Gen 2 Raptor Cabin Air Filter Replacement (2017–2020)
The Gen 2 filter is easy to reach once the glove box and surrounding dash trim are out of the way — the trick is not rushing the trim clips. Use the jump links to follow the video's exact removal order.
Video: Replacing the Cabin Air Filter on Your Gen 2 Raptor by Offroad Alliance on YouTube.
RaptorCentral isn't affiliated with the creator; the steps below are our own write-up.
Who this is for
This is for the Gen 2 Raptor, model years 2017 through 2020. The cabin filter sits behind the glove box on this generation, but reaching it means removing the glove box and the dash trim around it — not just dropping it on a couple of tabs. The video's own chapters are 'Removing the glove box' and 'Reassembling the dashboard,' and owners report trim panels coming out alongside it, so take it slow and use the jump links below to follow the exact order shown. The Gen 3 Raptor (2021+) is reportedly the simpler job by comparison — owners describe its glove box dropping on two tabs alone — so if that's your truck, look for a Gen 3-specific walkthrough instead; see the Gen 3 Raptor page for what else changed between the two generations.
Tools
- A plastic trim tool, to release dash trim without cracking or scratching it
- A flashlight
- Whatever else the video's intro chapter shows — worth a look before you start
- A shop vacuum is optional, for clearing out leaves and debris before you install the new filter
Parts
- Cabin air filter — check your owner's manual or a parts counter for the exact Motorcraft part number, since it isn't listed in the current online manual index
- Note: the linked video installs an aftermarket filter instead of the OEM part; aftermarket filters sized for this housing fit the same way the factory filter does
Steps
Watch the intro for the exact tools used
The video opens with the tools it uses for this job before anything comes apart — worth watching before you start, since the Gen 2 cabin filter swap involves more trim removal than the glove-box-only version of this job on some other trucks.
Jump to 0:00 in the video →Unbox the new filter and prep the area
Note the airflow arrow printed on the new filter's frame before the old one is out of sight — it's much easier to confirm orientation with both filters in hand than to guess afterward. Clear the area around the glove box so you have room to work.
Jump to 0:44 in the video →Remove the glove box and surrounding trim
This is the part of the job that's different from a simpler two-tab glove box drop — on the Gen 2, getting to the filter means pulling the glove box and some of the trim around it, and the exact clips, screws, and order matter. They're shown step by step in the video, so jump to this chapter and follow along rather than guessing at fastener locations. Work slowly and use a plastic trim tool on any clips — they're more brittle in cold weather and snap easily if you pry with metal or force a stuck tab.
Jump to 1:22 in the video →Swap the filter
With the glove box and trim clear, the filter door is accessible. Slide the old filter out and note how dirty it is; if it's packed with leaves and debris, vacuum out the housing before fitting the new filter, matching the airflow arrow you checked earlier.
Jump to 2:32 in the video →Reassemble the dashboard
Reinstall the trim and glove box in the reverse order you took them off, following the same chapter in the video if you're unsure which piece goes back first. Go slowly here too — forcing a clip back into place is how they break on the way back in, not just on the way out. Check that everything sits flush and nothing rattles before you call it buttoned up.
Jump to 3:25 in the video →Test the blower and wrap up
Start the truck and run the HVAC fan on a couple of speeds to confirm airflow feels normal and there's no new rattle or whistle that wasn't there before. Bag up the old filter — if it's genuinely filthy, it's worth a reminder to check it again sooner than you might otherwise.
Jump to 5:10 in the video →
Specs
No verified specs apply to this job — check your owner's manual for exact figures.
Safety notes
- Dash trim clips are more brittle in cold weather — let the cabin warm up a bit if you're doing this in freezing temperatures, and work slowly rather than forcing a stuck clip.
- Use a plastic trim tool rather than a flathead screwdriver on trim clips to avoid cracking or scratching the plastic.
- If the old filter is packed with dust and debris, consider a dust mask while you clear it out, especially if you're sensitive to dust.
- Dispose of the old filter with regular trash; there's nothing hazardous in a cabin air filter.
Owner questions
- How often should I replace the Gen 2 Raptor's cabin air filter?
- There's no single number worth repeating here — check your owner's manual for Ford's recommended interval, and replace it sooner if you're running in dusty conditions or notice weak airflow or a musty smell from the vents.
- Can I use an aftermarket filter instead of OEM?
- Yes — plenty of owners do, including the creator of the video on this page. Aftermarket filters sized for this housing fit and seal the same way the factory filter does.
- Do I need any tools for this job?
- A plastic trim tool makes it much easier to remove the dash trim around the glove box without cracking it. Check the video's intro chapter for the full list of what it uses.
- What's the OEM Motorcraft part number?
- It isn't listed in the current public manual index we're working from — check your manual or ask a Ford parts counter for the exact number for your build.
- Will a dirty cabin filter actually hurt my AC performance?
- Yes. A clogged filter restricts airflow across the evaporator core, which shows up as weaker vent airflow and sometimes a musty smell. It won't damage the AC system, but it makes it work harder for less output.
- Is this job different on the Gen 3 Raptor?
- Reportedly, yes — owners describe the Gen 3's glove box dropping on two simple tabs without the extra trim removal this Gen 2 job involves. If you're working on a Gen 3, look for a Gen 3-specific guide instead.