This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the second generation (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022) Mazda CX-5 SUV in checking, cleaning or changing the A/C system’s cabin air filter element located in the HVAC blower motor housing.
Owners of other Mazda vehicles such as the CX-3, CX-30, CX-7, CX-9, Mazda3, Mazda6, MX-30, MX-5 Miata, Mazda2, CX-4, CX-8 and BT-50 may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.
The compatible replacement aftermarket cabin air filter part numbers are as follows: EPAuto CPJ6X, Spearhead BE-811, Bosch 6080C, Fram CF11811, EcoGard XC10189 and TYC 800185P.
No tools are required to access and replace the filter.
A wet/dry shop vacuum may be useful for cleaning the old filter in order to re-install it.
The first few steps are to sit in the front passenger seat, open the glove box and empty out the contents.
Move to the outer right side wall of the glove box and locate the black plastic damper arm.
Gently pull the bottom of the damper arm off the mounting peg.
Firmly push in the two side walls of the glove box until the plastic side stops can be released from behind the dashboard.
Carefully lower the glove box down to the floor mat.
The plastic hinges will most likely separate. Don’t worry. The glove box hinges can be re-assembled later on.
Set the glove box aside in a safe place.
Once the glove box is out of the way, you’ll be able to see the white plastic HVAC blower motor housing and the black plastic rectangular shaped filter tray.
Gently lift up the release tab on the bottom edge of the filter tray near the middle.
Slide the filter tray straight out of the slot in the HVAC blower motor housing.
Inspect both sides of the old filter.
If the old filter is dark grey, black or clogged with dirt, dust, hair, insects, leaves, twigs, soot, pollen and other debris, it should be replaced with a new element.
I recommend buying the EPAuto CPJ6X (KD45-61-J6X) since it has excellent reviews from other CX-5 owners on Amazon.
The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part number is Mazda KD45-61-J6X-9U.
Check the filter slot in the HVAC blower motor housing for any large debris such as leaves, twigs, insects or a sign of a rodent infestation (mice or rats).
If your wet/dry shop vacuum has a crevice attachment, carefully clean out any debris from the slot.
Try to avoid damaging the blower motor or the “squirrel cage”.
If the old filter is relatively clean, just tap out the large debris and remove any fine dust with a vacuum cleaner.
Orientate the new filter with the “Air Flow” arrow pointing down towards the floor mat.
Slide the new filter and tray straight into the slot in the HVAC blower motor housing.
Push on the filter tray to secure the retaining clip.
You should feel or hear the clip “click” securely into place.
Hold the glove box near the dashboard and line up the plastic “C” sockets with their corresponding mounting bars.
Push the hinges at the bottom of the glove box back together.
Firmly push in the two side walls towards the center of the glove box.
Reinsert the two plastic side stops back into place behind the dashboard.
Move to the outer right side wall of the glove box.
Pop the hole at the bottom of the damper arm back over its mounting peg.
The damper arm should “snap” securely into place.
Double check that the glove box has been properly re-installed.
Replace the contents of the glove box and close it to complete the job.
Don’t forget to write down the filter change in your vehicle’s service records.
Enjoy the fresh clean air from your A/C system!
Please check out all of my 2017-2022 Mazda CX-5 DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.