2011–2016 Scion tC
By Ray Delgado ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 24, 2026 · Updated Nov 6, 2026
Save $85 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $103
Quick answer: Cabin Air Filter Replacement on a 2011–2016 Scion tC is rated Easy and takes about 10-15 minutes. No tools are required for this job, and parts cost about $18. 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 (correct for 2011–2016 Scion tC) | — | $18.00 |
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
Park the tC, set the parking brake, ignition off. On this second-generation tC (ANT20), the filter sits behind the passenger-side glove box. Empty the glove box — past its stops, anything left inside falls into the dash and rattles.
At the bottom-right of the open glove box, find the damper — a small cylinder. It pops off its ball stud: pull outward with your fingers while steadying the box with the other hand. Set it where it won't roll.
That damper pops off the ball stud with finger pressure — no tools, no prying. I've seen guys attack it with a screwdriver and snap the stud clean off the glove box.
Squeeze one glove box side tab inward and pull that side free, then do the other — one side at a time. Rotate the box down on its lower hinges until it hangs fully open, exposing the filter housing cover.
Unlatch both top-edge tabs of the filter housing cover and swing it down and out — work both tabs together; forcing one side snaps the other. Set the cover aside.
I work both top tabs at the same time — I've muscled one side while the other was latched and snapped the tab, and the cover never sat flush again.
Note the airflow arrow on the old filter first — on this car it points downward toward the footwell. Pull the filter straight toward you, level and slow, so pleat dust doesn't spill into the clean side of the duct.
Vacuum leaves and debris from the housing. Slide the new filter in arrow-down toward the footwell until flat and square. Swing the cover up; press its two top tabs until they click — a gap lets unfiltered air bypass.
Swing the glove box closed, squeezing the side tabs past the dash. Snap the damper onto its ball stud — feel it seat. Run the HVAC on high; airflow should be strong and even. Replace the filter every 15,000–30,000 miles.
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
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