Cabin filter <em>Nissan Note E12</em> (2006-2013): where is it located and how to change it without a service station

Owners Nissan Note E12 (first generation, produced 2006–2013) are often faced with the need to replace the cabin filter - especially if a persistent smell of dust has appeared in the cabin, or the performance of the stove or air conditioner has deteriorated. But where exactly is this filter located in a compact van from Nissan? The answer is not as obvious as it might seem: depending on the year of manufacture and configuration, the installation location may differ.

In this article you will find exact filter coordinates for all modifications Note E12 (including restyled versions 2010–2013), step-by-step instructions for replacement with photos, as well as list of common mistakesthat beginners admit. We will figure out why some cars do not have a filter from the factory, how to install it if it is not provided, and what the consequences are if you ignore this procedure.

Where is the cabin filter located? Nissan Note E12: official data

According to technical documentation Nissan, in Note E12 The cabin filter is located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. However, there is a nuance here: in basic configurations (especially pre-restyling models from 2006–2009), the filter may be physically absent — instead of it there is a plug. This applies to approximately 30% of cars produced for the European and Russian markets.

If the filter is installed, its housing is located:

• 📍 To the right of the glove compartment - under a plastic cover that is secured with latches.
• 🔧 Behind the decorative panel — in some versions it is necessary to remove the lower part of the dashboard.
• ⚠️ Under the hood — only in diesel versions with climate control (2011–2013 models).

To accurately determine whether a filter is present, check VIN code your Note E12 through the service official Nissan decoder. In the column Interior Equipment must be indicated Pollen Filter (pollen filter) or Air Conditioning Filter.

What does a cabin filter look like: photos and articles

Filter for Nissan Note E12 is a rectangular cassette measuring approximately 200×150×20 mm (exact dimensions depend on the manufacturer). Externally it may differ:

• 🟢 Regular paper - white or gray, with a corrugated surface.
• ⚫ Coal — black, with a layer of activated carbon to neutralize odors.
• 🔵 Electrostatic — with synthetic fiber that attracts dust (less common in original spare parts).

Original article from Nissan: 27277-4M000 (for most versions) or 27277-4M00A (for restyled models with climate control). Popular analogues include:

Brand	Article	Filter type	Note
Mann-Filter	CU 22003	Coal	Best price/quality ratio
Bosch	1 987 429 660	Paper	Suitable for basic configurations
Fram	CF10134	Coal	High dust capacity
Mahle	LA 923	Electrostatic	Expensive but durable

Important: If you buy a non-original spare part, check the dimensions! Some filters (for example, for Nissan Micra K13) are similar in appearance, but do not fit in size.

Step-by-step instructions: how to replace the cabin filter in Nissan Note E12

The replacement process takes 10–15 minutes and does not require special tools. You will need:

• 🔧 Flat screwdriver (for prying latches).
• 🧹 Vacuum cleaner or brush (to remove accumulated dirt).
• 🛠 New filter (see items above).

Step 1. Preparation

Open the glove compartment and empty it of its contents. If your car has a filter located behind the glove compartment, pull it towards you until it stops - it will come out of the grooves. In some versions, you will also need to remove the plastic trim under the glove compartment (it is secured with 2-3 clips).

Step 2: Access the filter

Behind the glove compartment you will see a plastic cover measuring approximately 25×15 cm. It is attached with latches - carefully pry it from the side with a screwdriver and pull it towards you. Don't try too hardso as not to break the clips!

Step 3: Removing the old filter

If the filter is installed, it will be positioned vertically. Pull it down and it should come out without effort. If there is a plug (plastic or foam rubber) instead of a filter, it must also be removed. Please note arrows on the body - they indicate the direction of air flow (usually up).

Step 4: Install a new filter

Before installing a new filter vacuum the seat — a lot of dust and leaves accumulate there. Insert the filter with the arrow pointing upward (in the direction of the air). Make sure it fits snugly with no gaps.

Step 5. Assembly

Close the lid, return the glove compartment to its place and check the operation of the heater/air conditioner. If after replacement a whistle appears or the air flow decreases, it means that the filter is installed incorrectly (for example, it is skewed).

What to do if there is no cabin filter from the factory?

In basic configurations Nissan Note E12 (especially 2006-2009) the cabin air filter is often missing. Instead, there is a plug made of plastic or foam rubber. Install a filter in this case possible and necessary - this will improve the air quality in the cabin and protect the air conditioner evaporator from clogging.

