The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side and is accessible by lowering the glove box and opening a small access door.
In the 2005 Accord—and the 2003–2007 range overall—the filter sits in a rectangular housing just behind the glove box. To replace it, lower the glove box by gently squeezing the sides to release the stops, open the access panel, remove the old filter, insert a new one with the arrows pointing toward the HVAC system, and then reassemble the compartment and glove box. This is a routine maintenance item that helps keep interior air clean and odors down, especially in dusty or urban environments.
Location and Access
The cabin air filter lives in a dedicated housing on the passenger side, just behind the glove box. Access is gained by lowering the glove box, which may involve releasing side stoppers and, in some models, a small damper that slows the glove box’s descent.
What you'll need
Before beginning, gather a replacement cabin air filter (OEM or compatible), and a flashlight if you want a clearer look inside the housing. Optional but helpful: a clean cloth to wipe away dust from the housing.
Prepare the items below so you can complete the task without interruption. The following steps describe a typical replacement process for the 2005 Accord and similar 2003–2007 models.
Replacement Steps
Follow these steps to access and replace the cabin air filter on the 2005 Honda Accord.
- Park the car, turn off the engine, and set the climate control to off.
- Open the glove box and clear its contents so you can work freely.
- Gently squeeze the sides of the glove box to disengage the stoppers, and let the box drop down to access the area behind it.
- Look for a rectangular access door or panel on the right side of the glove box area and open it.
- Slide or lift out the old cabin air filter from the housing. If it’s very dirty, have a trash bag handy to dispose of it.
- Insert the new filter with the arrows pointing toward the HVAC evaporator (toward the blower). Ensure it sits flat and fully seated in the housing.
- Reattach the access panel securely.
- Raise the glove box back into place and ensure it closes smoothly; reinsert any contents you removed.
- Turn on the ignition and run the fan for a few minutes to verify air flow and that the system is drawing air through the new filter.
With the filter replaced and the glove box back in place, the cabin should feel fresher, and the HVAC system should operate without unusual noise or odor.
Maintenance and Tips
It’s generally a good idea to replace the cabin air filter every 15,000–25,000 miles, or more frequently in dusty, high-traffic, or urban conditions. If you notice reduced airflow, musty odors, or increased pollen in the cabin, a replacement is due.
Summary
For a 2005 Honda Accord, the cabin air filter is tucked behind the passenger-side glove box. Access it by lowering the glove box, removing the filter housing panel, and swapping in a new filter with the correct orientation. This straightforward maintenance task helps maintain interior air quality and HVAC performance and can be completed with basic tools and a replacement filter.