Fresh air inside a car is not just a matter of comfort, but also a guarantee of the health of the driver and passengers. For owners Nissan Note Regular replacement of the air purification element is a critical procedure that is often ignored. A clogged filter stops trapping dust, pollen and exhaust gases, turning the ventilation system into a source of allergens.
Many car enthusiasts consider this operation difficult, although in fact everyone can do it. In this article, we will look in detail at how to carry out maintenance of the ventilation system yourself, which parts are suitable for your model, and what nuances you should pay special attention to when purchasing consumables.
Why is replacement needed and when to carry out the procedure
The main function of the cabin filter is to protect the body from harmful impurities. When the element becomes clogged, the air flow through air conditioner or the stove suddenly falls. You begin to notice that the glass fogs up much faster, and the airflow becomes weak even at maximum fan speed.
In addition, an old part can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Moisture accumulating in the pores of a clogged filter creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of microflora. This leads to the appearance of an unpleasant putrid odor, which is difficult to remove with a regular car wash. If you feel musty when you turn on the blower, this is a sure sign of the need for replacement.
Manufacturer Nissan recommends inspecting and replacing the element every 15,000 kilometers. However, for our region, where the roads are dusty and the dusting season is short, it is better to reduce this interval to 10,000 kilometers. You can carry out the inspection yourself by removing the part and assessing its light transmittance.
- 🌬️ Reduced ventilation blowing intensity even at high fan speeds.
- 🦠 The appearance of a persistent unpleasant odor in the cabin when the climate system is operating.
- 🚿 Deterioration in the performance of anti-fogging windows in rainy weather.
⚠️ Attention: Failure to replace the filter can lead to overheating of the stove motor due to high air flow resistance, which entails costly repairs to the heating system.
Choosing the right consumables
The auto parts market offers many filter options for Nissan Note. They differ in design, filtration material and the presence of additional layers. A standard paper filter is a budget solution that traps large dust but allows odors to pass through. This option is not always suitable for the city.
The carbon filter contains a layer of activated carbon that adsorbs harmful gases and unpleasant odors. This is an ideal choice for residents of megacities, where there are especially many exhaust gases on the roads. However, it is worth considering that the carbon layer slightly reduces the air throughput compared to a conventional paper counterpart.
When choosing, pay attention to the manufacturer. Original Nissan (code 27286-AL10A) has a high build quality, but is often more expensive than its analogues. Popular replacement brands such as Man Filter, Cabin Filter or JS Asakashi, offer excellent value for money. It is important to ensure that the geometry of the part matches the seat perfectly.
- 📦 Original: guaranteed quality of materials and precise geometry, but high price.
- 🌿 Coal analogue: protection against odors and gases, recommended for urban use.
- 📄 Paper analogue: budget option, suitable for rural areas with a dry climate.
Below is a table of popular analogues that are great for replacing with Nissan Note different generations:
| Brand | Article | Type | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan | 27286-AL10A | Coal | Original spare part |
| Man-Filter | CU 23 001 | Coal | High quality, Germany |
| JS Asakashi | AC21015 | Coal | Optimal price/quality ratio |
| Sakura | C-1610 | Ordinary | Budget option |
- Regular paper
- Coal
- With anti-allergenic coating
- I only buy the original
Preparation for replacement and necessary tools
The replacement procedure does not require complex specialized tools. In most cases, all you need to have on hand are new filters and perhaps a flat head screwdriver. However, for ease of work, it is better to prepare a clean place and free up space in front of the car.
Before starting work, it is recommended to vacuum the area around the pedals and the glove compartment so that when removing the cover, additional dust does not enter the interior. If you plan to change the filter frequently, it makes sense to purchase a simple set of plastic clip removers to avoid damaging the casing.
It is important to ensure that the engine is turned off and the ignition is turned off. Although electricity is not directly involved in this area, safety is never a bad idea. It's also worth wearing gloves, as an old filter can be very dirty and contain harmful microorganisms.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to use metal tools with sharp edges to unsnap the fasteners of plastic panels - this is guaranteed to lead to chips and scratches on the decorative trims of the interior.
Step-by-step replacement instructions
Access to the filter on Nissan Note located behind the glove box (glove compartment). The dismantling process takes no more than 15 minutes if you know the sequence of actions. The first step is to completely empty the glove compartment of unnecessary things so that it does not interfere with work and does not fall on your feet.
Next you need to find the glove box opening limiters. There are plastic stoppers on the right and left sides of the inside of the glove compartment. They need to be carefully bent or removed so that the drawer can open to the maximum possible angle, often all the way to the bottom.
Once the drawer is fully opened, you will see the plastic cover of the filter housing. It is secured with several latches. Using a screwdriver or your finger, carefully press the latches and remove the cover. Be careful: old plastic latches can be fragile, so be careful.
- 🚗 Open the glove compartment and disconnect the side restraints.
- 🔧 Unclip the filter housing cover latches and remove it.
- 🗑️ Remove the old filter, being careful not to scatter dirt in the cabin.
What to do if the filter cannot be removed?
If the filter is stuck to the housing due to moisture or dust, do not pull it by force. Try gently rocking it from side to side or prying it up with a flat-head screwdriver after vacuuming the gap around the element.
