There are two air filters in a Honda Odyssey: the engine air filter housed in a rectangular plastic box in the engine bay on the driver's side, and the cabin air filter tucked behind the glove box on the passenger side. Replacing them is a common maintenance task that can improve engine performance and interior air quality.
Engine air filter location
The engine air filter sits in a rectangular black plastic housing in the engine bay, typically on the driver’s side near the front. The housing is secured with clips or screws; the air intake hose connects to the filter housing. Replacing it is a straightforward task for many model years.
To replace the engine air filter, follow these steps:
- Park on a flat surface, turn off the engine, and engage the parking brake.
- Open the hood and locate the engine air filter housing (large black plastic box on the driver’s side front of the engine bay).
- Unclip or unscrew the housing lid and lift it off; note the orientation of the old filter.
- Remove the old filter and wipe the inside of the housing with a clean, dry cloth to remove debris.
- Install the new filter, making sure it sits evenly with the gasket and orientation matches the old filter.
- Reposition the housing lid and secure it with clips or screws.
- Close the hood and start the vehicle to confirm the replacement is correct.
Note: Use the correct filter specification for your Odyssey’s year and engine (OEM or equivalent). Check the owner’s manual or a parts retailer for exact fit and maintenance intervals, typically every 15,000–30,000 miles depending on driving conditions.
Cabin air filter location
The cabin air filter is located inside the HVAC housing behind the glove box on the passenger side of the vehicle. Access requires removing or lowering the glove box to reveal the filter cover; some models use a hinged damper or stop to keep the glove box in place during access.
To replace the cabin air filter, follow these steps:
- Turn off the vehicle and locate the glove box on the passenger side. Empty its contents.
- Gently press in on the sides of the glove box to release the stoppers or remove any screws to drop the glove box down.
- Locate and remove the cabin filter cover by sliding it off or unhooking its tabs.
- Take out the old cabin filter; note its orientation and check the housing for debris.
- Insert the new cabin filter with the arrows pointing toward the blower motor.
- Reattach the filter cover and lift the glove box back into place, ensuring the dampers engage properly.
- Close the glove box and run the fan briefly to confirm proper airflow.
Tip: Some Odyssey trims offer an activated carbon or allergen-reducing cabin filter. If you suffer from allergies or odors, consider that option. Always verify compatibility with your specific model year in the owner's manual or parts retailer listing.
Summary
In short, locating and replacing the air filters in a Honda Odyssey involves two parts: the engine air filter in the engine bay on the driver’s side and the cabin air filter behind the glove box on the passenger side. Both replacements are accessible to DIY enthusiasts with basic tools, and maintaining these filters helps protect engine performance and cabin air quality.
Can a bad air filter cause a misfire?
In extreme cases, an engine will run very roughly when its air filter is too dirty. A driver may notice their vehicle's engine misfiring, vibrating excessively, stalling, or a combination of these symptoms when the engine's air filter is clogged.
Where is the Honda Odyssey air filter?
As you can see this one's a little dirty. Now that I have the airbox. Open I'm going to go ahead and use a shopback to clean out any loose debris. Before I put the new air filter.
Can I replace my engine air filter myself?
Box. Pull the old filter out usually it'll just pull right out. And I mean look at that that definitely needed to be replaced. Get your CarQuest premium air filter.
What is the best engine oil for a Honda Odyssey?
For the 2021 Honda Odyssey EX-L, Honda typically recommends using 0W-20 full synthetic oil. This information can usually be found in your owner's manual, which should be your first stop for accurate details. The 0W-20 designation refers to the oil's viscosity, or its resistance to flow, at different temperatures.