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2010–2012 Acura RDX

2010-2012 Acura RDX — Cabin Air Filter Replacement

🔧 Easy 10-15 minutes

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

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Total Cost
$0.00
Part Name Part Number Price Buy
Cabin air filter 80292-STK-A01 (or AQ1058 equivalent) — —

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

1

Open the glove box

Sit in the passenger seat of your 2010-2012 Acura RDX and open the glove box fully. The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side of the dashboard. Empty any contents from the glove box to prevent items from falling during the procedure.

2

Detach the glove box damper

Locate the small damper arm on the right side of the glove box that controls how quickly it opens. Gently unhook the damper arm from the glove box by pulling it outward. This allows the glove box to swing down further than normal, providing access to the filter housing behind it.

3

Release the glove box stops

Push inward on both sides of the glove box to release the stop tabs that prevent it from dropping fully. Once both sides are released, the glove box will pivot downward on its hinges, hanging freely. This exposes the rectangular cabin filter access panel on the HVAC housing.

4

Remove the filter access cover

Locate the plastic cover on the HVAC housing behind where the glove box was. Press the tabs on the sides of the cover to release it, then pull the cover straight out. Set the cover aside in a safe place. You will now see the edge of the cabin air filter inside the housing slot.

5

Remove the old cabin filter

Grasp the exposed edge of the old cabin filter and slide it straight out of the housing. Note the orientation of the filter, particularly the airflow direction arrows printed on the frame. The 2010-2012 RDX uses filter part 80292-STK-A01 or equivalent AQ1058. Inspect the old filter for excessive dirt, leaves, or debris.

6

Install the new cabin filter

Insert the new cabin air filter into the housing slot with the airflow arrows pointing in the same direction as the old filter (typically pointing down or toward the rear). Slide the filter fully into the housing until it seats properly. Ensure the filter is not bent or forced, as this can reduce filtration effectiveness.

7

Reinstall the access cover

Align the filter access cover with the housing opening and press it firmly until the side tabs click into place. Tug gently on the cover to confirm it is secure. A loose cover can allow unfiltered air to bypass the filter, reducing HVAC performance and cabin air quality.

8

Reattach the glove box

Lift the glove box back into position and push inward on the sides to re-engage the stop tabs. Reconnect the damper arm on the right side by snapping it back onto the glove box post. Close the glove box and verify it opens and closes smoothly. Test the HVAC system to confirm proper airflow.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Installing the filter backwards; always match the airflow arrow direction to the old filter orientation.
  • • Forcing the glove box without releasing the stops, which can break the plastic hinges or damper arm.
  • • Using the wrong filter size; the 2010-2012 RDX requires the specific AQ1058/80292-STK-A01 dimensions.
  • • Neglecting to clean debris from the filter housing before installing the new filter.