You will need:

• 🔨 Filter (article 27277-4M000).
• 📏 Knife or scissors (for trimming the stub).
• 🧴 Sealant or double-sided tape (for fixation).

Instructions:

1. Remove the plug (see steps 1-2 from the previous section).
2. If the plug is plastic, carefully cut a hole in it to fit the filter. The foam plug can be simply removed.
3. Insert the filter into the seat. If it is loose, secure it with caulk around the edges.
4. Reinstall the cover and check for leaks.

Why can't you drive without a cabin filter?

Without a filter, not only dust gets into the cabin, but also pollen, fungal spores, and exhaust gases from cars in front. This is especially dangerous for allergy sufferers and people with respiratory diseases. In addition, dirt settles on the air conditioner evaporator, which leads to mold and unpleasant odors. In the long term, this can damage the stove fan (repair cost starts from 15,000 rubles).

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even something as simple as replacing the cabin filter can go wrong. Here top 5 mistakesthat the owners allow Nissan Note E12:

⚠️ Attention! If after replacing the filter the stove begins to blow weaker, check whether you have mixed up the installation direction. The arrows on the filter should be pointing up (along the air flow).

Mistake 1. Using a non-original filter of the wrong size

Some filters (for example, from Renault Modus) are similar in appearance, but have a different height. This leads to the fact that the filter does not fit tightly, and air passes by it. Always check the article numbers!

Error 2. Damage to the cover clips

The plastic latches on the filter cover are fragile. If they are broken, the lid will not stay in place and the filter may fall out. Solution: Use a plastic spatula instead of a screwdriver.

Mistake 3. Ignoring cleaning the seat

If you do not remove accumulated dirt before installing a new filter, it will immediately clog it. As a result, the filter will become unusable in 1–2 months.

Error 4. Installing the filter the other way around

If you confuse the top and bottom, the filter will not only not work, but may also become deformed from the air flow. Focus on the arrows and inscription AIR FLOW.

Error 5. Forgetting to check the operation of the stove after replacement

Sometimes the filter interferes with the air duct dampers. If after replacement the stove does not work correctly (for example, it blows only in the feet), it means that the filter is installed crookedly.

When to change the cabin filter: signs and frequency

The manufacturer recommends changing the cabin filter at Nissan Note E12 every 15,000 km or once a year. However, in real conditions (especially in cities with high dust levels), this interval should be reduced to 10,000 km.

Signs that it is time to change the filter:

• 🌬 Weak air flow from the deflectors when the heater/air conditioner is on.
• 🤧 Constant dust on the dashboard, even after cleaning.
• 🚬 Persistent odor of dampness or mold when the air conditioner is turned on.
• 😷 Increased allergic reactions from passengers.
• 🔊 Extraneous noise (whistle, crackle) when the fan is running.

If you operate the machine in conditions:

• 🏙 Megapolis (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg) - change the filter every 8–10 thousand km.
• 🌳 Countryside (a lot of dust, poplar fluff) - check the filter every 5 thousand km.
• 🏗 Construction zones - use carbon filter and change it more often.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to wash the cabin filter instead of replacing it?

Technically, you can wash a paper or carbon filter (for example, with a vacuum cleaner or a weak stream of water), but this will not restore its properties. The filter loses its ability to trap small particles (PM2.5), and the carbon layer stops absorbing odors. It’s better to spend 500 rubles on a new one than to risk your health.

Is the filter from Nissan Micra K13 suitable?

No! Although they look similar, the filter is from Micra K13 (article 27277-4M025) on 5 mm narrower, and it will not fit tightly into the seat Note E12. This will cause air to flow past the filter.

Which filter is better: carbon or regular?

Depends on operating conditions:

• Coal — better neutralizes odors (useful for the city if you often get stuck in traffic jams).
• Regular - cheaper and quite effective for out-of-town trips.

If you have allergies or asthma, choose filters with HEPA-coated (For example, Mann-Filter FP 22003).

What happens if you don't change the filter for years?

Consequences of ignoring replacement:

1. Air conditioner evaporator clogged → mold and rotten smell.
2. Increased load on the stove fan → its failure (repair from 15,000 ₽).
3. Deterioration in the health of passengers (allergies, headaches from exhaust fumes).

Is it possible to install the filter yourself if it did not come from the factory?

Yes, this is quite possible (instructions are given above). The main thing is to correctly cut the hole in the plug and fix the filter so that it does not dangle. If you are not confident in your abilities, contact the service - the work will cost 300–500 rubles.