Your 2013 Ford F-150 Cabin Air Filter is Behind the Glove Box: A Complete Owner's Guide to Location and Replacement​

The cabin air filter in your 2013 Ford F-150 is located behind the glove compartment. You do not need tools to access it; the entire process of finding, removing, and replacing it is a straightforward, tool-free task that takes about 10-15 minutes. The filter housing is a rectangular plastic unit mounted vertically on the backside of the glove box assembly. To reach it, you must first empty the glove box, then depress the stops on each side to allow the glove box to swing down and out of the way fully, revealing the filter cover.

This guide will provide a complete, step-by-step walkthrough of the entire process, along with crucial details on filter types, maintenance schedules, and related information to help you maintain a clean and healthy cabin environment in your truck.

Understanding the Cabin Air Filter's Role in Your 2013 F-150

Before detailing the location and replacement, it's essential to know what this component does. The cabin air filter is a critical part of your truck's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Unlike the engine air filter, which cleans air for combustion, the cabin filter cleans the air that enters the passenger compartment through the HVAC system. It traps dust, pollen, mold spores, soot, and other airborne particles. In many models, including most 2013 F-150s, it also helps reduce odors. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your blower motor work harder, reducing the effectiveness of your A/C and heat, and allowing more pollutants inside the cab. Regular replacement is a key maintenance item for comfort, system performance, and air quality.

Step-by-Step: Locating and Accessing the Filter Housing

Here is the detailed procedure to locate the filter. Ensure your truck is parked, the engine is off, and the parking brake is set.

1. ​Prepare the Area:​​ Open the passenger door. Remove all items from the glove box. It is helpful to have a small light, as the footwell can be dim.
2. ​Lower the Glove Box:​​ The glove box door is held in place by a damping arm on the right side and stoppers on both sides. On the sides of the glove box compartment, you will see plastic tabs or bumps—these are the stoppers. Squeeze or press the left and right stoppers inward toward the center of the glove box. This allows the glove box to swing down past its normal open position. Lower it gently until it hangs freely, completely exposing the back wall of the glove box assembly.
3. ​Identify the Filter Cover:​​ On the back wall of the glove box compartment, you will see a rectangular plastic panel, approximately 1 inch tall by 6-7 inches wide. This is the cover for the cabin air filter housing. It is usually white or black plastic and is held in place by two retaining clips, one on the left and one on the right.
4. ​Open the Filter Cover:​​ Press the two retaining clips inward or to the side (they typically pivot upward or downward) to release them. Once both clips are disengaged, the cover can be carefully pulled toward you and removed. Set it aside.
5. ​You Have Found the Filter:​​ Behind this cover, you will see the edge of the existing cabin air filter. It slides vertically in its housing. Note the direction of the airflow arrows printed on the side of the old filter before you remove it. This is crucial for correct installation of the new one.

Removing the Old Filter and Installing the New One

1. ​Remove the Old Filter:​​ Grasp the old filter and pull it straight down and out of the housing. Be prepared for some debris or dust to fall out. Examine the old filter. Its condition will tell you a lot about the air quality it has been filtering.
2. ​Inspect and Clean the Housing:​​ With the filter removed, take a moment to look into the filter slot. If you have a vacuum with a hose attachment, gently vacuum out any loose leaves, dirt, or debris from the housing cavity. Do not use liquids or compressed air, as this can damage components deeper in the HVAC system.
3. ​Insert the New Filter:​​ Take your new, high-quality replacement filter. Verify that it matches the size and style of the old one. Most 2013 F-150s use a standard particulate filter, but carbon-activated filters are also available for odor reduction. Align the new filter so that the airflow arrow points ​UP​ or toward the ​REAR​ of the vehicle (into the HVAC system). This direction is almost always upward. The filter will only slide in one way if oriented correctly. Gently slide the filter up into the housing until it is fully seated. Do not force it.
4. ​Reassemble:​​ Pick up the filter cover and align it with the housing. Press it into place until you hear or feel both retaining clips snap securely shut.
5. ​Close the Glove Box:​​ Lift the glove box door back into its normal position. As you lift, guide the damping arm on the right side into its slot. Push the glove box door firmly closed until the latch engages. Return your items to the glove box.

Choosing the Right Replacement Filter

Not all cabin air filters are the same. For your 2013 F-150, you have primary choices:

• ​Standard Particulate Filter:​​ This is the basic, direct replacement. It effectively traps dust, pollen, and other particles. It is usually the most affordable option.
• ​Carbon-Activated Filter:​​ This filter contains an added layer of activated charcoal. In addition to trapping particles, it absorbs odors and helps reduce gaseous pollutants from outside, such as exhaust fumes. This is a recommended upgrade for most drivers, especially those who drive in city traffic or areas with strong odors.

Always purchase filters from reputable automotive parts brands or the original Ford Motorcraft part (part number FP-70, but always verify). A cheaper, ill-fitting filter can allow unfiltered air to bypass the filter media, rendering it useless.

How Often to Replace Your 2013 F-150 Cabin Air Filter

Ford's official maintenance schedule for the 2013 F-150 recommends inspecting the cabin air filter at certain intervals, typically every 20,000 miles or so, but replacement frequency is highly dependent on driving conditions. A more practical and common-sense guideline is to replace it every ​12 to 15 months or 15,000 to 20,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, if you frequently drive in any of the following conditions, you should check it more often and likely replace it more frequently (every 6-12 months):

• On dusty, gravel, or unpaved roads.
• In areas with high pollen counts (heavy vegetation areas).
• In heavy stop-and-go traffic with high exhaust fumes.
• In metropolitan areas with significant air pollution.

Clear signs you need a new filter include: noticeably reduced airflow from the vents (even at high fan speeds), persistent musty or unpleasant odors when the HVAC system is on, and increased whistling or noise from the dashboard vents.

Common Questions and Important Considerations

• ​Does my 2013 F-150 definitely have one?​​ Almost all 2013 F-150s came equipped with a cabin air filter. A tiny number of very early base-model trucks might not have the housing installed, but this is exceptionally rare. The location behind the glove box is universal for this model year.
• ​Airflow Arrows Matter.​​ Installing the filter backward restricts airflow and reduces filtering efficiency. The arrows must point the correct way.
• ​Related Performance Issues.​​ If you have replaced a filthy filter and still experience weak airflow, the issue may lie elsewhere, such as a failing blower motor, a blockage in the evaporator drain, or a problem with the blend door actuators. The filter is the first and easiest component to check.
• ​Health and Comfort Benefits.​​ A clean filter is vital for allergy sufferers, as it removes pollen and spores from the incoming air. It also keeps the HVAC system core cleaner, which can prevent expensive repairs and maintain optimal system performance.

Beyond the Filter: Related Cabin Air System Maintenance

While replacing the cabin filter, it’s a good time to consider overall HVAC health. Periodically running the fan on high with the A/C off for a few minutes can help dry the system and reduce mildew. If odors persist after a filter change, a dedicated HVAC system cleaner treatment applied through the exterior air intake (usually at the base of the windshield) or the blower motor may be necessary. Always follow product instructions carefully.

In summary, the cabin air filter in your 2013 Ford F-150 is a conveniently located, user-serviceable part designed for easy owner maintenance. Knowing its precise location behind the glove box and following the simple steps to change it regularly is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your HVAC system, ensure its efficiency, and guarantee clean air for you and your passengers. Keeping a spare filter in your truck allows you to perform this quick maintenance whenever needed, ensuring your drive is always comfortable and the air in your cabin is fresh.