This post will show you how to replace the cabin filter on a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500.
The cabin filter cleans the air entering through the air vents. Dust and emissions from other vehicles gradually clog the air filter.
If you don´t change the filter at least once a year, the volume of air entering the car will reduce gradually, affecting the air conditioning system.
We prepared this step-by-step guide and video to show you how to replace the cabin filter.
YOU ONLY NEED THIS
- T15 Torx wrench.
- Cabin filter for GMC Sierra 1500.
CHANGE THE FILTER IN MINUTES
STEP 1: TAKE THE GLOVE BOX OUT
The cabin filter it’s right behind the glove box. So, that’s the first thing you have to remove.
The GMC Sierra 1500 has two glove boxes, one on top of the other.
Use a T15 Torx wrench to remove four screws from the lower glove box. Two at the front and two at the bottom. These last screws are not exposed. Look inward at the base of the glove box. (watch our video for more details).
Our Jack used a Torx wrench set. A handy tool, though a little bit cumbersome. But anyway, you´ll get the job done with it. You can loosen the screws with the Torx wrench and then take them out by hand.
Once you remove the four screws, grab the lower glove box by the bottom and pull it towards you. The whole unit will come out. Make sure the upper glove box is open. Otherwise, the lower one won´t come out when you pull it.
As you can see at 0:20 in our video
STEP 2: REMOVE THE FILTER COVER
After removing the glove box, you´ll see the filter cover in front of you. It’s rectangular with hexagon-shaped stiffeners.
Our Jack detached two retaining clips on both sides of the cover and then pulled it towards him.
As you can see at 0:20 in our video
STEP 3: TAKE OUT THE FILTER
Pull out the filter. Remember the filter orientation so you place the new one correctly.
The filter has arrows printed on one side. These should be visible when installing the filter and should point downwards.
As you can see at 0:45 in our video
STEP 4: INSTALL THE FILTER, THE COVER, AND THE GLOVE BOX
Now do the opposite. Put in the new filter, put the cover back on, reattach its two clips, and press the lower glove box into the frame. Finish by fastening the four screws using the Torx wrench.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As you can see, changing the cabin filter is a breeze.
Keep your air conditioner and lungs in good condition by changing the cabin air filter at least once a year or between every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
If you want to learn other maintenance jobs for your car, look at our post “How to change the oil in a GMC Sierra truck.”