Replace the Cabin Air Filter in a Saab

The Saab Corp. provides a cabin air filter for their cars to help keep the air clean and healthy. Saab recommends replacing the cabin filter every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Learn how to replace the cabin air filter in a Saab by following the steps below.

Steps

  1. Find the filtering unit.
    • The unit will be underneath the glove box, attached to the side wall. It sticks out from the side wall and has two plastic locking tabs--one on the front and one on the side.
  2. Push the center of the locking tabs in about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) using a small screwdriver.
    • Do not push too hard or too far. This may break or damage the tabs.
    • The cover to the filter system will come away easily once all of the locking tabs have been removed. Set it aside along with the tabs.
  3. Locate the 4 Torx screws underneath the dash and below the glove box.
    • Torx screws are screws that have six slotted indents on the head. It takes a Torx screwdriver to remove them, similar to how a Phillips head needs a Phillips head screwdriver
  4. Remove all 4 Torx screws and set them aside.
  5. Pull off the lower knee panel.
    • This panel moves down, rather than back.
  6. Unclip the glove box light wires from their mounting clips. Move them out of the way.
  7. Unscrew the 6 glove box mounting screws.
  8. Unplug the glove box light wires and A/C duct and move the glove box out of the way.
  9. Remove the black second filter cover using a small screwdriver.
  10. Find the filter within the unit and slide it out.
    • The Saab cabin filter slips into the filtering unit like a book being slid into place on a shelf. It will be near the back of the unit. It slides out and toward the center of the car.
  11. Inspect the filter to make sure there is nothing amiss, such as fluid on the filter. This could mean a problem with the filter system or air conditioning system.
  12. Slide a new filter into the slot.
  13. Reattach the black filter cover.
  14. Reconnect wires to the light and put them back into the mounting clips.
  15. Reattach the knee panel, Torx screws and outside cover to the filter housing.
    • To replace the locking tabs, pull out the center section of the tab slightly. Put it into the hole and press the center down until it is flush with the rest of the tab.



Tips

  • Keep a small container or plastic bag handy to store the screws and locking tabs so you do not loose them.

Things You'll Need

  • Small screwdriver
  • Torx screwdriver
  • New filter

References