Subaru Forester: Climate control / Air filtration system

Your vehicle’s air conditioning system is equipped with an air filtration system. Replace the cabin air filter according to the replacement schedule found in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. This schedule should be followed to maintain the filter’s dust collection ability. Under extremely dusty conditions, the filter should be replaced more frequently. Have your filter checked or replaced by your SUBARU dealer. For replacement, use only a genuine SUBARU air filter kit.

CAUTION

Contact your SUBARU dealer if the following occurs, even if it is not yet time to change the filter:

• Reduction of the airflow through the vents.
• Windshield gets easily fogged or misted.

NOTE

The filter can influence the air conditioning, heating and defroster performance if not properly maintained.

Replacing the cabin air filter

1. Remove the glove box.

   NOTE

   We recommend that you take measures to protect the center console with masking tape first, so that you avoid scratching the center console with the glove box.

   1. Open the glove box.

      

   2. Remove the damper shaft from the glove box.

      

      1. Stoppers
   3. Push in the stoppers located on both sides of the glove box and then pull down the glove box as far as it will go.

      

   4. Pull out the glove box horizontally and remove the hinge portion. When doing this, be careful not to damage the hinge.

      

2. Remove the cabin air filter according to the following procedure in order to prevent dust on the cabin air filter from falling to the inside of its housing.
   1. Push in the four stoppers to unlock, and then slowly pull out the cabin air filter 0.4 in (1 cm) from the housing.
   2. Completely pull out the cabin air filter by gently tilting the front side of the cabin air filter downward.

      

3. Replace the cabin air filter element with a new one.

   CAUTION

   The arrow mark on the filter must point UP.

   

4. Reinstall the glove box, and connect the damper shaft.
5. Close the glove box.