Where’s the Air Filter Located on a 2010 Ford F-150?

Sandy B
Feb 15, 2021

Blue 2010 Ford F-150 With White Background

For those who own the 2010 Ford F-150 (or are shopping for one), it’s the type of vehicle that can last for years (and even decades) if you properly maintain it.

There are numerous steps to maintaining it properly, including replacing the cabin air filter.

Where is the 2010 Ford F-150 cabin air filter located?  

It’s not hard to find the cabin air filter. In the 2010 model, it is located near the glove compartment. To access it, you’ll need to look up into the dash behind the glove compartment.  

The cabin air filter is an important component of the heating and cooling system (and it helps keep the air inside your vehicle in better condition). It’s important to know not only where it is located, but how to buy these filters and how to change them. That’s what we’ll provide for you here. You can also check out more information on the Ford F-150’s Vehicle History.

What is the Cabin Air Filter?

Most vehicles have a cabin air filter. This is one of the filters you’ll need to replace and maintain according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This is an important component of the heating and cooling system in your car. It’s also designed to help remove harmful containments from the air that you breathe when inside the vehicle.

As a filter, it works to remove pollutants from the air that passes through it. This includes dust and allergens. It removes particles on a consistent basis whenever the heating and cooling system is on.

The filter itself looks like a small box-like structure that is pleated. There are some that are made of multi-fiber cotton. It feels like paper but is more durable than it. As the air flows through the filter, the air itself is able to penetrate the filter’s paper and move into the system. The particles are trapped within those folds, preventing them from getting into the air you breathe.

When Should You Change the Cabin Air Filter?

As you can imagine, these filters will become pretty heavy and filled with material in them over time. The more particles lodged in them, the harder the heating and air conditioner need to work. Over time, the filter becomes less effective and can fail.

Ford recommends changing the cabin air filter every 15,000 to 20,000 miles. Some models may require more frequent changes.

It’s beneficial to change it more often in some situations such as:

  • You or your passengers have allergies
  • You live in an area where there is heavy pollution
  • You or your passengers have respiratory problems
  • You work in dusty or dirty conditions with your truck frequently
  • The vehicle has odors in it that cannot be explained (musky smells are common)
  • The vehicle has a lot of dust build-up within the cabin itself

It’s important not to confuse the cabin air filter with the engine air filter. The engine air filter is located under the hood. It works to keep particles out of the actual engine. It also needs to be changed, but these filters are not interchangeable. You’ll need to look up the right filter for your engine.

How Do You Find the 2010 Ford F-150 Cabin Air Filter?

Here’s a video that will help. Though it is for a later model Ford F-150, the process is the same as it is on the 2010 model.

To find the cabin air filter, follow these steps.

  • Remove everything from within the glove box on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
  • On the outer edge of the glove box (when pulled open), there is a small lever. This helps with the swinging motion of the glove box. Pull this piece outward, toward the door, to disengage it from the other components. Pull out and upward to get this arm to come out.
  • Place your finger on the grooved section located above and next to this arm towards the engine. Push down and in on this. There are rubber grommets holding the glove box in place in these areas.
  • Do the same thing on the opposite side of the glove box to disengage the arm and the grommets.

This allows the glove box to lower down onto its door. It remains attached at the hinges. This allows for access under and behind the glove box.

  • Look back against the engine wall of this space. There is a honeycomb-like box or structure here.
  • That’s where the air cabin filter is, but it is a bit more complex to access it and remove the old air cabin filter. To do that, you’ll need to remove the portion over the top of the glove box. Most F-150s have a small opening where you can store items. This portion, located right over the glove box, can be removed in a few steps.
  • Pull out the small lip that is over the top of this area. It is a part of the dash (located right under the top of the dash). Pull outwards, and it will snap off.
  • Use a wrench to remove the two bolts that are present under this area. A socket wrench does this easily.
  • With the bolts out, you’ll want to reach up behind the box from the underside and pull it forward. Pull toward you. It snaps out of place. Don’t pull too far as it will remain attached.

From this vantage point, you can see the filter. Again, it is the honeycomb box that is located at the back of this area. To remove it, there are clips on the side of the filter box. You just need to pop those off, and the filter will slide out.

Keeping Up with Your Truck Is Essential

Performing the necessary maintenance on the Ford F-150 is critical to ensuring your vehicle remains in good condition. Check out the maintenance needs when you look at its Vehicle History.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Mike on June 23, 2023
No Cabin Air Filter on my 2010 F-150
I’ve owned my truck since brand new still on it today 2023 and not once have I put a cabin air filter because there is not want to be replacingmy truck since brand new still on it today 2023 and not once have I bought a cabin air filter because there is not one to be replaced, in my truck? I have the button to recirculate air inside which is kind of gross!! It just recirculates add air inside the cabin, because there is no filter, which is a little bit disturbing?
accountCircle Stephen on February 10, 2023
Read Reviews
I find it mind blowing that after an exhaustive research attempt to find where the cabin filter is, I finally read these Reviews and low and behold…wait for it…there is no cabin filter in the 2010 ed. This whole article is a total waste and misleading to a ton of people.
accountCircle Andrew Perera on July 30, 2021
Pereraandrew@gmail.com
This is untrue. Even the link you provide in the article itself states that the 2010 doesn't have a cabin air filter. The only option for cabin filtration is to order an aftermarket kit to install a filter in the AC yourself.
accountCircle Dylan on July 14, 2023
False! No cabin air filter
There is no stock cabin air filter. There are a few after market kits, on is about $270 and installs under your wipers. Fills a few gaps and uses a very small filter
accountCircle Jim on August 8, 2023
2010 Ford F150 cabin air filter
This article is wrong and misleading. It is well known the 2010 Ford F150 and a few years prior to and after do not have a cabin air filter.
accountCircle Doug A. on June 30, 2022
Not true for 2010 F150
Can’t find a cabin air filter even after removing glove box.
accountCircle Reagun on March 21, 2023
What a joke!
There is no cabin filter on the 2010 F-150!
accountCircle John smith on July 11, 2023
No filters don't waste your time
Minus 5 review
avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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