So I just got done giving myself an A1 service, and was going to change my CAF in the process. I'll be damned if I cannot get the plastic under the glovebox off.

I took out the 3 torx screws, pulled the carpet flap forward and removed the acoustic foam piece (giving myself a nasty scrape on the knuckle in the process - sharp edges behind it!). I can get the cover down and rocked forward, but it is hanging on the trim that is on the right edge of the footwell - and I can't seem to get it off, or get the trim piece removed.

So what am I missing here?

 

It certainly is not easy, the main plastic panel that you are trying to remove has a protusion about 3 inches long sticking out from the centre finishing with a hook at the end. This catches in a square hole above it, it's fiddly but you have to reach up behind and wriggle it out. When you get to the filter be ready to catch the two metal spring clips because they fly off when they are unclipped.

 

 

Oh perfect... thank you!

 

Then you get the pleasure of putting the clips back on. I did this once, only got one clip back on. Very fiddly, will never do this again. Will have an independent shop do it. They charge much less than the dealer. I was quoted $50 in Maryland and the filter is about $25 on Amazon, so another $25 is a no brainer.

 

It is a ***** to get the new filter back in that's for sure. Had to almost stand on my head to get both hands up to put enough pressure on the slide so it would engage over the 4 tabs. But it's done now.

 

Sorry to revive this thread, but is it super important to get the center hook back into the square hole mentioned above? I just got finished with it and I kinda just screwed the plastic piece back on. I honestly couldn't see the hole it was supposed to go into, and I too had to lay upside down in the seat to get the filter to go in right.

 

If you don't lock it in place the car will fall apart, joke. No it is fine. The only thing that might happen is the back portion of the cover will hang down and might stress the plastic on the screws other than that nothing else.

 

Seems with most cars these days it's easier to change the engine air filter than it is the cabin filter.

I've done a bit of work in other cars on the electronics, modules, wiring, filters, etc. and I find it easiest sometimes to sit upside down in the seat.

 

Yeah I noticed the back of the cover moves pretty easily when I put some pressure on it with my hand. I might go back and hook it correctly tomorrow. Thanks for the reply!

 

No kidding. Stuff like this makes me miss my Honda. I would just open the glove box and slide the air filter out, replace it, and close the glove box back up. 20 second job.

 

I ended up doing just this - reclining the seat all of the way and laying on it backwards.

I'm 6'2 and 240 with a big head and broad shoulders. It was a tight fit, and I wanted to burn the car by the time I was done

 

I'm similar in size and I have always found it easier to lay on my back over the door sill. It is a good stretch for the back, gives you a good view of the filter area and keeps your head/shoulders as low and out of the way as possible.
Wont say it is the most comfortable position but it makes the job pretty quick and much easier.