Replacing the cabin filter on a Nissan Terrano 2018: instructions with photos and videos

Cabin filter in Nissan Terrano 2018 is a small but critically important detail on which the cleanliness of the air in the cabin, the health of the driver and passengers, and the proper operation of the climate control system depend. Many owners Terrano They ignore replacing this element, attributing a bad smell or weak airflow to “features of the machine,” although the problem often lies in a clogged filter. According to the regulations Nissan recommends changing it every 15,000 km or once a year, but in Russian realities with dusty roads and frequent traffic jams, this interval should be reduced to 10,000 km.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photos and a video on how to change the cabin filter to Nissan Terrano 2018 independently, without contacting a service station. We will look at which filter to choose (charcoal or regular), where it is located, what tools you will need, and what to pay attention to in order not to damage the plastic latches. You will also learn how to check that the filter really needs to be replaced, and what hidden consequences Ignoring it may have consequences ranging from increased load on the ventilator to the risk of allergic reactions.

Where is the cabin air filter located in the 2018 Nissan Terrano?

B Nissan Terrano second generation (including restyled versions of 2018) the cabin filter is located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. This is a typical location for most crossovers Nissan-Renault, but access to it may vary depending on the configuration. In basic versions, the filter is hidden behind a plastic cover, which can be removed without tools, and in top versions (for example, with a system Climate Control) it may be necessary to remove the glove box.

To understand exactly where to look for a filter, focus on the following visual markers:

• 🚗 Under the glove compartment — if you look down, you can see a plastic panel with latches.
• 🔧 To the right of the center console — the filter is located in a niche covered with a lid with the inscription Air Filter (on some versions the inscription is missing).
• 💨 Next to the stove fan — if you turn on the airflow to maximum, you can hear the air passing through the filter.

If you are not sure you have found the right place, turn on the ignition and turn the fan control to MAX. Place your hand on the intended location of the filter - you should feel the air flow. If it is absent or very weak, this is a sure sign that the filter is clogged.

What tools are needed for replacement?

One of the benefits of replacing the cabin filter with Nissan Terrano 2018 — a minimum set of tools. In most cases, you won't need anything more than your hands and a new filter. However, for convenience and to avoid damage to the plastic, prepare:

Tool/material	Purpose	Is it possible to do without it?
New cabin filter	Main consumable material (carbon or paper)	❌ No
Flat blade screwdriver (small)	Pry off the latches of the filter cover (if your hands can’t get through)	✅ Yes (you can use your fingers)
Flashlight or phone light	Light up the installation area (it’s usually dark there)	✅ Yes
Vacuum cleaner or wet wipes	Clean the filter box from dust and debris	✅ Yes
Gloves	Protect your hands from dust and dirt	✅ Yes

If you have version with Climate Control or advanced filtration system, a socket wrench may be required 10 mm to remove the glove compartment. However, in 90% of cases, a flat screwdriver and 5 minutes of time are enough.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal objects (knives, awls) to remove the filter cover! Plastic on Terrano Quite fragile and the latches are easy to break. If the lid does not budge, check that you have pressed all the latches.

Which cabin filter to choose for Nissan Terrano 2018?

There are more than 50 variants of cabin filters on the market for Nissan Terrano, but not all of them are equally effective. The main choice is between two types:

• 📄 Paper (regular) - retain dust, pollen, soot. Cheap, but cannot cope with odors and toxic gases.
• ⚫ Coal — in addition to mechanical particles, they absorb harmful gases (for example, exhaust from traffic jams) and eliminate unpleasant odors. More expensive, but justified in urban conditions.

Original filter from Nissan has an article number 27277-JM00A (paper) or 27277-4M025 (coal). However, it can be replaced with analogues from trusted brands:

Brand	Article	Type	Average price, ₽
Mann-Filter	CU 29004	Coal	1 200–1 500
Bosch	1 987 429 655	Coal	1 000–1 300
Filtron	K 1354A	Paper	400–600
SCT	SA 2011	Coal	700–900

If you often drive on dusty roads or live in a metropolis with high levels of smog, it is better to choose a carbon filter. It's more expensive, but extends the life of the ventilation system and reduces the load on the lungs. For country trips or small towns, a paper version is sufficient.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the cabin filter

The replacement process takes no more than 10–15 minutes, even for beginners. The main thing is to follow the instructions and take your time. Below is the algorithm for Nissan Terrano 2018 without removing the glove compartment (the most common case).

Step 1: Preparation

Park the car on a level surface and turn off the engine. Open the passenger door for easy access. If the interior is hot, let the car cool for 5-10 minutes to ensure the plastic is not too hard.

Step 2: Removing the filter cover

Look under the glove compartment on the passenger's foot side. There you will see a rectangular plastic cover. Press the latches on the sides (usually there are two) and pull the cover towards you. If the latches do not budge, carefully pry them off with a screwdriver.

