1997–2002 Hyundai Tiburon
By Ray Delgado ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026
Save $72 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $100
Quick answer: Cabin Air Filter Replacement on a 1997–2002 Hyundai Tiburon is rated Easy and takes about 30–45 minutes. You'll need 4 tools for this job, and parts cost about $28. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin air filter for 1997-2002 Hyundai Tiburon; verify arrows, size, and VIN/trim fitment | — | $28.00 |
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Follow these steps carefully
Order matters in both directions — the upper element comes out first and goes back in last. Knowing about the stacked pair before you start is what separates a 30-minute job from an hour of confusion.
This isn't optional caution: you'll have live fuse-box wiring in your hands, and one slipped wrench across two terminals is a short circuit you really don't want.
Unbolt the bracket and ease the junction block aside — you don't need to disconnect every connector, move the assembly enough to expose the blower case and the cabin air cover.
Before you disturb anything, note the airflow arrow on the cover or the elements: the arrow must always point in the direction of airflow, and on the Tiburon that's downward through the blower case.
Grip the upper element — the one you can see first — and slide it straight out of the blower case. Once it's out, the lower element will have slid down into the vacated space; grip it and pull it out too.
Installation is the mirror image: slide the new LOWER element in first, pushing it up into the far position, then slide the new UPPER element in behind it. If an element binds halfway in, pull it back and realign it rather than forcing it.
Refit the cabin air cover and snug its retaining screw — firm, not gorilla-tight, into the plastic. Remount the junction block and its bracket, double-checking that every connector you disturbed is fully seated, then reconnect the battery ground cable.
I snap that photo every single time: Phone-photo the airflow arrow before you disturb anything — the upper element comes out first and goes in last, and mixing up the order is how you end up with a filter that blocks the blower.
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
1997–2002
1997–2002
1997–2002
2003–2008
2003–2008
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