The cabin air filter in most Honda Fit models sits behind the glove box on the passenger side. Access is usually gained by lowering the glove box and removing a small panel or cover to reach the filter housing. The exact steps vary slightly by generation, but the general location remains the same across most Fit models.
Location by generation
Across the Fit’s generations, the cabin filter is kept in roughly the same area—the passenger-side dash behind or near the glove box. Access methods change a bit with design tweaks over the years. The following notes cover the typical approaches for each generation.
First generation (2001–2008)
In the early Honda Fit, the filter sits behind a small access panel near the glove box on the passenger side. To reach it, you’ll usually open the glove box, release the side stops, and lower the box to expose the filter housing. Some models require removing or loosening a panel behind the glove box rather than detaching the entire box.
Steps to access and replace:
- Open the glove box and clear its contents.
- Gently press in on the glove box sides to release the stops and allow the box to drop down slightly.
- Locate the filter housing panel behind the glove box and remove the panel to reveal the filter.
- Take out the old filter and dispose of it.
- Insert the new filter with the airflow arrows pointing toward the front of the car.
- Reattach the housing panel and close the glove box.
Conclusion: Replacing the cabin filter on the first generation is a straightforward, weekend-project-level task that typically takes about 5–10 minutes.
Second generation (2009–2014)
For the second generation, the cabin filter remains behind the glove box, but access may be gained by dropping the glove box further or by removing a small damper arm that slows the box’s drop. The filter housing is usually a rectangular access door on the passenger side near the dash.
Steps to access and replace:
- Open the glove box and remove contents.
- Slowly push the glove box toward you to release the hinges or remove the damper arm if required.
- Find the rectangular access door on the passenger side; remove it to expose the filter housing.
- Take out the old filter, noting its orientation, and insert the new one.
- Reinstall the access door and restore the glove box to its normal position.
Conclusion: This generation’s filter replacement remains a quick 7–12 minute job, with the main variable being how easily you can access the panel.
Third generation (2015–2020)
The third-generation Fit keeps the filter behind the glove box with a dedicated access panel on the passenger side. Honda refined the housing for easier removal, but the basic idea is unchanged: access through the glove box area, with the filter lying in a standard orientation.
Steps to access and replace:
- Open the glove box and clear it out.
- Lower the glove box by pressing in on the sides to release the limits and drop it down.
- Remove the filter housing cover to reveal the cabin filter.
- Remove the old filter and insert the new one, ensuring the arrows point toward the front of the car.
- Reinstall the housing cover and close the glove box.
Conclusion: Regular replacement is typically recommended once a year or every 12,000 miles (19,000 km), or per your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, to maintain interior air quality and HVAC efficiency.
Summary
In short, the cabin filter on a Honda Fit is generally tucked behind the glove box on the passenger side across generations. Access involves lowering or removing part of the glove box area to reach a small panel or door that covers the filter. Replacement is a manageable DIY task that takes only a few minutes and helps keep the interior air clean and the HVAC system performing well. Always consult your owner’s manual for the exact steps and recommended replacement interval for your specific model year.