If you're looking for the cabin air filter in your 2019 Nissan Altima, you'll find it ​Why Your Cabin Air Filter Matters

The cabin air filter in your 2019 Nissan Altima plays a crucial role in maintaining interior air quality. This component filters the air that enters your vehicle's cabin through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, trapping dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and other airborne pollutants before they can circulate inside your vehicle .

A clean cabin air filter provides several important benefits. It ensures better airflow from your HVAC system, resulting in more effective cooling and heating performance. It protects you and your passengers from allergens and respiratory irritants, which is particularly important for those with allergies or asthma. The filter also helps eliminate unpleasant odors that can enter your cabin from outside sources like exhaust fumes or smoke . Additionally, a clean filter reduces strain on your HVAC system components, potentially extending their lifespan and preventing costly repairs .

Neglecting this maintenance item can lead to reduced airflow from your vents, musty odors when operating your climate control system, increased dust accumulation on your interior surfaces, and slower defrosting or defogging of your windows . For these reasons, understanding the location and replacement process for your 2019 Altima's cabin air filter is an essential aspect of vehicle ownership.

Tools and Materials Needed

Replacing the cabin air filter in your 2019 Nissan Altima requires minimal tools and supplies. Here's what you'll need:

• ​A new cabin air filter: Ensure it's the correct type for your 2019 Altima. Common options include particulate filters (basic dust and pollen removal), activated carbon filters (add odor control), and HEPA filters (highest level of allergen removal) .
• ​Screwdriver: Typically a Phillips head screwdriver, though a flathead might work in some cases .
• ​Work gloves: Optional but recommended to keep your hands clean .
• ​Flashlight or work light: To improve visibility in the glove compartment area .
• ​Shop vacuum or cloth: For cleaning the filter housing before installing the new filter .

With these basic items gathered, you're ready to locate and replace your cabin air filter.

Step-by-Step Guide to Locating and Replacing Your Cabin Air Filter

Step 1: Access the Glove Compartment

Begin by opening your 2019 Altima's glove compartment and removing any contents. This gives you clear access to the area where the cabin air filter is housed .

Step 2: Remove the Glove Box

The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box, so you'll need to carefully detach it. On the 2019 Altima, this is typically done by squeezing the sides of the glove box inward. Reach behind both sides of the glove box and feel for tabs. Press these tabs inward while gently pulling the glove box toward you. With a slight wiggling motion, the glove box should detach and swing down, providing access to the area behind it .

Some models might have screws or a damper arm that needs detachment. If your Altima has a damper arm (a small piston-like device that controls the glove box's movement), disconnect it carefully .

Step 3: Locate the Filter Housing

Once the glove box is out of the way, look for a rectangular plastic cover behind it. This is the cabin air filter housing. It's typically secured with clips or tabs on one side .

Step 4: Remove the Housing Cover and Old Filter

Press the tab or clip securing the filter housing cover and pull the cover toward you. This will reveal the old cabin air filter inside. Take note of the filter's orientation—there's usually an arrow on the filter indicating the direction of airflow. This is important for installing the new filter correctly .

Carefully slide the old filter out. Be prepared for some debris or dust to fall out during this process. It's a good idea to wear gloves during this step to keep your hands clean .

Step 5: Clean the Filter Housing

Before installing the new filter, take a moment to clean the filter housing. Use a shop vacuum or cloth to remove any accumulated debris, leaves, or dust. This ensures optimal performance of your new filter and prevents contaminants from immediately affecting it .

Step 6: Install the New Filter

Take your new cabin air filter and ensure it's facing the correct direction, with the airflow arrow pointing the same way as the old filter. Slide the filter completely into the housing, making sure it's seated properly and flush with the housing .

Step 7: Reassemble Components

Replace the filter housing cover, ensuring it's securely fastened. Then, carefully reposition the glove box back into place, aligning it with the mounting points. Push the glove box back into position until it clicks securely. Reattach any damper arms or screws if you removed them .

Step 8: Test the System

Start your vehicle and turn on the HVAC system to verify proper operation. Check for normal airflow and listen for any unusual noises that might indicate improper installation .

Choosing the Right Replacement Filter

When selecting a replacement cabin air filter for your 2019 Nissan Altima, you have several options. ​Standard particulate filters​ are made from pleated paper and effectively capture dust, pollen, and larger particles. ​Activated carbon filters​ include an additional layer of charcoal that absorbs odors and pollutants, making them ideal for urban driving with exposure to exhaust fumes. ​HEPA filters​ offer the highest level of filtration, trapping 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is beneficial for those with severe allergies or respiratory issues .

Consider your driving environment when choosing a filter. If you frequently drive in heavy traffic or industrial areas, an activated carbon filter might be worth the additional cost. If allergies are a primary concern, a HEPA filter provides the best protection. For general use in relatively clean environments, a standard particulate filter will suffice .

Quality brands like Fram, Bosch, and Purolator offer reliable options for the 2019 Altima. While genuine Nissan parts ensure perfect compatibility, high-quality aftermarket filters can provide excellent performance at a lower cost .

Maintenance Schedule and Signs of a Dirty Filter

Nissan recommends replacing your cabin air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles under normal driving conditions. However, if you frequently drive in dusty areas, heavy pollution, or high-pollen environments, you should replace it more frequently—approximately every 12,000 miles or annually .

Watch for these signs that your cabin air filter needs replacement:

• ​Reduced airflow​ from your vents, even at higher fan speeds
• ​Unpleasant odors​ when the HVAC system is running
• ​Increased dust accumulation​ on your vehicle's interior surfaces
• ​Whistling or unusual noises​ from the air vents
• ​Poor defrosting or defogging performance​ on your windshield

Regular inspection every 6-12 months can help you identify when replacement is needed, ensuring consistent air quality and HVAC performance.

Professional Replacement vs. DIY

Replacing the cabin air filter in your 2019 Nissan Altima is a beginner-friendly DIY task that costs between 10-35 for the filter alone. If you choose professional replacement at a dealership or mechanic, expect to pay 50-100 including parts and labor .

The DIY approach saves money and takes only 15-30 minutes for most people. However, if you're uncomfortable working on your vehicle or don't have the necessary tools, professional replacement ensures the job is done correctly without any hassle .

Conclusion

Knowing the location of your 2019 Nissan Altima's cabin air filter—behind the glove compartment—empowers you to maintain this crucial component easily. Regular replacement every 12,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions, ensures clean air inside your cabin and optimal performance of your HVAC system.

With the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide, you can confidently locate, access, and replace your cabin air filter, saving money and enjoying the satisfaction of maintaining your vehicle yourself. Remember to always check the airflow direction when installing the new filter and to clean the housing before insertion for best results.

Proper maintenance of your cabin air filter contributes to a healthier driving environment, better HVAC performance, and overall vehicle comfort. Now that you know exactly where to find this component and how to replace it, you can breathe easier during every journey in your 2019 Nissan Altima.