Replacing the Kia Soul cabin filter: a detailed guide with photos and expert advice

Why replacing the cabin filter on a Kia Soul is not a luxury, but a necessity

Cabin filter in Kia Soul is a barrier between you and the world of dust, exhaust fumes, pollen and bacteria. Many owners ignore replacing it, considering the procedure to be of secondary importance, but the consequences of this approach can result not only in discomfort, but also in serious health problems. For example, a clogged filter becomes a breeding ground for mold, which, when ventilation is turned on, spreads throughout the cabin, causing allergies and respiratory diseases.

According to research, The air quality inside a car with a dirty filter is 6 times worsethan on the side of a busy highway. And if you live in a metropolis or often get stuck in traffic jams, this figure may be even higher. B Kia Soul (especially in models 2014–2020) the filter is located so that replacing it does not require disassembling half of the torpedo - 15 minutes and a minimum set of tools is enough. But there are nuances that are not written about in standard instructions...

Signs that the Kia Soul cabin filter requires replacement

The manufacturer recommends changing the filter every 15,000 km or once a year, but the actual period depends on operating conditions. If you often drive on dirt roads, live in an industrial area or suffer from allergies, the interval should be reduced to 10,000 km. The following symptoms indicate that it is time to change the filter:

• 🚗 Weak air flow from the deflectors even at maximum fan speed. This is due to clogged pores in the filter, which impede circulation.
• 🤧 Constant smell of dampness or mold in a cabin that is not cleaned even after airing. Most often this is a sign of bacterial growth on a wet filter.
• 🌫️ Dust on the dashboard a few hours after cleaning. If the filter does not retain small particles, they settle on all surfaces of the cabin.
• 😷 Increased allergic reactions passengers (sneezing, watery eyes) when the air blower is turned on.

Owners should be especially careful Kia Soul EV (electric version). In these models, the ventilation system works more intensively due to the need to cool the batteries, so the filter becomes dirty 20–30% fasterthan in gasoline analogues.

⚠️ Attention: If there is a persistent smell of gasoline or oil in the cabin, do not blame it on the filter! This could be a sign leaks in the fuel system or a malfunction of the crankcase ventilation valve. In this case, diagnostics at a service station is required.

Which cabin filter to choose for Kia Soul: comparison of options

There are three types of filters on the market for Kia Soul (depending on generation and supply market): carbon, conventional paper and electrostatic. Let's look at their pros and cons in the table:

Filter type	Benefits	Disadvantages	Service life	Approximate price, ₽
Paper (standard)	Low cost, suitable for low pollution areas	Does not retain gases and odors, quickly clogs in cities	10,000–12,000 km	300–600
Coal	Absorbs harmful gases (NOx, SO₂), eliminates odors, antibacterial coating	More expensive than paper, may restrict air flow due to dense structure	15,000–20,000 km	800–1 500
Electrostatic	High efficiency against fine dust (PM2.5), washable, long service life	Requires regular cleaning, high price, not all models are suitable for Soul	Up to 50,000 km (during maintenance)	2 000–4 000

For most owners Kia Soul the optimal choice would be mid-price carbon filter (for example, Mann CU 2939 or Filtron K 1321A). They provide a balance between price and quality of cleaning. If you live in a region with high humidity (for example, St. Petersburg, Sochi), pay attention to filters with antibacterial impregnation (for example, TSN 9.7.864).

Important: filters for Kia Soul first generation (2009–2013) and second (2014–2020) differ in size! Make sure the model you choose is correct for your year of manufacture. For example, for Soul 2017 need filter with article number 28113-2B000, and for Soul 2012 — 97133-2E000.

Preparing for replacement: tools and safety precautions

To replace the cabin filter with Kia Soul You don’t need a professional tool—what’s in every garage is enough. Here's the full list:

• 🔧 Flat head screwdriver (for prying up the latches)
• 🧤 Gloves (the filter may be contaminated with mold)
• 📸 Smartphone (to photograph the location of the fasteners)
• 🧹 Vacuum cleaner or brush (to clean the filter housing)
• 🔦 Flashlight (lighting in the driver's foot area is usually weak)

Before starting work necessarily:

1. Turn off the ignition and remove the key from the lock.
2. Move the gear lever to position P (parking) or N (neutral).
3. Open all doors to ventilate the interior (especially if the filter has not been changed for a long time).

⚠️ Attention: If in your Kia Soul system installed climate control, before replacing the filter turn it off via the setup menu or button A/C. Otherwise, the electronics may block the dampers and access to the filter will be blocked.

Turn off the ignition and remove the key|

Switch the box to "P" or "N" mode |

Open doors for ventilation|

Prepare tools and new filter|

Take a photo of the location of the fasteners (for reassembly) -->

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the cabin filter on a Kia Soul

The process of replacing the filter Kia Soul second generation (2014–2020) takes no more than 15 minutes. The main thing is to follow the instructions and not use excessive force when removing the cover. Let's look at the process using an example Soul 2018:

1. Removing the glove compartment. Open the glove box and empty it of its contents. Find the stops (plastic stops) on the right and left sides. Gently squeeze them with your fingers and lower the glove compartment down until it stops. It should hang on the lower mounts.

   Photo of the location of the glove compartment limiters

   The limiters are located on the side walls of the glove compartment closer to the front panel. They look like small plastic tabs with latches.

2. Removing the filter cover. Behind the glove compartment you will see a black plastic lid with two latches on the sides. Pry them open with a flat-head screwdriver (or your fingers, if you have enough strength) and pull the cover towards you. It will come off along with the rubber seal.

