Cabin filter in Nissan Note is a small but critical element that many owners forget to check. Meanwhile, a dirty filter not only worsens the air quality in the cabin, but can also cause glass fogging, unpleasant odors and even breakdowns of the ventilation system. If you notice that the climate control is working less efficiently, and there is a persistent smell of dust in the cabin, it’s time to think about replacing it.
In this article we will look in detail at how to change the cabin filter yourself. Nissan Note (including models E11 And E12), without resorting to the services of a car service. You will learn where the filter is located, what tool you will need, how to choose a high-quality analogue of the original filter, and what mistakes beginners most often make. Even a novice car owner can handle our step-by-step instructions with photos and videos in 15–20 minutes!
Why is it important to change the cabin filter on your Nissan Note on time?
Many people believe that the cabin filter is a “secondary consumable” that can be ignored. However, this is a dangerous misconception. A clogged filter leads to a number of problems:
- 🚗 Deterioration of the stove and air conditioner: It is more difficult for air to pass through a dirty filter, which reduces airflow efficiency and increases the load on the fan.
- 🤧 Allergies and breathing problems: dust, pollen, mold spores and exhaust gases accumulate in the filter and enter the cabin, causing coughing, sneezing and irritation of the mucous membranes.
- 💦 Fogging of windows: Moisture from the air condenses on cold surfaces, and a dirty filter impairs circulation, leading to constant fogging.
- 🐭 The appearance of unpleasant odors: Bacteria and fungi multiply in the old filter, which become the source of a persistent “damp” or moldy odor.
The manufacturer recommends replacing the cabin filter with Nissan Note every 15,000–20,000 km or once a year. However, if you often drive on dusty roads, live in a metropolis with high levels of air pollution, or suffer from allergies, the interval should be reduced to 10,000 km.
⚠️ Attention! If you notice that there is a burning or plastic smell in the cabin when you turn on the fan, check the filter immediately. This may indicate that foreign objects have entered the ventilation system or the fan motor is overheating due to excessive load.
- Every 10,000 km
- Every 20,000 km
- Only when problems arise
- Never changed
Where is the cabin filter in Nissan Note: photo and location diagram
Unlike many cars, where the filter is hidden behind the glove compartment or under the hood, in Nissan Note it is located in a rather inconvenient place - under the center console on the passenger side. To get to it, you will have to remove the plastic cover and move the mat.
The exact location depends on the model generation:
- 🔹 Nissan Note E11 (2004–2012): filter located under the glove box, access to it opens after removing the plastic panel.
- 🔹 Nissan Note E12 (2012–2020): the filter is moved closer to the central tunnel, under a decorative cover near the passenger’s feet.
The photo below shows the location of the filter on Nissan Note E12 (the most common generation on the Russian market):
Photo of the filter location (click to view)
The image shows a plastic cover with two latches that needs to be removed. The filter is located in a vertical black plastic box. Pay attention to the arrow on the filter housing - it indicates the direction of air flow (should look down!).
If you are not sure about the location of the filter on your modification, check instruction manual or use online spare parts catalogs, e.g. Nissan Parts Europe or Amayama, where you can enter the VIN number of the car and get the exact diagram.
Which cabin filter to choose for Nissan Note: original vs analogues
When choosing a filter from the owners Nissan Note There are two main options: buy original part or choose a high-quality analogue. The original filter is guaranteed to fit in size and provide the stated degree of filtration, but its price is often inflated. Analogues are cheaper, but require a careful approach to selection.
| Filter type | Article | Manufacturer | Price (RUB) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original (carbon) | 27277-4M00A |
Nissan | 1 200–1 500 | High degree of filtration, carbon layer to neutralize odors |
| Analogue (regular) | CUK 2844 |
Mann-Filter | 400–600 | Good price/quality ratio, suitable for most modifications |
| Analogue (coal) | CF10284 |
Filtron | 700–900 | Carbon layer, high dust holding capacity, suitable for allergy sufferers |
| Analogue (premium) | 1 987 429 660 |
Bosch | 800–1 100 | Three-layer filtration, antibacterial impregnation |
When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:
- 📏 Dimensions: the filter must exactly match the original (200×200×20 mm for most modifications Note).
- 🔬 Filtration type: regular (retains only dust) or coal (additionally neutralizes odors and harmful gases).
- 🏭 Manufacturer: give preference to proven brands - Mann-Filter, Bosch, Filtron, Mahle.
⚠️ Attention! Do not buy filters from unknown Chinese brands at too low a price. Such products often have poor quality filter material and can disintegrate after just a few months of use, clogging the ventilation system.
If you often drive through traffic jams or live in an industrial city, choose a carbon filter. It copes better with exhaust gases and unpleasant odors, but requires replacement more often than usual (every 10-12 months).
Step-by-step instructions: how to change the cabin filter on a Nissan Note
To replace the filter, you do not need a special tool - just a flat screwdriver (or a plastic spatula) and 10-15 minutes of free time. Follow our instructions and you will do it without any problems.
☑️ What you will need to replace
Step 1: Preparing the car
Park Nissan Note on a level surface and turn off the engine. It is recommended to set the parking brake and open all doors for better ventilation (there will be a lot of dust!). If the filter is changed in winter, warm up the interior 5-10 minutes before starting work so that the plastic latches become more elastic.
Step 2: Removing the decorative trim
The filter is hidden behind a plastic panel under the center console on the passenger side. Carefully pry with a screwdriver or spatula two latches (indicated by red arrows in the photo below) and pull the panel towards you. It should come off easily - don't use too much force to avoid breaking the clips!
