The engine air filter is located in the engine bay inside the air intake housing, and the cabin air filter sits behind the glove box in the passenger footwell.
Engine air filter
Location and replacement steps
Use the following steps to locate and replace the engine air filter in a 2013 Altima.
- With the hood open, find the large, black rectangular air intake housing on the driver’s side of the engine bay. The hose from the housing runs toward the throttle body.
- Release the clips or screws holding the housing cover. Some models use metal clips; others might have small screws.
- Lift or remove the housing cover to reveal the old engine air filter.
- Carefully pull out the old filter and inspect the housing for debris or cracks.
- Compare the old filter to the new one to ensure correct size and orientation. Note the arrow on the filter indicating airflow direction.
- Insert the new filter into the housing, matching the orientation arrows to the airflow path.
- Reattach the housing cover and secure the clips or screws firmly. Make sure there are no gaps where unfiltered air could enter.
After replacement, start the engine and listen for unusual sounds to confirm the intake is properly sealed and functioning.
Cabin air filter
Location and replacement steps
Use the following steps to locate and replace the cabin air filter in a 2013 Altima.
- Turn off the car and locate the glove box on the passenger side. There is typically a rectangular access door behind the glove box for the cabin filter.
- Open the glove box and, if necessary, release the glove box stoppers or damper to allow the box to drop down slightly for access.
- Remove the cabin filter cover by pulling the tab or sliding the latch, then take out the old filter.
- Inspect the filter slot for debris and wipe it clean if needed.
- Insert the new cabin air filter with the airflow arrows pointing toward the HVAC unit (usually toward the rear of the car).
- Reattach the filter cover, close the glove box, and re-secure any stoppers or dampers you loosened.
- Test the HVAC system with the fan on to ensure air is flowing smoothly and that there are no unusual smells indicating a poor seal.
Replacing the cabin filter helps maintain interior air quality and HVAC efficiency, especially in dusty or polluted environments.
Summary
For a 2013 Nissan Altima, there are two separate air filters to consider: the engine air filter in the engine bay’s intake housing and the cabin air filter behind the glove box. The engine filter is accessed by releasing housing clips/screws and replacing the filter inside the intake box, while the cabin filter is accessed behind the glove box, requiring removal of the filter cover and orientation of the new filter with arrows toward the HVAC unit. Regular replacement of both filters helps maintain engine performance and cabin air quality.