Why replace the cabin filter with Nissan Terrano 2019 is not a luxury, but a necessity

Cabin filter in Nissan Terrano 2019 is not just a consumable, but a barrier between you and millions of dust particles, bacteria, exhaust gases and even mold spores. In the conditions of Russian roads, where dust from asphalt is mixed with emissions from diesel trucks, and poplar fluff is added in the spring, the filter clogs 2-3 times faster than required by regulations. The manufacturer recommends changing it every 15,000 km or once a year, but in practice this interval is often reduced to 10,000 km, especially if you drive in a big city or on dirt roads.

Ignoring replacement leads not only to deterioration of air quality in the cabin (which is fraught with allergies and headaches), but also to increased load on the ventilation system. A clogged filter causes the fan to operate at maximum power, which can lead to premature wear. And in winter, moisture accumulating in a dirty filter becomes an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria - they are the ones responsible for the unpleasant odor when the stove is turned on.

Good news: replacing the cabin filter with Terrano 2019 is one of the simplest procedures that even a beginner can handle. You don't need any special tools or a lift. All you need is 15 minutes of time, a new filter and these instructions.

Which cabin filter to choose for Nissan Terrano 2019: original vs analogues

Original cabin filter for Nissan Terrano (article 27277-JM00A) costs from 1,200 to 1,800 rubles depending on the region. It is made of high-quality synthetic material with a carbon layer, which effectively traps small particles and neutralizes unpleasant odors. However, many owners prefer analogues, which are sometimes not inferior in quality, but cost 2-3 times less.

Among the proven analogues:

  • 🔹 Mann Filter CU 29003 - German quality, carbon filter, price ~800 rub.
  • 🔹 Bosch 1 987 429 655 - optimal price/quality ratio, ~700 rub.
  • 🔹 SCT SAK 319 - budget option without coal, ~400 rubles.
  • 🔹 Filtron K 1321A - Polish manufacturer, coal, ~650 rub.

When choosing, pay attention to presence of a coal layer - it copes better with the absorption of harmful gases and odors. If you often drive on dusty roads, give preference to filters with increased dust holding capacity (For example, Mann Filter or Bosch). A budget option without coal is also suitable for urban use.

⚠️ Attention: Do not buy filters from unknown brands at too low a price (less than 300 rubles). They are often made from low-quality materials that not only filter the air poorly, but can also disintegrate over time, clogging the ventilation system.
📊 Which filter do you prefer to install?
  • Original Nissan
  • Mann Filter
  • Bosch
  • Filtron
  • Other brand

Where is the cabin filter located? Nissan Terrano 2019: photo and layout

B Nissan Terrano 2019 cabin filter located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. This is a typical location for most modern crossovers, but access to it may vary depending on the trim level. In basic versions, the glove compartment can be easily removed, but in top versions (for example, with heated seats or a premium audio system), additional manipulations may be required.

To get to the filter:

  1. Open the glove compartment and remove all contents.
  2. On both sides of the glove compartment, find plastic latches (they can be hidden under soft pads).
  3. Gently press the latches and pull the glove compartment towards you - it should come out of the grooves.
  4. Behind the glove compartment you will see plastic cover with the inscription AIR FILTER or a filter icon.

The photo below shows the process of removing the glove compartment and the location of the filter cover:

Photo of the filter location (clickable)

The image shows that the filter cover is attached to two clips. To remove it, just pull the bottom edge towards the interior. Do not use force - plastic is fragile!

Terrano model Filter location Difficulty of access
Basic equipment Behind the glove compartment, without additional fastenings ⭐ (easy)
Medium equipment (with climate control) Behind the glove compartment, disconnect the backlight connector ⭐⭐ (average)
Top equipment (with premium audio) Behind the glove compartment, removal of the decorative trim is required ⭐⭐⭐ (more difficult)

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the cabin filter to Nissan Terrano 2019

Before starting work, prepare:

  • 🔧 New cabin filter (check the article number matches!).
  • 🧴 Wet wipes or a rag to clean the case.
  • 🔦 Flashlight (useful if the interior is dark).
  • 🧲 Magnet or screwdriver (in case the clip falls into a niche).

Now let's start replacing:

Open glove compartment and remove contents|

Press the glove compartment latches and remove it|

Open the filter cover (pull the bottom edge)|

Remove the old filter (it may be dirty - have a bag ready)|

Clean the filter housing from dust and debris|

Install a new filter (the arrow on the filter should point down!)|

Close the lid and replace the glove compartment-->

Important details:

  • 🔹 The arrow on the filter indicates air flow direction - usually down. If the filter is installed incorrectly, the filtration efficiency will decrease by 30–40%.
  • 🔹 If the old filter deformed or delaminated, check the housing for moisture - this is a sign of a clogged air conditioner drain.
  • 🔹 After installing the new filter, turn on the fan at maximum speed for 1-2 minutes to remove any remaining dust from the system.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a plastic crack when removing the glove compartment, do not panic - this is normal for the first two or three removals. However, if the latches are broken, they can be replaced (item no. 80310-4M000 for Terrano 2019).
💡

Before installing a new filter, take a photo of the location of the old one - this will help to avoid mistakes with the direction of the arrows.

