Quick answer: Cabin Air Filter Replacement on a 2013–2020 Nissan Pathfinder is rated Easy and takes about 15-25 minutes. You'll need 1 tool for this job, and parts cost about $20. 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 |
272773JC1A |
$20.00 |
|
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
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Prepare the Pathfinder and confirm the filter application
Park on level ground, brake set, ignition off. The R52's microfilter sits in the HVAC unit behind the glovebox. Confirm fitment for the 2013-2020 Pathfinder (Nissan OE 272773JC1A); particulate or activated-carbon media both fit. Nissan lists replacement every 15,000 miles.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
In my experience, Confirm the part number before you buy — the 272773JC1A fits the R52, but Nissan changed the filter across generations and lookalikes don't seal.
2
Empty and drop the glovebox
Empty the glovebox. Squeeze both side walls inward to clear the stop bumpers, letting the box swing down. Unhook the damper arm from its pin if one is attached. This exposes the rectangular service cover on the blower housing.
3
Remove the service cover and old microfilter
Pop the service cover off the blower housing — it unclips by hand. Slide the old microfilter out level so dust doesn't spill into the blower. Note the airflow arrow direction before discarding it. Vacuum the empty slot.
4
Install the new microfilter
Slide the new filter in, airflow arrow matching the original. Seat it fully flat — a tilted filter lets unfiltered air bypass the media and can whistle at high fan speeds. Activated-carbon media also tames exhaust odors in heavy traffic.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
From my bay, Push it fully home — a filter that looks seated but rides up a quarter inch will whistle at highway fan speeds and you'll swear the blower is dying.
5
Reassemble and verify HVAC airflow
Snap the service cover back on, lift the glovebox back up, and reattach the damper arm. Close the glovebox and confirm it latches. Start the engine and run the fan through its speeds — strong, quiet airflow, no rattling.
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 (ignore the airflow arrow)
- • Forcing a thicker filter so the door will not latch
- • Tearing glovebox stops, dampener arms, or filter-door clips
- • Leaving leaves and debris in the housing so they blow into the cabin
