In-cabin filter help

[couzdog]

I will have 15,000 miles on my car soon. Where is the best place to buy in-cabin filters for my 2011 M37x...and how do I change them? Your help is greatly appreciated!

[rhk]

Unless it is an absolute necessity to DIY, my experience is that the filter and labor at a dealer is the way to go. Nissan/Infiniti have an excellent air filter. I change mine 2x per year due to her allergies. I am amazed to look at the amount of material captured by the filter in 6 months. If you can afford a new Infiniti, I'm thinking your lifestyle isn't changing if you pay the Infiniti dealer ;]

[InfinitiEric]

$75 for new air filters (from the Dealership for the new Infiniti M37/M56) + $50+ labor. I'd pass, but that's just me.

You can purchase the air filters from InfinitiPartsUSA at a discount. Mention that you're with NICOclub and you might even receive a larger discount. You can also find the in-cabin filter on eBay - here is an auction for one that is currently ongoing.

The instructions for replacement can be found on VTL-19 of the VTL FSM for the 2011 Infiniti M37/M56. It shouldn't take more than 30 minutes total and requires no technical expertise.

[couzdog]

Thanks guys. Not sure what to do yet. The dealer is about an hour away, but I guess I'm not as comfortable as I thought with doing it myself.

[M56Cruizin]

holy cow.. Section IP-13 is pretty intense!.. I'm still trying to figure out where the filter is located. It says to remove the lower panel RH, but I don't see the specific steps outlined in this section. Can anyone describe the steps?
-----------
REMOVAL
1. Remove instrument lower panel RH. Refer to IP-13, "Removal and Installation".
2. Remove filter cover, and then remove in-cabin microfilter.

[couzdog]

That's why I am thinking of the dealer! I don't understand it either.

[EniGmA1987]

I think there is more than one in-cabin filters arent there?

Also, isnt one of them located behind the glove box? It is really easy to get to actually. It will take some time to figure it all out your first time, but this last time I took the glove box out it only took me about 2 minutes to get it out and 2 minutes to get it back in. And I could have sword there was a filter behind it.

[yosM45]

I can change my in cabin filter in 10 minutes.
Do it once, and you never go to the dealer again.
Don't pay $75. Save the money for other more critical services that you can't do yourself, like transmission services.

1) open your passenger door.
2) open your glove box.

*You'll see the clip that hold the tension clip on the right of the glove box.

3) take flat head screw driver and wedge under the clip, and pop it off to the right.
4) take you glove box by the left and right side and pull up. It is attached to the dash by three C-type hinges. It will come right up.
5) there is a black cover in front of the A/C blower off by pushing it back, then down to release the tabs that hold it in place.

*READ THIS PART CAREFULLY!!

*DO NOT REMOVE THE WHITE A/C BLOWER MOTOR BY PULLING FORWARD. IT WILL BREAK THE TABS ON THE LEFT SIDE.

6) FIRST pull back on the tab on the right side on the cover. This will release the right side.

*There are two tabs on the left side that DO NOT pull forward, they SLIDE to the RIGHT.

7) With your right hand on the right side of the cover, place a few finger to the left side of the cover on the OUTSIDE of the two left tabs. Using your left hand to push the two tabs to the right, and your right hand to pull the cover to the right, slide to the cover cover. TO THE RIGHT, NOT TOWARDS YOU.

8) Take the filter out, paying attention to the markings. Replace the new filter in the same direction.

9) And Reverse.

*** The only tricky part of putting it back together, is getting the tension lip back on. The trick is to slide the glove boxes right side in first. Attach the clip by pulling it forward and pop it on, then slide the left side in. After you've down this, THEN slide the C-Hinges back in.

10 minutes, TOPS. Do it once, and you be good to go forever.

[InfinitiEric]

I think there is more than one in-cabin filters arent there?

