Tesla Model 3 – Cabin Filter Replacement (Manual)

3 min read
Tesla Model 3 – Innenraumfilter wechseln (Anleitung)

Regular filter replacement helps keep the air in your Tesla Model 3 clean, ensures the climate control system operates efficiently, and prevents your windows from fogging up. In these instructions, you’ll learn how to easily replace the filter yourself in just a few minutes.

Quick Check

Time required approx. 15-20 minutes
Difficulty Moderate
Installation location Passenger footwell
Tools Trim removal tool & Torx T20 screwdriver / 6 mm socket wrench
Compatible filter EDOC-1008
Airflow toward the rear (in the direction of the rear)
Manufacturer interval every 15,000-30,000 km or 24 months
EV-DOC recommendation every 15,000-20,000 km or 12-18 months

Preparation

  • Secure the vehicle: Make sure the vehicle is secured in Park (P), completely deactivated (ignition/system off), and that the ventilation/climate control system is switched off.
  • Protection & hygiene: Place a mat or cloth under the work area to catch falling dirt. Safety glasses and a respirator protect you from falling dust and pollen. It is best to have a vacuum cleaner ready to clean the housing before installation.
  • Lighting: Since the installation location is usually dark, we recommend using a headlamp or flashlight for the best possible visibility.
  • Tools: For the replacement, you will need a plastic trim removal tool and either a Torx T20 screwdriver or a 6 mm socket wrench for the cover screw, depending on the model year.
  • Access: The filter is located in the passenger footwell, on the left side next to the center console. Slide the seat all the way back and recline the backrest as far as possible to create maximum working space.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Remove the upper footwell cover & disconnect the cables
    Use the trim removal tool to release the plastic clips on the cover directly beneath the glove compartment. Carefully lower the cover, disconnect the plugs for the footwell lighting and speaker, and set the trim aside.
  2. Remove the center console side trim
    Remove the carpeted side trim on the left side of the passenger footwell. Grip the trim at the rear end and carefully pull it outward to release it from the clips.
  3. Open the filter housing
    A single screw is located at the very top of the vertical filter cover (T20 Torx or 6 mm hex). Remove the screw, unhook the cover at the bottom, and take it off.
  4. Remove the old filter elements
    Tesla uses two stacked filter elements. First, pull out the upper filter element using the fabric tab. Then lift the lower filter element in the compartment and pull it out as well.
  5. Install the new filters
    Insert the first filter element and push it all the way down into the compartment. Then insert the second filter element directly above it. Make sure the fabric tabs on the filter face outward, toward the passenger door, so you can easily grip them during the next replacement.
    ↔ Airflow: The arrows on the side of the filters must point toward the rear (in the direction of the rear)!
    💡 Pro tip: Keep the lower filter element flat against the bottom of the housing as you push it in. If the upper element catches during installation, gently squeeze it along the long sides - this will help it slide smoothly over the lower element!
  6. Close the housing & reinstall the trim
    Insert the filter cover at the bottom, fold it upward, and tighten the screw. Reattach the carpeted side panel. Connect the lighting and speaker cables to the upper cover and press it firmly until the clips engage.

Disposal instructions

To ensure that all materials from your filter change are recycled as effectively as possible and that the cycle remains closed, please dispose of them as follows:

  • Used filter: As the old filter is heavily contaminated with pollutants, particulate matter and soot, it should be disposed of in the general waste. Through thermal recovery in modern facilities, useful energy (electricity and district heating) is still extracted from it.
  • Shipping box: It’s best to put the grass paper box in the waste paper bin so that the fibres remain in the recycling cycle. Alternatively, you can dispose of it on your own garden compost heap.
  • Filter bag: The plastic-free pouch for your new EV-DOC filter is made of paper and should also be placed in the waste paper bin.
  • Labels & backing paper: You do not need to remove stickers from cardboard before putting it in the waste paper bin – they are automatically recycled along with the paper. However, if you are composting the cardboard, please remove the labels first. Individual labels and backing paper should be disposed of in the general waste because of the adhesive.

Disclaimer

These instructions are provided for guidance only. All work carried out is at your own risk and under your own responsibility. EV-DOC accepts no liability for personal injury, damage to property or consequential damage, or for vehicle faults resulting from incorrect installation or misinterpretation of these instructions. Please always follow the specific manufacturer’s guidelines for your vehicle.

Is something wrong? Leave a comment!

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Mach mit

Wir alle brauchen mal Hilfe. Lass uns wissen, bei welchem Innenraumfilter du uns (und die Community) mit Bildmaterial unterstützen kannst. Als Dankeschön erhältst du deinen Filter von uns kostenlos!

Exact model, incl. year of manufacture and drive.

Wir melden uns schnellstmöglich bei dir zurück.