How to Replace Chevy Traverse Air Filter | DIY in 20 Minutes

Replacing a Chevy Traverse engine air filter takes about 20 minutes with a Phillips-head screwdriver; the cabin air filter swap adds 10 more minutes if you know where the glove box damper lives.

The engine air filter sits under five screws on the driver’s side of the engine bay, while the cabin filter hides behind the glove box on 2024–2026 models. One long screwdriver handles the trickiest part — the recessed fifth screw. Here’s exactly how both jobs go.

Engine Air Filter: Parts and Preparation

These are completely different engines, and the filter part numbers are not interchangeable — check by model year before buying. For the best value, see our roundup of top-rated Chevy Traverse air filters to compare options and prices side by side.

Step-by-Step: Engine Air Filter

Open the hood using the driver-side latch and the release lever under the dash. The air filter housing is on the left side of the engine bay, near the front — a black plastic box about the size of a shoebox.

Five Phillips-head screws hold the cover. Four are easy to reach; the fifth sits recessed and needs a long screwdriver or a bit extension. Loosen each screw until the threads emerge from the bottom of the box — do not pull them all the way out, or they can drop into the engine bay and vanish. Lift the cover off and pull the old filter out.

Before installing the new filter, vacuum out any debris (leaves, dust, even small acorns) from the bottom of the airbox. Skipping this step means the new filter clogs faster from material already inside. Place the new drop-in filter with its rubber edges seated into the ridges — it fits like a puzzle piece and should lie flat, not buckled. Close the cover and hand-thread each screw a few turns before tightening with the screwdriver.

On 2021+ models, the dashboard may show a service reminder. Clear it through the vehicle menu: Vehicle > Air Filter Replacement > Reset.

Cabin Air Filter: Glove Box Removal (2024–2026)

The 2024+ Traverse is a completely redesigned model, and its cabin air filter lives behind the glove box with specific access steps. Earlier model years may have different locations — check your owner’s manual.

Open the glove box. On the right side, you’ll see a small plastic damper rod — disconnect it by squeezing the clip and pulling it free. Push both sides of the glove box inward to release the stoppers from their holes, then lower the glove box door until it comes off the hinges. Squeeze the tabs on the sides to fully detach it.

The filter slot is now exposed. Pull the old filter out and note the airflow direction arrow — it should point downward. Insert the new filter (PUREFLOW part PC4211X is the antibacterial option) with the arrow following the same direction. Snap the left side of the filter in first, then the right. Reattach the glove box by pushing it up onto its hinges, snapping the stoppers back in, and reconnecting the damper rod.

Common Mistakes That Cost You

Three errors bite beginners hardest. First, using a short screwdriver on the recessed fifth screw — the bit won’t reach, and you’ll strip the head. A long Phillips screwdriver or a bit extension is required. Second, installing an engine filter without vacuuming the airbox — every speck of debris inside gets pulled against the new media immediately. Third, ignoring the airflow direction on the cabin filter reduces filtration by about half; check the arrow before sliding it in.

If you’re buying the filter yourself, verify the part number against your specific model year. A 2018 filter won’t fit a 2024.