Also, isnt one of them located behind the glove box? It is really easy to get to actually. It will take some time to figure it all out your first time, but this last time I took the glove box out it only took me about 2 minutes to get it out and 2 minutes to get it back in. And I could have sword there was a filter behind it.

Yes the one behind the glove box is the one that the OP wants to replace. There are two others underneath the driver and passenger seats if the M35/M37/M45/M56 is equipped with climate-controlled seats.

[M56Cruizin]

Thanks, vosM45! Still sounds a little tricky, but after your thorough description I think I'll give it a shot...

[couzdog]

I may give it a shot now, also. So, no need to replace the filters under the seats? When should we do those?

[loystock]

I replace the cabin filter on a regular basis but not the seat filter. They last for a long time unless you smoke inside the car or leave the windows open. They are also expensive. You can grab them from under the seat. You don't even have to look, you can feel it, @ 4" x 4". You can inspect them and decide whether you need a new pair or not.

[szh]

I will have 15,000 miles on my car soon. Where is the best place to buy in-cabin filters for my 2011 M37x...and how do I change them? Your help is greatly appreciated!

At 15k miles, I would also recommend not just the filter that helps you breathe better, but also the one that helps your engine breathe better!

So ... if you have not already done so, change your engine air filter too!

Z

[yosM45]

I may give it a shot now, also. So, no need to replace the filters under the seats? When should we do those?

I check mine ever 20k. 80k later they are still in excellent shape. But then again, i don't use my seat heater warmer much.

But for the seat filter....

1) move your seat all the way forward.
2) move your seat all the way up.
3) from behind the seat (backseat area), reach about 4-6 inches back, dead center, and you'll feel th3 4 inch by 4 inch box.
4) pull down and pop it down and out.

**If it just has some particles in it you can just tap it out of use an air compressor with LOW pressure to remove the dust.

5) reverse to install.

They are VERY expensive, you should not need to replace them unless it's one of the situations mentioned previously.

[yosM45]

Thanks, vosM45! Still sounds a little tricky, but after your thorough description I think I'll give it a shot...

I noticed you have a M56, The procedures are for 2006 an up M45 and M35.

But I can't imagine that it's much different.

Just take you time the first time.

[DaSerb]

From my experience with both cars I own, once you replace small things like filters, spark plugs, trans and engine oil, you will never go to the dealer again. Why, you ask?

Because you can save pot load of money by doing it yourself. Be smart about it and learn things or two about the car you drive.

Take it slow and replace that filter.

[M56Cruizin]

Looks like the steps are listed here on page 21.
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/M/2011/IP.pdf

I'm not seeing a damper pin or pull string on the glove box damper.. whatever a damper is.. Maybe I need to try pulling the glove box out first..? ...Just says "pull back glove box assembly" (usually pull means to pull forward, and push means to push back, so I'm not sure what pull-back means. ...And do you think step 39 "remove airbag assembly" is necessary?

IP-21
< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
1. Open the glove box.
2. Pull back glove box assembly.
3. Remove damper pin on left side.
CAUTION:
Never excessively pull string of glove box damper.
38. Remove instrument lower panel RH.
1. Remove screws (A).
2. Pull back instrument lower panel RH to disengage the
pawls.
3. Disconnect harness connectors and harness clips.
39. Remove passenger air bag module mounting bolts, and disconnect passenger air bag module harness
connector. Refer to SR-17, "Removal and Installation".
40. Remove instrument panel assembly mounting bolts (A), screws (B), and clips (C).

[InfinitiEric]

Looks like the steps are listed here on page 21.
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/M/2011/IP.pdf

I'm not seeing a damper pin or pull string on the glove box damper.. whatever a damper is.. Maybe I need to try pulling the glove box out first..? ...Just says "pull back glove box assembly" (usually pull means to pull forward, and push means to push back, so I'm not sure what pull-back means. ...And do you think step 39 "remove airbag assembly" is necessary?

