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2017 Terrain Cabin Air Filter & Engine Air Filter Replacement - DIY?

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:40 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 GMC Terrain SLT

Hey GMC fam,

I've got a 2017 GMC Terrain SLT with the 2.4L engine, currently at about 60,000 miles. I've noticed that the airflow from my AC/heater seems a bit weaker than it used to be, and sometimes there's a slightly stale smell when I first turn it on. I'm thinking it might be time to replace the cabin air filter and maybe the engine air filter too.

Are these jobs pretty straightforward for a DIYer? Where are they typically located on this model, and what kind of filters should I be looking for? Any tips or tricks for making the replacement process easier would be great!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:40 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Replacing both your cabin air filter and engine air filter on your 2017 GMC Terrain SLT is an excellent maintenance step and typically a very straightforward DIY task. These filters are crucial for both your engine's health and your cabin's air quality.

Causes & Diagnostics:

  1. Clogged Cabin Air Filter: Reduces airflow, causes stale odors, and can strain your HVAC blower motor. It traps dust, pollen, leaves, and other debris from entering the cabin.
  2. Clogged Engine Air Filter: Restricts airflow to the engine, leading to reduced fuel efficiency, decreased engine performance, and potentially premature wear. It prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine's combustion chambers.

DIY Maintenance Steps (Replacement):

A. Cabin Air Filter:

  1. Location: On your 2017 Terrain, the cabin air filter is usually located behind the glove box. You'll need to open the glove box and unclip or remove the dampener arm on the right side. You might also need to gently press in on the sides of the glove box to release it and allow it to swing down further.
  2. Access: Once the glove box is out of the way, you'll see a rectangular plastic cover. This is the filter housing. Unclip or slide the cover off.
  3. Replacement: Note the direction of the airflow arrow on the old filter (usually pointing down). Remove the old filter, clean any debris in the housing, and insert the new filter, ensuring the airflow arrow points in the correct direction.

B. Engine Air Filter:

  1. Location: The engine air filter is typically housed in a black plastic box (the air filter housing) on top or to the side of the engine, connected to the intake manifold.
  2. Access: Unclip the metal clips or unscrew the screws around the perimeter of the air filter housing. You might need to loosen a hose clamp on the intake tube to lift the top half of the housing.
  3. Replacement: Lift the top of the housing, remove the old filter, clean out any leaves or debris inside the housing, and drop in the new filter. Ensure it's seated correctly before reattaching the housing clips/screws.

Filter Types:

  • Always use filters specified for your vehicle's make, model, and year. You can find this information in your owner's manual or by using online parts finders.
  • For cabin filters, you can choose standard particulate filters or activated charcoal filters for better odor reduction.

When to See a Shop:

  • If you encounter any difficulty accessing the filters or if the airflow/odor issues persist after replacement, a shop can diagnose underlying HVAC or engine issues.
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