What to do if the latches are broken?

If the lid latches are broken, it can be temporarily secured with tape or plastic ties. In the long term it is better to replace the cover (part no. 27276-JM00A).

Step 3: Removing the Old Filter

After removing the cover you will see the old filter. Gently pull it down and it should come out without effort. If the filter is stuck, check for debris or warped plastic. Do not pull with force to avoid tearing the filter (dust may enter the ventilation system).

Step 4: Cleaning the Case

Before installing a new filter, remove dust and debris from the housing. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth. Pay attention to the drainage hole at the bottom of the housing - it should not be clogged with leaves or dirt.

Step 5: Installing a New Filter

Insert the new filter into the grooves, following the direction of the arrow (usually it indicates up or along the air). Make sure the filter is seated tightly and is not loose. If it is larger or smaller in size, then you bought the wrong item.

Step 6: Assembly

Close the cover by clicking the latches. Check that there are no gaps - unfiltered air will penetrate through them. Turn on the fan at maximum speed and check if there is air whistling at the installation site.

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the filter, an unpleasant odor appears in the cabin, this may mean that mold has accumulated in the ventilation system. In this case, treatment with an antibacterial spray (for example, Liqui Moly Klima-Anlagen-Reiniger).

Typical mistakes when replacing the cabin filter

Even such a simple procedure as replacing the cabin filter can be ruined. Here are the most common mistakes owners make Nissan Terrano:

• 🔄 Installing the filter backwards — if you mix up the direction of the arrow, the filtration efficiency will decrease by 30–40%. Always check the labeling!
• 🧹 Ignoring case cleaning — accumulated dirt in the filter housing can quickly clog the new element. Vacuum or wipe down the cabinet before installation.
• 🔧 Cap removal force — many people break the latches, trying to open the lid “in a big way.” Gently press the latches and pull them towards you.
• 📏 Filter size mismatch — if the filter is loose or does not fit, there is no need to “adjust” it. Return to the store and exchange for the correct item.
• 🚫 Forgetting to check the drainage — a clogged drainage hole leads to the accumulation of condensation and the appearance of mold.

Another common mistake is buying cheap “no-name” filters. They may look like the original, but are often made from low-quality materials that disintegrate after 5,000 km. It’s better to overpay 200–300 rubles for a branded filter than to change it twice as often.

How often to change the cabin filter: signs of wear

The manufacturer recommends replacement every 15,000 km, but in real conditions this interval should be shortened. Here 5 signsthat it’s time to change the filter:

1. Weak airflow — even at maximum fan speed the air flows weakly.
2. Unpleasant smell — a musty or moldy smell when turning on the stove or air conditioner.
3. Dust on the dashboard — if dust settles on the dashboard literally within a day, the filter cannot cope.
4. Fogging of windows — due to poor ventilation, moisture condenses on the windows.
5. Allergic reactions - sneezing, itchy nose or eyes during the trip.

If you notice any two of these signs, don't delay replacement. A clogged filter increases the load on the fan, which can lead to its breakdown (the cost of a new fan is from 8 000 ₽).

In a megacity or frequent trips on dirt roads, the filter should be checked every 5,000–7,000 km. To check, just remove the filter and shine it with a flashlight: if the light does not pass through the material, it’s time to change it.

Video instructions for replacing the cabin filter

For clarity, we recommend watching a video with step-by-step replacement of the filter with Nissan Terrano 2018. The video will help you avoid mistakes, especially if you are doing this for the first time:

Video 1: Replacing the cabin filter without removing the glove compartment (the easiest way)

Video 2: Replacing the filter with version with Climate Control (requires removal of glove compartment)

Please note that in some videos the authors use non-original filters or skip the housing cleaning step. We recommend following our instructions, which take into account all the nuances.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the cabin filter

Is it possible to drive without a cabin filter?

Technically yes, but it is highly discouraged. Without a filter, unfiltered air containing dust, soot, bacteria and exhaust fumes will enter the cabin. This is unhealthy and may cause the fan to fail due to debris.

Which filter is better: carbon or regular?

A carbon filter is more effective at trapping harmful gases and odors, but is more expensive. If you often drive in traffic jams or on dusty roads, choose coal. For rare trips on clean roads, the usual one is enough.

What happens if you don't change the cabin filter?

Consequences include: deterioration of airflow, unpleasant odor in the cabin, increased load on the ventilation system (risk of fan failure), allergic reactions in passengers, fogging of windows.

Is it possible to wash the cabin filter?

Paper filters cannot be washed - they delaminate. Coal ones can be carefully vacuumed, but their efficiency will then decrease by 50–70%. It's better to replace it with a new one.

Where to buy a cabin filter for Terrano 2018?

Filters are sold at official dealerships Nissan, auto parts stores (Avtodelo, existential), on Wildberries, Ozon And AliExpress. Refer to the items in our table above.