IP-21
< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
1. Open the glove box.
2. Pull back glove box assembly.
3. Remove damper pin on left side.
CAUTION:
Never excessively pull string of glove box damper.
38. Remove instrument lower panel RH.
1. Remove screws (A).
2. Pull back instrument lower panel RH to disengage the
pawls.
3. Disconnect harness connectors and harness clips.
39. Remove passenger air bag module mounting bolts, and disconnect passenger air bag module harness
connector. Refer to SR-17, "Removal and Installation".
40. Remove instrument panel assembly mounting bolts (A), screws (B), and clips (C).

No those steps are not required for the filter removal. That's to remove the entire glovebox holding assembly from the vehicle. You're only in need of removing the glovebox itself. You can even see where the filter compartment is in the diagram next to the steps you posted:

[M56Cruizin]

No those steps are not required for the filter removal. That's to remove the entire glovebox holding assembly from the vehicle. You're only in need of removing the glovebox itself. You can even see where the filter compartment is in the diagram next to the steps you posted:

[/quote]

Okay - just finished replacing the filter. Here's the deal.. You Do need to remove the glovebox holding assembly, but it's easy. Took about 15mins (first time I've done this). The image above is excellent.

Here are the correct steps:

1. Open the glove box (but not all the way.. Makes it easier to pull glovebox out).
2. Pull back glove box assembly. (Pull striaght out and up.. You'll need to give it a firm tug. There are three clips which attach the glovebox to the holding rod which allow it to pivot open /shut.)
3. Remove damper pin on left side. (pops right out when you pull to the left)
CAUTION:
Never excessively pull string of glove box damper.
* Remove instrument lower panel RH.
4. Pop out side dashboard cover panel (easily pops out and back in).
5. Remove screws (A) (7 total - Four at top, one in center, and two on bottom sides.)
6. Remove instrument lower panel RH. (easily pulls out after removing the 7 screws)
7. You will see the cover panel for the filter. Open it, then remove and replace filter.
8. Replace components in reverse order.

[midnite]

ill tell anyone im not spending no money at the dealer for this to be done its easy. i wasn't even looking for this today all you have to do is open glove box pull the left side to you and push the right side in and pull the whole glove box out. theres a plastic plate pull that down and wala you'll see a white plate pull the tab on the right side and there you go the filter it took me 10 mins to do . and i didn't know what i was doing

[krazybonz]

FIrst timer. I was having a time finding information on my M, but FINALLY, attempted the cabin filter replacement. Very easy!!

Sit in the passenger seat with small putty knife available. Open glovebox. On the right side is what everyone is calling the dampener pin. Take the putty knife and insert under the edge and twist. The dampener will retract for easy retrieval. Next take hold of the top edge of the glove box and pull up until you hear and feel the glove box detach from the retaining hinges. There are three of them. Once the glove box is detached from the hinges, slightly twist and pull the glove box out of the vehicle. Next, there is a black L-shaped trap door which you can pry open. When I first did it, it seemed to pry better from the top tabs. Whichever, is easiest for you, try. Once the trap door is removed, you will see the white filter door with a clip on the right side. Press and detach the clip pulling the filter door slightly forward and to the right. This is where you have to be careful not to pull to hard, because the tabs on the left side of the cover break easily. Once the filter door is removed, lift out the filter and replace with a new one, making sure the air flow arrow is pointing up. When replacing the filter door, hold the filter back and up, sliding the prongs of the filter door under the filter. These prongs hold the filter in position. Replace the L-shaped trap door.This is where I slid the upper tabs in place and snapped the lower tabs in. Next, remove the lower passenger trim from under the glove compartment. The leading edge will snap down, then pull forward. This is done so you can position the glove box over the hinges. Before placing glove box in position, reattach the dampener on the right side of the glove box, then position the glove box over the hinges, pushing down on the top or leading edge of the glove box until it snaps back in place. Replace the lower passenger trim. Sounds like a lot, but once done, your confidence will be rewarded.