The engine air filter is located in a rectangular plastic housing on the passenger side of the engine bay; the cabin air filter is behind the glove box in the cabin. If you’re asking about routine maintenance, this article covers both.
Engine air filter location
What follows outlines how to locate and replace the engine air filter in a 2013 Honda Fit.
- Open the hood and locate the large plastic intake hose running from the front of the car to a rectangular air box on the passenger side of the engine bay.
- Unclip or unscrew the fasteners securing the air box lid and lift the lid off to expose the filter element.
- Remove the old filter element and inspect the inside of the box for debris or dust; wipe if necessary.
- Install the new filter in the same orientation as the old one, ensuring it seats evenly in the box.
- Reattach the air box lid and secure all fasteners, then reconnect the intake hose if it was detached. Close the hood.
Replacing the engine air filter is a common maintenance item. Regularly check the filter (roughly every 12,000–15,000 miles or as recommended in your owner's manual) and replace sooner in dusty or harsh driving conditions.
Cabin air filter location
What follows explains how to locate and replace the cabin air filter behind the glove box, which affects the air you breathe inside the car.
- Open the glove box and remove its contents. Some models use stoppers or dampers that you must release to drop the glove box down.
- Support the glove box so it doesn’t drop, then locate the cabin air filter cover along the side or back of the glove box area and remove it.
- Take out the old cabin air filter and inspect the slot for debris; wipe if needed.
- Insert the new cabin air filter with the correct orientation (arrow typically pointing toward the blower motor). Reattach the filter cover.
- Reinstall the glove box, ensure all stops/dampers are secure, and test the airflow by running the vehicle’s HVAC system.
Cabin air filter replacement intervals are typically around every 15,000–25,000 miles, though harsher environments or frequent driving with windows down can necessitate more frequent changes. If you notice musty odors or reduced airflow, replace the filter sooner.
What you’ll need
Tools are usually minimal: your hands are often enough to release clips or screws, but you may need a Phillips screwdriver or small flathead for the engine air filter housing, and a glove box tool or small pry tool for the cabin filter cover in some trims.
Summary
In a 2013 Honda Fit, the engine air filter sits in a rectangular housing on the passenger side of the engine bay, while the cabin air filter is tucked behind the glove box. Both filters protect the engine and the cabin from dust and debris. Regular checks and replacements—engine filter roughly every 12,000–15,000 miles and cabin filter roughly every 15,000–25,000 miles—help maintain performance and air quality. Always refer to your owner's manual for model-specific guidance.