Owners of other Acura or Honda vehicles such as the RDX, ILX, TLX, RLX, TL, CL, RSX, RL, TSX, ZDX, NSX, Integra, Pilot, Accord, Civic, Fit, Clarity, CR-V, CR-Z, HR-V, Odyssey, Element  and Ridgeline may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

A few compatible replacement cabin air filters with their part numbers include the following: TYC 800079P, Fram CF8813A, Denso 453-1006, Bosch 6059C, PotAuto MAP 1032C, Purolator C45459, K&N VF3004 and Wix 24897.

The tools needed to access and change the cabin air filter include a flathead screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver, an 8mm socket with an extension bar and a 1/4" drive ratchet.

Locate the two black plastic side stoppers located on either side of the glove box's interior.

Slightly raise the glove box towards the dashboard to release the tension on the side stops.

Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry out the rear edge of the side stop (with the raised plastic tab) away from the glove box wall.

Remove the left side stop from the interior wall of the glove box and set it aside in a safe place.

Move to the outer right side wall of the glove box and locate the damper arm.

Remove the single screw by turning it counterclockwise with a Phillips head screwdriver.

Gently pull the plastic glove box damper arm off its mounting peg.

Close the glove box and secure the locking mechanism to keep it in the closed position.

There are two bolts / screws located under the glove box that secure the hinges in place.

The bolt/screw under the left side of the glove box is exposed with no extra steps needed to access it.

(The plastic thumb nut fastener was missing on my MDX.)

Remove the plastic thumb nut fastener by twisting it off in the counterclockwise direction.

Set the thumb nut aside in a safe place.

Set the kick panel aside in a safe place.

Remove the right side hinge bolt under the glove box by turning it counterclockwise with an 8mm socket, an extension bar and a 1/4" drive ratchet.

You could also use a Phillips head screwdriver.

Set the two bolts aside in a safe place.

Set the glove box aside in a safe place.

With the glove box out of the way, you'll see the black plastic HVAC blower motor housing and the rectangular shaped cabin air filter access cover.

If this is the first time you are changing the cabin air filter, you will need to cut away the plastic bar that covers the metal bar.

There is a metal brace bar that needs to be removed before you can remove the filter cover and change the filter.

Loosen the left and right side black metal screws by turning them counterclockwise with a Phillips head screwdriver.

At this point, you should have removed four bolts, three screws and the two rubber/plastic side stops.

Carefully lift up the metal brace bar to remove it.

Lower the right side of the bar on to the floor mat.

The rectangular shaped filter access cover is orientated vertically.

Then pull off the retaining clip at the bottom edge of the filter cover.

Grab the plastic tab near the center of the old filter's frame.

Slide the old filter straight out of the slot.

If the old filter is dark grey or black and clogged with dirt, dust, sand, pollen, leaves, insects, hair, twigs, soot and other debris, it should be replaced with a new element.

I recommend buying the TYC 800079P cabin air filter since it has excellent reviews on Amazon.

If the old filter is relatively clean, just tap out the large debris and remove any fine dust with a vacuum cleaner.

There is an arrow pointing to the left and the words "Air Flow" printed on the left side of the filter slot.

Line up the filter cover with the slot in the HVAC blower motor housing.

Then push on the top edge of the filter to secure the upper retaining clip.

Double check that the filter access cover is securely in place.

Spin in the two brass bolts in the clockwise direction.

Line up the left and right side hinges with the plastic brackets under the dashboard.

There are two small plastic pegs or "nubs" on each of the hinges.

Lift the hinges up until the two pegs on each hinge is re-inserted into their corresponding slots on the brackets.

Spin in the two bolts under the glove box in the clockwise direction.

Replace the Phillips head screw by tightening it in the clockwise direction.

Re-insert the rubber part of the glove box side stop.

Replace the contents of the glove box.

Line up the plastic kick panel and push it back into place.

Enjoy the fresh clean air from your A/C system!

Be sure to record the cabin air filter change in your SUV's service records.

For more, please check out all of my 2001-2006 Acura MDX DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.