The Volkswagen Passat's cabin air filter should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. This filter becomes clogged fairly easily; it captures dust and pollen and prevents particulates from coming into the car's interior through the air conditioner vents. If the recommended replacement interval is exceeded, the filter will be ineffective; in addition, you may experience a reduction in air flow from the air conditioning vents. The Passat's cabin air filter is a simple DIY maintenance procedure that only takes a few minutes.
Open the hood and inspect the passenger side of the engine compartment. Toward the rear, below the windshield, there is a black plastic cover with a Phillips head screw. Remove this screw.
Slide the plastic cover toward the front of the engine compartment. Set the cover to the side; the filter is visible against the firewall.
Push the filter up to lift it from its mount by pulling it straight out.
Push the replacement filter into the compartment; once it slides in, push it down into place. Line up the screw hole on the plastic cover with the screw hole on the passenger side cowl cover. Tighten the Phillips head screw to finish.
