2004 Dodge Ram: Cabin Air Filter Location

Mark R
Feb 12, 2021

Black 2004 Dodge Ram From Front-Driver Side

A crucial part of owning a vehicle like the 2004 Dodge Ram is taking care of everyday maintenance items.

Whether they’re minor items like an air filter or more involved maintenance like oil changes, these mundane tasks are the key to keeping your vehicle in great shape.

So, you’re probably wondering: What’s the 2004 Dodge Ram cabin air filter location? 

The long and short of it is this: It’s behind the glove box on the passenger side. However, there’s plenty of debate that the 2004 Dodge Ram never came with an actual cabin air filter. 

Stumped? Fortunately, our deep dive into this issue helps clear up a few things. You’ll also learn a few benefits of having a cabin air filter installed in your ride, plus another handy resource for learning things you didn’t know about your 2004 Dodge Ram.

How Useful is a Cabin Air Filter?

A cabin air filter works just like the one in your home’s HVAC system. Before outdoor air enters your interior, the cabin air filter traps any unwanted particles that attempt to pass through. What’s left is clean air that’s free of dust, pollen and other allergens.

Once a feature found only on fancy luxury vehicles, cabin air filters are now common on mainstream vehicles. The various benefits are hard to ignore:

  • Cleaner, healthier air inside the cabin
  • An interior that’s easier to keep clean
  • Greater longevity for various HVAC components
  • Reduced odors from outside and within

There are even aftermarket cabin air filters for vehicles that didn’t come with one originally. That brings us to the question of the 2004 Dodge Ram.

Does the 2004 Dodge Ram Have a Cabin Air Filter?

Although the fourth-generation Dodge Rams (2009 through the present) have a cabin air filter, the existence of one for third-generation (2002 to 2009) models is a source of heated internet debate.

Some say there’s a cabin air filter behind the glove box, while others claim there isn’t one at all.

Official marketing literature from Dodge makes no mention of a cabin air filter for the 2004 Ram. If there were supposed to be one, perhaps it was one of those features that got left out during the product planning phase.

This video shows us where a cabin air filter might be, but the space is blocked off by a plastic grate.

The installer cuts out the grate to install an aftermarket air filter, revealing a space that’s tailor-made for an OEM cabin air filter.

Want to get to this space to see for yourself? Simply open the glove box and then squeeze both sides to completely lower and remove the glove box entirely. You’ll find the grated area underneath the dash.

James M. from VehicleHistory.com claims there’s a cabin air filter located under the cowl. Aside from a few aftermarket add-ons, however, further research comes up empty.

Do Your Homework Before You Buy

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to buying a pre-owned vehicle like the 2004 Dodge Ram. A Vehicle History report can help you avoid any unpleasant surprises as you look for your next ride. You’ll find owner reviews, information on open recalls and much more.

avatar Mark R
When it comes to cars, Mark’s been around the block in a wide variety of them, from vintage muscle cars to the latest sedans. In addition to writing about cars, he loves to sketch and photograph them as hobbies.
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