So I am a Hyundai Tech and I have never seen anything like this before. I have a 08 1LT and I figured I would see how easy it would be to change the cabin filter and saw "cut on dash line to install filter" written on the hvac box behind the glove box. You have to cut into the hvac box to install a cabin filter? Anyone cut into there brand new car yet? I dont want to be the test mule.

I'm curious what would make you think that there is a cabin filter? I've never seen anything to indicate that this vehicle has one.

most vehicles produced today have a cabin filter. you know in this day of cleaner air you would think it would have one.so i figured why not check.
it has a spot for you just have to cut into it and i was wondering if anyone has done that yet.

I'm curious what would make you think that there is a cabin filter? I've never seen anything to indicate that this vehicle has one.

how would you know unless you look?

I figured if it had one it would be in the manual or listed somewhere as a feature.

Yes I actually went and looked in my car for the "cut on dash line" feature and did not see this. I will not be cutting into my new Malibu.

WOW - Pretty crazy!

Interesting, although maybe I am missing something here....are you guys saying there is not actually a filter installed right now, BUT can you can install one if you make the simple cut?

Isn't there a member here that's a Service Tech for a Chevy Dealer? I'm sure he can shed some light on this.

Anyone remember who I'm talking about?

So I am a Hyundai Tech and I have never seen anything like this before. I have a 08 1LT and I figured I would see how easy it would be to change the cabin filter and saw "cut on dash line to install filter" written on the hvac box behind the glove box. You have to cut into the hvac box to install a cabin filter? Anyone cut into there brand new car yet? I dont want to be the test mule.
Pics please. The 07's have a spot for it, so I expected that the 08's might too (very much under the skin is the same, as the platform itself was already solid, just the design details and some extras, as well as the powertrain have been updated heavily). But the 07's actually have a removable cover already.

Yes if you do this mod please post a picture and tutorial for all to read in case they want to try.

there is no cabin filter on the 08 malibus

I'm in, too. Please post if you find and/or install this cabin filter.

My car came with a owner's manual. Is this unusual? I will check for this.

I know GM quit installing cabin filters on the 03 and up 2500 series trucks, so I would not be surprised to know the new Malibu does not have one. They did it to save a dollar. Not surprising.

We just purchased a 2009 1LT. Does anyone konow if there is a cabin filter in this model year? I'm not finding it in the owners manual or on-line, so I'm assuming it doesn't exist.

We just purchased a 2009 1LT. Does anyone konow if there is a cabin filter in this model year? I'm not finding it in the owners manual or on-line, so I'm assuming it doesn't exist.

I am pretty certain the 2008-09 Malibu does not have a cabin air filter. (Kinda strange, since the Cobalt does have one...)

We just purchased a 2009 1LT. Does anyone konow if there is a cabin filter in this model year? I'm not finding it in the owners manual or on-line, so I'm assuming it doesn't exist.

Not sure about the '09 owners manual, but the '08 can be found at the GM Owner Center. I have an '08. The first time I checked there the manual was for the Malibu Classic. When I checked today, the correct one for my '08 was there.

The first time I checked there the manual was for the Malibu Classic. When I checked today, the correct one for my '08 was there.

Good to know this has finally been corrected.

I'm interested in this issue with regards to a possible air circulation enhancement in the cabin. In particular, easier transmission/AC to the rear of the car.

This is pretty intriguing... I stumbled across this thread because I just ordered a replacement cabin air filter for various reasons (i used to notice a big difference on my 03 impala when i'd change it). Now there might not be one? What did amazon.com's "part finder" scam me into???

Any thoughts guys? I am certainly getting something in the mail that claims to fit an '09 2.4L LS. We shall see. I'll keep you updated. Tonight and Saturday are going to be in the garage to rotate tires, repair a windshield chip, and do a pretty thorough inspection, etc... I'll have some time to poke around. (and no, i wont "cut" anything to appease some curious individuals :-))

I, indeed, looked at behind the glove compartment and didn't see "cut here" sign. I believe there is a good chance the housing for the filter is there somewhere.
My 05 Escape didn't list any cabin filter, but the housing was/is there. I installed one during first week of our ownership.

Has this been figured out yet? I just bought an 09 LS and would like to change the cabin filters if they exist.

It has kind of a musty smell on startup, but goes away once you turn the A/C on after 10 seconds. Anyone know how to get rid of the mustyness?

No filter. Best way to stop the smell is to run the car for a few seconds before you turn it off with the A/C off. Also, spray some Lysol in the intake vent with the A/C on full blast.

No filter. Best way to stop the smell is to run the car for a few seconds before you turn it off with the A/C off. Also, spray some Lysol in the intake vent with the A/C on full blast.


Okay, so before you shut it off, turn off the A/C and just run regular air through it for a few seconds?

Where is this intake vent to spray lysol through? Or are you talking about the 4 air vents that spray you with air?

Okay, so before you shut it off, turn off the A/C and just run regular air through it for a few seconds?

Where is this intake vent to spray lysol through? Or are you talking about the 4 air vents that spray you with air?

1-Yes.
2-The vents under the windsheild outside the car by the wipers.

1-Yes.
2-The vents under the windsheild outside the car by the wipers.



Thanks, I sprayed some lysol in there and a week later the musty smell is still gone! I only use maybe 10 second burst total of the lysol spray...

No filter. Best way to stop the smell is to run the car for a few seconds before you turn it off with the A/C off. Also, spray some Lysol in the intake vent with the A/C on full blast.

Hey Silver -- Not doubting but what source did you learn that there is no filter from? Any insight on the part I have since I bought it on amazon as the cabin filter fitting our cars... Or the 4cyl anyhow...

This is odd however you slice it. Im going to check my glove box this weekend probably.

Hey Silver -- Not doubting but what source did you learn that there is no filter from? Any insight on the part I have since I bought it on amazon as the cabin filter fitting our cars... Or the 4cyl anyhow...

This is odd however you slice it. Im going to check my glove box this weekend probably.

I was told by two GM techs we don't have them, and if you did the owners manual would list it under service.

I was told by two GM techs we don't have them, and if you did the owners manual would list it under service.

That's got to be right then. Now i just wonder what i have in my replacement parts bin for the car...

Thanks for sharing that. I also had checked the service manual initially, but i didn't trust its lack of inclusion enough since i didn't know that they'd include any part of that nature... but thats awesome.

Our 2007 Saturn Aura had the cutout wording behind the glove compartment for the cabin air filter (although the Aura doesn't come with one, it just has the cutout panel for one). Just because there's no cutout panel doesn't mean one won't fit in there somewhere. Of course, that also doesn't mean one WILL fit in there.

i am really tempted to cut the box and install one, but does anyone know how it will sit or seal in the end?