, avoiding unnecessary labor charges while maintaining proper ventilation quality.

Step‑by‑Step: Accessing the Cabin Filter Under the Hood (Older A6)

Owners of earlier Audi A6 generations, especially those with the filter located in the plenum under the windshield, need to work in the engine bay instead of the passenger footwell. This design prioritizes fresh‑air filtration at the intake before air enters the blower assembly.

The list below outlines a common process used on many under‑hood filter layouts found on older A6 models.

1. Open the hood: Secure the hood with the prop rod or hood struts and locate the plastic cowl area at the base of the windshield.
2. Identify the filter housing: On many A6 models, the cabin filter housing is on the passenger side under a removable cowl section or service cover.
3. Remove the cowl or cover: Carefully unscrew or unclip the relevant plastic trim, gently lifting it to avoid cracking aged plastic.
4. Open the filter box: Release the retaining clips or screws on the rectangular cabin filter box lid to expose the filter.
5. Extract the old filter: Pull the filter up and out, observing its orientation and checking for accumulated leaves or debris in the housing.
6. Clean the housing: Wipe out loose debris and ensure drain holes in the plenum area are clear to prevent water accumulation.
7. Install the new filter and reassemble: Insert the new filter following any airflow arrows, secure the housing cover, and reinstall the cowl or trim pieces firmly.

By following these steps calmly and methodically, owners of older Audi A6 models can access the under‑hood cabin filter without guessing or dismantling unnecessary components.

How to Confirm the Exact Location for Your Specific Audi A6

Because Audi sells the A6 across many markets and model years, small differences in equipment, right‑hand vs. left‑hand drive, and trim levels can shift the precise placement or access angle of the cabin filter. Confirming the exact setup for your car prevents wasted time and potential damage to trim pieces.

The following list provides reliable ways to verify the precise cabin filter location and service procedure for a particular A6.

• Check the owner’s manual: Most manuals include a “replacing the dust and pollen filter” or “cabin air filter” section with an illustration of the location.
• Use the VIN with parts catalogs: Online Audi parts catalogs and dealership systems use your VIN to display the correct filter housing and position.
• Look at the HVAC intake area: If you see a large removable filter housing under the hood near the windshield, you likely have the under‑hood design; if not, it is probably behind the glove box.
• Inspect the passenger footwell: A removable lower glove‑box panel and a visible HVAC cover in the footwell strongly suggest the interior filter layout.
• Consult workshop manuals: Factory or reputable third‑party service manuals provide model‑year‑specific diagrams and torque specs.

Using these verification steps gives confidence that you are working on the right component in the right location and following a procedure that matches your exact A6.

Why Cabin Filter Location Matters

Knowing where the cabin filter is on an Audi A6 is not just a technical detail—it has practical implications for comfort, health, and maintenance planning. Accessing the filter at the correct location allows owners to address common issues such as weak airflow, fogged windows, and persistent odors without unnecessary trips to the service bay.

The following list summarizes the key reasons this seemingly small component—and its location—deserves attention from A6 owners.

• Air quality: A properly placed and maintained cabin filter reduces dust, pollen, and pollutants entering the cabin.
• HVAC efficiency: A clogged filter makes the blower motor work harder, reducing airflow and potentially shortening component life.
• Odor control: Charcoal cabin filters can significantly cut down on outside smells, especially in urban traffic or tunnels.
• DIY savings: Understanding where the filter is lets owners perform a simple service at home rather than paying dealership labor rates.
• Preventive maintenance: Routine inspection in the correct location can reveal water leaks, clogged drains, or debris accumulation early.

Taking the time to locate and service the cabin filter pays off in everyday driving comfort and long‑term reliability of the HVAC system.

Summary

On most recent Audi A6 models (C7 and C8), the cabin air filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side, accessible from the footwell area via a small access door in the HVAC housing. On many older A6 generations, especially C5 and some early C6 cars, the filter sits under the hood beneath the plastic cowl panel at the base of the windshield, usually on the passenger side. Identifying which of these two main layouts your specific A6 uses—by consulting the owner’s manual, parts diagrams, or visible trim panels—ensures you can reach and replace the filter cleanly, maintain good cabin air quality, and avoid unnecessary service costs.

How do I change the AC air filter on my Audi A6 2013?

So we’re going to grab these two screws lefty loosey and remove these which they weren’t tight at all we’re going to grab this little panel here. And just peel this back. And get it out of our way.

What are three symptoms of a clogged cabin air filter?

Here are three signs that your cabin filter is clogged so that you’ll know too.

• 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.

What is the most common problem with the Audi A6?

The Audi A6 is known for a comfortable ride, but its suspension and steering components don’t always hold up well over time. One of the most common issues is premature wear of control arms and tie rod ends, which can cause clunking noises, loose steering feel, and uneven tire wear.

What happens if you don’t change cabin air filter?

If you don’t change your cabin air filter, it will become clogged with debris, leading to reduced airflow from your vents, poor air quality inside the vehicle, and potential damage to the HVAC system. This can cause musty odors, foggy windows, and force the blower motor to work harder, shortening its lifespan and leading to expensive repairs. 
This video shows how to change a cabin air filter and the difference between a new and a dirty one: 1mManiZillaYouTube · Jan 25, 2021
Consequences of a clogged cabin air filter:

• Reduced airflow: A clogged filter restricts the amount of air that can pass through, resulting in weaker heat and AC performance. 
• Poor air quality: The filter’s ability to trap dust, pollen, and other pollutants is diminished, leading to lower air quality inside the cabin and potential respiratory or allergy issues for occupants. 
• Unpleasant odors: A dirty, moisture-laden filter can develop mold and mildew, creating musty or foul smells from the vents. 
• Window fogging: A lack of proper airflow can cause windows to fog up more easily, impairing visibility. 
• Damage to the blower motor: The HVAC system must work harder to push air through a clogged filter, which can cause the blower motor to overheat and fail prematurely, notes Filterbuy.com and Berkeley Bob’s. 
• Minor decrease in fuel efficiency: The engine may have to work slightly harder to power the strained HVAC system, leading to a small decrease in fuel efficiency, according to AutoZone.com. 

This video explains the relationship between a dirty cabin air filter and the HVAC system: 57sUnder The Hood ShowYouTube · Jun 23, 2021