The cabin air filter in a 2013 Honda Accord sits behind the glove box on the passenger side, and you access it by lowering the glove box and removing a small cover to replace the filter.
In the 2013 Accord (nine-generation model year), the filter is housed in a rectangular compartment tucked behind the passenger-side glove box. You’ll need to open the glove box, release its dampers or side stops, and drop the box down to reveal the filter housing. The filter should be oriented with the airflow arrows pointing toward the rear of the vehicle when installed. Replacing the filter is a straightforward maintenance task that can help improve cabin air quality and HVAC performance.
Where to find the cabin air filter and how it works
The filter lives in a dedicated housing directly behind the glove box. Access is gained by lowering the glove box door and removing the cover over the filter housing. This setup is standard for most 2013 Accord trims, so the same procedure applies whether you have the base model or a version with additional features.
Accessing and replacing the cabin air filter
Follow these steps in order to reach and replace the filter:
- Open the glove box and remove any contents to clear space.
- Look for the glove box damper on the right side and gently release the glove box by squeezing the sides or pushing the damper to allow the box to drop down.
- Behind the glove box, locate the rectangular filter cover; press the tabs or gently pry it off to access the filter housing.
- Carefully pull out the old cabin air filter and note its orientation.
- Insert the new filter with the arrows indicating airflow pointing toward the rear of the vehicle.
- Reattach the filter housing cover, then raise the glove box back into place and close it securely.
- Turn on the HVAC to verify airflow and ensure there are no unusual noises from the housing.
Replacing the filter is typically a quick process that requires only basic tools and a few minutes of time. For best results, use a filter that meets or exceeds Honda’s OEM recommendations or a reputable aftermarket equivalent.
What to consider if you can’t locate the filter
If you don’t see the filter after dropping the glove box, double-check that you’re looking at the passenger-side area and that the cover over the filter housing is fully detached. Some trims may have a slightly different retainer style, but the general location behind the glove box remains consistent across 2013 Accords.
Summary
In a 2013 Honda Accord, the cabin air filter is located behind the passenger-side glove box. Access is gained by lowering the glove box, removing a filter cover, and replacing the filter with the correct orientation. This maintenance task helps keep interior air clean and ensures the HVAC system operates efficiently.