3. Removing the old filter. Now you will see the filter itself - it is located vertically. Gently pull it out by pulling on the top edge. Be prepared: if the filter has not been changed for a long time, dust and debris may fall out of it. It is better to lay down a newspaper or rag in advance.

4. Cleaning the housing. Use a vacuum cleaner or brush to remove accumulated dirt from the filter seat. Pay attention to the drainage hole at the bottom - it must be clean, otherwise condensation will accumulate, causing mold.

5. Installing a new filter. Check the direction of the arrow on the filter - it should point down (in the direction of air movement). Insert the filter all the way, making sure it sits evenly and without distortion.

6. Assembly. Put the lid back in place (lock it until it clicks), then lift the glove compartment and secure it with the stoppers.

For Kia Soul first generation (2009–2013) the process is slightly different: the filter is located not behind the glove compartment, but under the panel on the driver's side. To get to it, you need:

1. Remove the plastic trim under the steering wheel (it is secured with 3 clips).
2. Unscrew the two screws using a Phillips screwdriver holding the filter cover in place.
3. Remove the filter by pulling it to the left (unlike the second generation, where it is pulled down).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even such a simple procedure as replacing the cabin filter can turn into problems if mistakes are made. Here's what most often happens to newbies:

• 🔄 Installing the filter upside down. Most filters have an arrow indicating the direction of air flow. If installed incorrectly, cleaning efficiency will decrease by 40–50%.
• 🔧 Force when removing the cover. Many owners Soul They break the latches of the filter cover, trying to tear it out. In fact, all you have to do is press the side latches and pull it towards you.
• 🧹 Ignoring case cleaning. If you do not remove dirt from the seat, the new filter will clog 2 times faster. This is especially true for machines operated in dusty regions.
• 🚫 Buying a non-original filter without checking the dimensions. For example, filters for Hyundai i30 externally similar to those placed in Soul, but have a different height. It is impossible to install them without trimming.

Critical error: using used filters. Some "thrifty" owners try to wash or shake out the old filter and put it back. This leads to the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, which then enter the lungs of passengers. Even washable electrostatic filters require special treatment with antiseptics, and not plain water!

Another nuance: after replacing the filter in some Kia Soul (especially with the system climate control) an error may appear on the instrument panel indicating a “fault in the ventilation system.” This is due to the fact that the electronic control unit (ECU) detects changes in air resistance. To reset the error, you need to:

1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
2. Press and hold the button RECIRC (recirculation) for 10 seconds.
3. Turn off the ignition and wait 30 seconds.

When is it better to leave a filter replacement to professionals?

Although replacing the cabin filter with Kia Soul - one of the simplest procedures; in some cases it is better to contact the service:

• 🔧 If you are not confident in your abilities. For example, you have Soul first generation with a non-standard filter mount, and you are afraid of breaking the plastic clips.
• 🦠 If there is a persistent smell of rot in the cabin. This may indicate that the ventilation system is infected with mold, and not only will the filter need to be replaced, but also antibacterial treatment.
• ⚡ If after replacing the filter some climate control modes stop working. It is possible that the sensor was touched during installation or the wire was damaged.
• 🚗 If you are buying used Kia Soul. In this case, it is better to conduct a full diagnosis of the ventilation system, since the previous owner could ignore replacing the filter for years.

The cost of replacing a filter at a service varies from 500 to 1,500 rubles (excluding the cost of the filter itself). If you decide to replace it yourself, but are afraid of breaking something, try watching the video instructions for your model first. For example, for 2020 Kia Soul There are excellent videos on YouTube with step-by-step analysis:

💡

Replacing the cabin filter on a Kia Soul yourself saves up to 1,000 rubles compared to a service, but requires care. The main thing is not to rush and follow the instructions.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about replacing the Kia Soul cabin filter

Is it possible to drive without a cabin filter?

Technically yes, but it is highly undesirable. Without a filter, not only dust and dirt will enter the cabin, but also small stones, leaves, and insects. This may lead to:

• Heater fan failure (due to foreign objects).
• Contamination of the air conditioner evaporator (which will require expensive cleaning).
• Deteriorating health of passengers (allergies, asthma).

If the filter is torn or deformed, it is better to replace it immediately rather than drive without it.

How often should the filter be changed if the car is parked in a garage?

Even if Kia Soul rarely used, filter still needs to be changed once every 2 years. The fact is that over time, the filter material loses its properties, and in conditions of high humidity (for example, in an unheated garage), mold may appear on it. If the machine is parked in a dry, heated room, the interval can be increased to 3 years.

What is the difference between filters for Kia Soul with and without air conditioning?

Structurally - nothing. The filters are the same, but in cars with air conditioning (or climate control) higher requirements are placed on them. The fact is that the air conditioner creates ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria: humidity + heat. Therefore, for such models it is better to choose filters with antibacterial impregnation or coal.

Can I use a filter from another car if the dimensions are the same?

Theoretically, yes, but it's risky. Even if the filter physically fits, it may:

• Have a different material density (which will impair air flow).
• Does not conform to the shape (for example, have different tabs or grooves).
• Do not meet manufacturer's filtration requirements.

It is better to buy filters recommended for Kia Soul, or their certified analogues (for example, Bosch, Mann, Filtron).

How to check if the filter is installed correctly?

After installation, turn on the fan at maximum speed and check:

• The air flow from the deflectors has become stronger.
• There is no extraneous noise (creaks, whistles) when the fan is operating.
• Odors from the interior (if any) have disappeared or decreased.

If something is wrong, remove the filter and check that it is not skewed and is aligned correctly in the direction of the arrow.