2002 Avalon XL replace AC air filter Help how to open Glove box

[TUGIDONG]

Hi, I have a 2002 Avalon XL that I need to replace the cabin filter. Does anyone know how to remove the glove box to get to the cabin filter? Thanks much.

[ChiTDI]

My '02 has a few screws for the trim and the box itself just compresses around the stops. The firewall template cutouts don't match the stuff behind it, so I have to bend/pull/contort the plate to get the filter box out however. They must have changed layout of the wiring and filters and stayed with the old template for a short production period. Nice opening for the cabin filter and the filter is six inches away from it. Nice.

[TrailDust]

Here is a link to a TSB that shows the removal procedure:

http://members.cox.net/ekpolk3/AVALON/Avalon-AC.pdf

[bobflood]

Originally Posted by TUGIDONG

Hi, I have a 2002 Avalon XL that I need to replace the cabin filter. Does anyone know how to remove the glove box to get to the cabin filter? Thanks much.

"Traildust" posted the same procedure I use on my 02 Avalon. However, you do not have to do the thing with the air bag harness (Steps 1b and 1c) or disconnect the trunk switch (Step 1e). After you remove the four screws and the bolt (it's 10mm, by the way), you have to pull forward on the glove box assembly to release the clips along the top front. Then you can just let it hang on the wires; there is plenty of room to reach in and pull tray with cabin air filter out. I replace mine once a year just after pollen season and it is always black with stuff; just did it for 2011.

[TUGIDONG]

Originally Posted by bobflood

"Traildust" posted the same procedure I use on my 02 Avalon. However, you do not have to do the thing with the air bag harness (Steps 1b and 1c) or disconnect the trunk switch (Step 1e). After you remove the four screws and the bolt (it's 10mm, by the way), you have to pull forward on the glove box assembly to release the clips along the top front. Then you can just let it hang on the wires; there is plenty of room to reach in and pull tray with cabin air filter out. I replace mine once a year just after pollen season and it is always black with stuff; just did it for 2011.

Thanks a lot for your help
I'm still wonder why they did not show the method of " to pull forward on the glove box assembly to release the clips along the top front"
This is the trick since I got all 4 screws off but did not pull the compartment out since afraid to break it.

How may clips along the top front ? Any one has picture of this matter please post. I'm new for this task Please help
Best Regards
TGD

[bobflood]

Originally Posted by TUGIDONG

Thanks a lot for your help
I'm still wonder why they did not show the method of " to pull forward on the glove box assembly to release the clips along the top front"
This is the trick since I got all 4 screws off but did not pull the compartment out since afraid to break it.

How may clips along the top front ? Any one has picture of this matter please post. I'm new for this task Please help
Best Regards
TGD

There are really five screws, not four. Three phillips head screws at top, one phillips head screw at lower left, and one 10mm head screw (they call it a bolt, but it's a screw) at lower right - it's hard to see because it's tucked back behind the lower trim piece. There are either three or four clips at the top, but you can't see any of them. You have to pull straight out fairly hard, especially the first time. Once they unclip, the whole assembly drops straight down. Sorry - I don't have any pics.

[Goofaroo]

I just pulled mine out for the first time and it was pretty nasty. I don't know if mine was the factory filter or had been replaced with an aftermarket part but it was a gauze filter with foam on two ends. I was able to wash it in the sink, dry it in the sun, and reinstall it.

[bobflood]

Originally Posted by Goofaroo

I just pulled mine out for the first time and it was pretty nasty. I don't know if mine was the factory filter or had been replaced with an aftermarket part but it was a gauze filter with foam on two ends. I was able to wash it in the sink, dry it in the sun, and reinstall it.

Interesting. Never tried to wash one. New ones are about $20 in any auto parts store (Purolator C35479).