How to Change the Air Filter in a Toyota: 9 Steps

Table of contents:

Many recent Toyota cars have an air filter for the air that enters the cabin. They reduce dust and particles that enter through the ventilation. They will need to be replaced every 17,000 kilometers or according to the manual. It is very simple and you can do it without hiring anyone. (Click on any photo to enlarge.)

Steps

Step 1. Get the replacement filter

You can buy it at your nearest dealer or at an auto parts store or online.

Remove this screw (Viewed from the passenger door)

Step 2. Open the glove compartment completely and remove the screw at the bottom right

Remove the hook from the cylinder arm where the screw was. Don't lose the screw.

On a Highlander, you can remove the hook without removing the screw, since it is below and behind the glove compartment; leave the glove compartment closed while you remove the hook, then open it.

Glove box bolt from a Highlander

Press in to move the tabs to the front of the board

Step 3. Press down on the sides of the glove box and pull to move the tabs in front of the edges at the front of the dash

Then lift the glove compartment off its hinges.

Keep in mind that when it is too hard to push through the sides of the glove compartment, you better try to press the back of the glove compartment while pulling it from the front. This works when pressing from the sides cannot

There are tabs on both sides, only one is shown

Step 4. Remove the plastic cover by pressing the tabs at the same time

There are tabs on both sides although the image only shows one.

Step 5. Slide the old filter out by pulling it towards you

Keep it face up so you don't spill the particles.

Insert the new filter in the direction shown

Step 6. Insert the new filter

The arrow that says "Up" should point upward, facing you, as shown in the photo.

Step 7. Put the cover in place

Make sure the glove box fits on the hinges

Step 8. Place the glove box back on its hinges and press in on the tabs behind the dash

You will need to press the sides again in the same way as when you removed the glove box.

Step 9. Put the hook and screw back on the bottom right

Advice

In addition to waiting for a particular mileage, consider waiting until the season ends when the trees shed pollen or leaves.
If you suffer from allergies or live in a dusty environment, consider replacing the filter more often.
Between each replacement, you may be able to shake or suck the larger particles out of the filter, although it is not really designed to be reused indefinitely.
This is a good time to clean your glove compartment as well.
The ends of the glove box on a 2006 Highlander hybrid are pushed in and the glove box lowers enough for the filter to be changed. The lid just pulls off, there are no tabs.
It is a GOOD idea to leave the ventilation in recirculation mode when you park the car as mice seem to like to find a way to make their nests on top of the filter. The recirculation mode closes the air inlet from the outside to the filter.
On the 2005 Prius Hybrid, instead of a screw on the lower right hand side of the glove compartment there is a pressure clip. Just press down on the sides of the clip enough to slide the hook. Tweezers are a good option to press the clip.
The on 2009 Camry there is no screw in the side arm, just press the tips of the post to release it.
The 2009 Camry owner's manual instructs you to release the side tabs by pressing behind the glove compartment while pulling on the front. This did work while side pressing did not.
The 2011 Siena owner's manual instructs to release the tabs by gently pressing both sides, however as it is very hard it will not work. Instead, try pressing down on the back of the glove compartment while pulling it from the front. This is how it worked in my car. Good luck!