After removing the cover, you will see a black plastic box - this is the cabin filter housing. There may be a sticker on it that says AIR FILTER or an arrow indicating the direction of installation.
Step 3: Removing the Old Filter
Open the filter housing cover by pressing the latches on the sides. The old filter will most likely be very dirty - carefully pull it out, holding it by the edges so as not to scatter the accumulated dirt throughout the cabin. Pay attention to the direction of the arrow on the filter - the new one must be installed in the same way!
Using a vacuum cleaner or cloth, clean the filter housing from dust and debris. If a lot of dirt has accumulated inside, you can use a damp cloth, but make sure that water does not get into the ventilation system.
Step 4: Installing a New Filter
Before installing a new filter, check whether the direction of the arrow on it coincides with the direction of air flow (usually the arrow points towards down). Carefully insert the filter into the grooves of the housing until you hear a characteristic click. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't wobble.
Close the housing cover and replace the decorative panel. Press it until the latches click. Turn on the fan at maximum speed and check for any unusual noises or odors - this is a sign that the filter is not installed correctly.
If, after replacing the filter, a whistling or squeaking sound appears in the cabin when the fan is operating, check whether a foreign object (for example, a piece of an old filter) has entered the system.
Common mistakes when replacing the cabin filter on a Nissan Note
Even such a simple procedure as replacing the cabin filter may not go according to plan if some nuances are not taken into account. Here are the most common mistakes owners make Nissan Note:
- 🔧 Incorrect installation direction: if you put the filter “back to front”, it will not only not perform its function, but it can also quickly become clogged, since the air flow will go in the opposite direction.
- 🧹 Ignoring case cleaning: Many people simply insert a new filter without removing dirt from the housing. This causes debris to enter the ventilation system and clog it.
- 🔨 Power panel removal: If you pull the panel without first releasing the latches, you can break the clips. As a result, the panel will become loose or require replacement.
- 💨 Buying the wrong size filter: Even if the filter looks similar, a difference of a few millimeters can cause it to not fit into the grooves or allow unfiltered air to pass through.
Another typical problem is moisture entering the ventilation system when cleaning the housing with a wet cloth. This can lead to mold and unpleasant odors. If you used wet cleaning, allow the housing to dry completely before installing a new filter.
⚠️ Attention! If, after replacing the filter, a smell of gasoline or oil appears in the cabin, this may indicate leak in the crankcase ventilation system or fuel line damage. In this case, immediately contact a service station - operating a car with such a malfunction is dangerous!
When an unscheduled filter replacement is required
Even if you follow the scheduled replacement periods, sometimes the filter can fail ahead of time. Here are the signs that should alert you:
- 🌫️ Visible dust from deflectors when the fan is turned on.
- 👃 Persistent smell of mold or dampness, which does not disappear even after ventilation.
- 💨 Reduced blowing power at maximum fan speeds.
- 🚗 Frequent fogging of windows, even when it's dry outside.
- 🐛 The appearance of insects in the cabin (they can penetrate through a damaged filter).
If you notice any of these symptoms, do not delay replacement. In some cases (for example, when the windows are heavily fogged), the problem may be related not only to the filter, but also to contamination of the air conditioner evaporator. In this case, a comprehensive cleaning of the system will be required.
How to check the condition of the filter without removing it?
Turn on the fan at maximum speed and hold a piece of white paper to the deflector. If gray or black marks remain on the paper, the filter is very dirty and needs to be replaced.
Video instruction: replacing the cabin filter on a Nissan Note E12
For those who perceive information better visually, we have prepared a selection of videos with step-by-step replacement of the filter with Nissan Note. Please note that the process may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and vehicle equipment.
📹 Video 1: Replacing the filter with Nissan Note E12 (2014) - detailed analysis with comments from the master.
📹 Video 2: Quick replacement in 5 minutes (no further words, just the process).
📹 Video 3: Cleaning the filter housing and ventilation system after replacement.
If you haven't found a video for your modification, look for videos using the following queries:
Nissan Note cabin filter replacement [year of manufacture]
Nissan Note E11 air filter replacement
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about replacing the cabin filter
Is it possible to drive without a cabin filter?
Technically yes, but highly not recommended. Without a filter, unfiltered air containing dust, pollen, exhaust fumes and bacteria will enter the cabin. This is not only harmful to health, but can also cause the fan to break down due to large debris.
Which filter is better - carbon or regular?
A carbon filter does a better job of removing odors and harmful gases, but is more expensive and requires more frequent replacement (every 10-12 months). A regular filter is cheaper and lasts longer, but does not protect against unpleasant odors. The choice depends on the operating conditions: for the city, coal is better, for country trips - regular.
What happens if you put the filter on the wrong side?
If the filter is installed backwards, it will not effectively trap dust, since the air flow will go in the opposite direction. In addition, this can lead to rapid clogging of the filter and the entry of dirt into the ventilation system. In some cases, incorrect installation results in whistling or noise when the fan operates.
Is it possible to clean the cabin filter instead of replacing it?
Theoretically, you can vacuum or wash the filter, but this is a temporary solution. After cleaning, the filter material loses its properties, and the filter will no longer be able to effectively retain fine dust and bacteria. It is recommended to always install a new filter.
How much does it cost to replace a cabin filter at a service station?
The cost of replacement service varies from 300 to 800 rubles depending on the region and level of car service. However, the procedure is so simple that there is no point in overpaying - replacing it yourself will take no more than 15 minutes.