Clean the filter housing from accumulated dust and cobwebs. It is best to use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment. Wipe the inside with a damp cloth, but make sure there is no moisture left in the housing before installing the new element.
Install the new filter, strictly observing the direction of air flow. There is usually an arrow on the filter housing indicating which way is up and which way is down, and which way the air should flow. Typically the arrow should point down or toward the engine compartment, but it's best to check the markings on the old filter or housing.
Before installing a new filter, be sure to check that there is no protective film or packaging on it, which is sometimes forgotten to be removed before selling.
The correct orientation of the filter along the airflow arrow is critical: if you place it backwards, the cleaning efficiency will decrease and the resistance to air flow will increase.
Installation features for different generations
Model range Nissan Note includes different generations (E11, E12 and E13), and their access to the filter may differ. On the first generation (E11), access is usually through the glove box as described above. However, on some modifications on the left side (driver's side), access may be difficult or blocked by additional panels.
On the second generation (E12), the design has changed, and the filter is often located under the instrument panel, but it is still accessible through the glove compartment. In some cases, it is necessary to remove not only the limiters, but also the lower trim of the glove compartment in order to gain access to the housing cover.
The third generation (E13) returned to a more classic design, but with improved housing tightness. It is important to work carefully with the new, stiffer clips, which may be less flexible. If you are the owner Nissan Note with a hybrid powertrain (e-POWER), the replacement procedure is identical to the conventional versions, since the location of the ventilation system has not changed.
If you are in doubt about the accuracy of the part location, it is best to look at the service manual for your specific year of manufacture. Errors during assembly may result in the lid not closing tightly, and unfiltered air entering the cabin through the gaps.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the cover, make sure that all the latches fit into their seats until you hear a characteristic click. A loose fit will allow dust to enter past the filter and directly into the air conditioning system.
Maintenance and life extension
Even a high-quality filter requires proper maintenance. If you operate your car in conditions of a severe dust storm or drive on unpaved roads, it is recommended to inspect the filter more often than scheduled. Sometimes it is enough to blow it with compressed air if it has not yet lost its properties.
However, this procedure is ineffective for carbon filters. Over time, coal becomes saturated and loses its ability to adsorb odors. Blowing can only remove surface dust, but will not return the filter to its chemical properties. In such cases, replacement is the only option.
It is also worth checking the condition of the stove fan and drainage pipes. If the drain is clogged, condensation can accumulate in the filter housing, turning it into a breeding ground for mold. Cleaning the drain is a simple procedure that is often forgotten during routine maintenance.
How to check furnace drainage?
Locate the rubber tube under the car (usually on the driver's side) and blow it out. If the water does not flow, the drain is clogged and this may cause flooding of the interior floor.
Common mistakes when replacing
One of the most common mistakes is incorrect filter orientation. Many car owners forget that air moves in a certain direction. If the filter is installed backwards, it may begin to let in large dust particles that settle on the air conditioner evaporator.
Another common problem is trying to install a filter that is too large. Some drivers try to “fit” the part by cutting it with a knife. This breaks the seal and makes filtration ineffective. Always buy a part strictly according to the catalog or VIN code of the car.
Sometimes people forget to remove the protective film from the new filter. This is a trivial but critical error that completely blocks the passage of air. The ventilation system stops working, and the stove motor may burn out. Always test the item before installation.
- ❌ Installing a filter without taking into account the direction of air flow.
- ✂️ Trim the filter yourself to adjust the size.
- 🚫 Leaving protective packaging or film on the new element.
Final Recommendations
Regularly replacing your cabin air filter is an easy and cheap way to keep your car healthy and comfortable. For Nissan Note this procedure does not require a visit to the service and can be performed independently in 15-20 minutes. The main thing is to choose high-quality consumables and carefully monitor their condition.
Don’t forget that a clean filter improves the operation of the climate system, reduces fuel consumption (by facilitating the operation of the air conditioning compressor) and prolongs the life of the heater motor. By spending a little time and money now, you will save on repairs in the future.
If the smell does not go away after replacing the filter, there may be a deeper problem - for example, a dirty air conditioner evaporator. In this case, more complex cleaning of the system using special means will be required. But in most cases, replacing the filter solves the problem completely.
⚠️ Attention: Install a new filter only after thoroughly cleaning the housing from dust and cobwebs, otherwise dirt will instantly clog new pores and reduce performance.
How often should you change the filter on a Nissan Note?
The recommended replacement interval is 15,000 km or once a year. In dusty roads or big cities, it is better to change it every 10,000 km or more often.
Is it possible to extend the life of the filter by washing it?
No, paper and carbon filters cannot be washed. This destroys the structure of the material and the carbon layer. The filter is a consumable item intended for one-time use.
Which filter is better: original or analogue?
High-quality analogues (Man, JS Asakashi) are often not inferior to the original in quality, but are cheaper. The original guarantees an accurate fit, but overpaying may not be justified.
Why did the smell get even stronger after replacing the filter?
Perhaps you forgot to remove the protective film from the new filter, or the old filter managed to infect the air conditioner evaporator. In this case, you will need to clean the system with an antibacterial agent.
Where is the filter located on the first generation Nissan Note?
The filter is located behind the glove box (glove compartment). It is necessary to remove the drawer opening stops to gain access to the filter housing cover.