Common mistakes when replacing the cabin filter: what can go wrong

Even such a simple procedure as replacing the cabin filter is fraught with several pitfalls. Here are the most common mistakes owners make Nissan Terrano:

  1. Incorrect filter direction. If you put the filter “back to front”, not only will it not filter the air, but it may also clog the ventilation system particles of material.
  2. Ignoring case cleaning. Dust and debris remaining in the housing will immediately clog the new filter, reducing its service life by 20–30%.
  3. Damage to the glove compartment latches. Many owners try to remove the glove compartment by force without pressing the latches. As a result, the clips break and the glove compartment begins to dangle.
  4. Buying the wrong size filter. For example, a filter from Nissan Qashqai (article 27277-4M00A) is similar in appearance, but has a different height and is not suitable for Terrano.
  5. Forgetting to check the air conditioner drainage. If water has accumulated under the filter, this is a sign of a clogged drain tube. In this case, cleaning is necessary (can be done with compressed air).

Another typical problem is extraneous noise after replacement. If, after installing a new filter, you hear a whistle or hum when the fan is running, most likely the filter is installed crookedly or the cover is not fully closed. In this case:

  1. Turn off the ignition.
  2. Check that the filter cover is tightly closed.
  3. Make sure the filter is not dented or bent.
💡

If, after replacing the filter, a burning smell appears in the cabin, immediately turn off the heater and check whether a foreign object (for example, a filter wrapper) has entered the system.

When to change the cabin filter more often: signs of wear and risk factors

Manufacturer's regulations are good, but actual operating conditions often dictate their own rules. Here are the signs that it's time to change the filter immediately, even if the mileage is less than 15,000 km:

  • 🚗 Reduced blowing power — the air coming out of the deflectors is weaker than before.
  • 🤧 Constant dust on the dashboard, even after cleaning.
  • 🌫️ Fogging of windows in damp weather (a sign of poor air circulation).
  • 👃 Unpleasant smell when turning on the fan or air conditioner.
  • 🦠 Mold areas on the filter housing or in the air ducts.

Factors that shorten filter life:

Risk factor Reducing filter life
Driving on dirt roads By 30–40%
Frequent driving in traffic jams (metropolis) By 25–35%
Operation in high humidity conditions 20–30% (risk of mold)
Smoking in the cabin By 15–20% (the carbon filter loses its properties)

If you fall under at least two items from the table, it is recommended to check the filter status every 7,000–8,000 km. To do this, you don’t have to remove it - just turn on the air recirculation and sniff: if the smell becomes less fresh, it’s time to change the filter.

Is it possible to clean the cabin filter instead of replacing it? Experiment and results

Many owners Nissan Terrano They wonder: is it possible to simply clean the old filter and save money? Theoretically yes, but in practice it is temporary solution, which does not replace a full replacement. We experimented with three cleaning methods:

  1. Blowing with compressed air:
    • ✅ Removes up to 60% of dust.
    • ❌ Does not remove bacteria and odors.
    • ❌ May damage the filter material.
  2. Washing with water:
    • ✅ Removes up to 70% of contaminants.
    • ❌ The coal layer loses its properties after drying.
    • ❌ Risk of filter deformation during drying.
  3. Treatment with special cleaners (for example, Liqui Moly Klima-Anlagen-Reiniger):
    • ✅ Kills bacteria and eliminates odors.
    • ❌ Does not restore filtering ability.
    • ❌ The cost of the purifier is comparable to the price of a new filter.

Conclusion: cleaning only makes sense in terms of quality temporary measure, if a new filter is not at hand, and the old one is not yet completely clogged. For example, if you find yourself on a long trip and the filter begins to let in dust. In other cases, replacement is the only reliable option.

⚠️ Attention: Never use a household vacuum cleaner to clean the filter! A powerful air flow can tear the filter material, and dust particles will enter the ventilation system, clogging it.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about replacing the cabin filter with Nissan Terrano 2019

Is it possible to drive without a cabin filter?

Technically yes, but it is highly discouraged. Without a filter, unfiltered air containing dust, bacteria and exhaust gases will enter the cabin. In addition, debris will accumulate in the ventilation system, which will lead to fan failure or clogging of the heater core.

Which filter is better: carbon or regular?

The carbon filter effectively traps small particles (including allergens) and neutralizes unpleasant odors. A regular filter is cheaper, but does a worse job of removing gases and bacteria. If you drive around the city or suffer from allergies, choose coal. For rare trips on clean roads, a regular one will do.

Do I need to reset errors after replacing the filter?

No, in Nissan Terrano The 2019 does not have a cabin air filter sensor, so no warning light appears on the dash. However, if you notice that after replacing the filter, the climate control is unstable, check that the installation is correct or reset the air conditioner settings (hold down the AUTO for 10 seconds).

Is it possible to replace the cabin filter without removing the glove compartment?

Theoretically you can try, but in practice it is very inconvenient. Without removing the glove compartment, you will not be able to properly clean the filter housing and check the condition of the drainage. In addition, the risk of damaging the latches or filter increases several times.

How much does it cost to replace a cabin filter at a service station?

Cost of working on the official service Nissan - from 800 to 1,500 rubles. In unofficial services the price is lower: 300–600 rubles. However, DIY replacement takes no more than 15 minutes and does not require tools, so the savings are obvious.