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Audi A4 B7: How to Change Cabin Air Filter

Quickly and smartly swap out the old cabin air filter in your Audi A4 today. Here's how.

By Charlie Gaston - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A4 (2002-2008).

Every vehicle owner knows there are some repairs you will want to do on your own. Otherwise, you could end up throwing away your hard earned dollars on labor costs that, let's face it, are overblown and unnecessary. Changing the cabin air filter in your Audi A4 is one such repair. Equipped with just your owner's manual for reference and a replacement cabin air filter, you can swap out your old cabin air filter in under 15 minutes. That's right: no tools, no hassle, no headache!

Audi A4 How to Change Cabin Air Filter infographic

Materials Needed

  • Owner's manual (optional)
  • Replacement cabin air filter

Step 1 – Remove the weatherstripping and protective screen

Pop the hood of your car. Grab the weatherstripping located near (but not flush with) the windshield. Put the weatherstripping to the side while you work.

Next, grab the protective screen over your cabin air filter housing using both of your hands, and then gently pull it up and away from your vehicle. Set it to the side as well.

  • Removing weatherstripping to access filter
    Figure 1. Remove the weatherstripping as such.
  • The lid pulls out easily.
    Figure 2. The lid pulls out easily.

Step 2 – Remove the cabin air filter lid

Loosen the two retaining clips on the filter box, then pull it off to reveal the filter.

The red arrows point to the retaining clips you'll need to remove.
Figure 3. The red arrows point to the retaining clips you'll need to remove.

Step 3 – Pull out the filter

You won't need any tools or to apply any force; simply pull out the existing cabin air filter with your hands. Set it to the side (discard it once you're done).

Figure 4. New vs. old filter.

Step 4 – Insert the new cabin air filter

Check that the instructional arrow is pointed in the correct direction, and then gently slide the new air filter into place.

Figure 5. Check that the "air flow" arrows are pointed upward.

Step 5 – Re-install the air filter lid, screen, and weatherstripping

Slide the air filter lid back into place. Next, snap the retaining clips back into place for a secure fit. Finish the job by re-installing the protective screen and weatherstripping.

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