If you are doing your own 2 year/20,000 mile service on your DB9, one of the required service items is to change your cabin pollen filters.   Like anything on a DB9 this isn’t particularly simple, but can be done by just about anyone.   The process will take about 5 minutes once you see how.

Parts Needed

You will need a pair of replacement filter elements.   You can either purchase new filters from Aston Martin, or consider upgrading to aftermarket ATP Activated Carbon Air Filters that will add the benefit of odor removal as well as being better at pollen and dust removal.  I have another blog post on just this topic, and it have all the details on both the factory and aftermarket parts, so check it out.

Tools

Just your hands and a small inspection light to better see under the dash.

Procedure

To be able to access the filter compartment, you will need to first remove the Glove Box.   Check out my other post and video on how to do this.

Once the Glove Box is removed:

• Look up into the cavity behind where the Glove Box used to be.

  

  You should see the white blower motor assembly.   On the front of it (facing you) towards the top you will see a white plastic rectangular service access panel.

• The access panel is held in place by prongs on both left and right sides of it [is “prongs” even a real word?], and we need to reach up and spread the prongs to release the panel.

  

  I’d suggest starting on the left side (that is most accessible) and figure out how to spread and release the prongs when you can actually see it.  I strongly suggest you check out my video below to see how it’s done.

• Next do the same procedure to release the clip on the opposite side (you can’t see this one while you do it).   The access panel will simply come loose and lift it away.
• Now you can clearly see the ends of the two existing filters.  Just reach in and pull them out one at a time (the two sit side by side in the slot).  They might be pretty dirty so I’d suggest keeping them faced up so the pine needles or debris doesn’t drop out on your face or carpeting.
• Set the old filters aside, and unwrap your new filters.
• Insert your new filters one at a time.

  

  The foam on the filter should be face up as you insert it (same orientation as the ones you removed).  Don’t worry too much, they won’t fit if you have them upside down.  I’d suggest putting the outboard one in first, then slide the inboard one in next snuggly.   Make sure they sit all the way into the slot so they are flush on the front.

• With the new filters firmly in place it’s time to replace the access panel.  Note the embossed ‘Up’ on the front of the access panel to help orient it.  This is much easier than the removal, just be careful to get the prongs back over the mounting posts and firmly press it into place until the prongs fully engage and hold the panel tightly in place.   Give it a firm wiggle to be sure its snug (you don’t want it rattling about with only one side engaged).

That’s it, your filters are changed.   Now you’ll need to reinstall the Glove Box and surround properly, and I cover that in this other post.

Check out this short video of the process above, it will make more sense.