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Kia Sportage A/C Cabin Air Filter Replacement Guide
How to clean or change the HVAC system's cabin air filter element in a 3rd generation 2011 to 2016 Kia Sportage.

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2014 Sportage Glove Box
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Open Glove Box - Empty Out
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Damper Arm - Right Side
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the third generation (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016) Kia Sportage SUV in cleaning or changing the A/C system's cabin air filter element located in the HVAC blower motor housing.

Owners of other Kia and Hyundai vehicles such as the Optima, Forte, Cadenza, K900, Rio, Sorento, Sedona, Soul, Elantra, Veloster, Sonata, Azera, Tucson, Santa Fe, Genesis and Equus may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

A few compatible replacement cabin air filters with their part numbers are as follows: TYC 800029P, Fram CF10709, Ecogard XC35865, Wix 24684, Mahle LA 301, Pentius PHB5865, APDTY 100095, Hastings AFC1350, Parts Master 94684, Luber-finer CAF1820P and K&N VF2007.

No tools are needed to replace the filter.

A wet/dry shop vacuum may be useful for cleaning and re-using the OEM filter.



 
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Pull Damper Arm Off Peg
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Damper Arm Disconnected
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Plastic Side Stop Knob
The first few steps are to sit in the front passenger seat, open the glove box and empty out the contents.

Then move to the right side wall of the glove box and gently pull the black plastic damper arm off its mounting peg.

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1/4 Turn Counterclockwise
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Remove Left Side Stopper
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Two Side Stops Removed
Slightly raise the glove box towards the dashboard to relieve the pressure on the two plastic side stops.

Rotate the knob on the inside of the glove box 1/4 turn counterclockwise before pulling out the side stops.

Set the side stops aside in a safe place.

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Lower Glove Box To Floor
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Blower Motor Housing
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Two Prongs Retaining Clip
Gently lower the glove box down to the passenger floor mat.

Once the glove box is out of the way, you'll see the rectangular black plastic cabin air filter access panel above the HVAC blower motor housing.

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Squeeze Together Prongs
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Open Filter Cover To Left
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Remove Tab From Slot
Squeeze together the two prongs on the right side of the filter cover to release the retaining clip.

Swing the filter cover open and remove the tab on the left edge.

Set the filter access panel aside in a safe place.



 

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Old Filter In Slot
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Slide Out Old Air Filter
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Inspect Both Sides
Slide the old filter straight out of the slot.

Inspect both sides of the old air filter.

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Clean With Vacuum
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Empty Filter Slot
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"Down" Air Flow Arrow
If the old filter is relatively clean, just tap out the large debris and remove any fine dust with a vacuum.

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

I recommend buying the TYC 800029P cabin air filter since it has excellent reviews on Amazon.

If you've had a problem with your A/C system smelling musty or moldy, try using the Fram CF10709 "Fresh Breeze" filter since it has Arm & Hammer baking soda and carbon in it to help absorb odors.

Orientate the new filter with the "Air Flow" arrow pointing down towards the floor mat.

Slide the new filter straight in to the slot.

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Re-Insert Tab On Left Side
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Swing Closed To Right
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Press, Secure Retaining Clip
Re-insert the tab on the left side of the filter cover in to the slot.

Swing the filter cover closed to the right side.

Press the right side of the cover until you feel or hear the retaining clip click in to place.

Double check that the filter cover is secure.

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Raise Glove Box
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Push Damper Arm On Peg
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Re-Insert Side Stop
Raise the glove box towards the dashboard.

Push the damper arm on to the peg attached to the right side of the glove box.

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1/4 Turn Clockwise
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Replace Left Side Stopper
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Close Glove Box
Re-insert the two plastic and rubber side stops.

Rotate the knobs 1/4 turn clockwise to secure the side stops in place.

Replace the contents of the glove box and close it to complete the job.

Check out my other 2011-2015 Kia Sportage DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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