2005-2013 Corvette Cabin Air Filter Replacement

The C6 Corvette has many features to aid in the comfort of the driver, and this makes the car an ideal long distance or daily driving vehicle.  As a result, many C6 Corvettes are put into daily use, and they require more maintenance than cars that see occasional weekend duty.

The engine air filter is usually high on the list for inspection.  The car should be able to breathe freely for optimal performance and fuel economy.  But what about the driver?

Fear not, Chevrolet has included a cabin air filter (486113) in C6 Corvettes for this very reason.  But to say it gets overlooked during routine maintenance is an understatement.  Replacement of this filter is easy.

The cabin air filter in located above the battery inside the firewall. There are 3 spring clips on the top of the cover, immediately below the weather seal.

Lift the springs and remove the hatch.  Pull gently on each side of the filter.  It is a tight fit, but it will gradually work its way out.

The filter is almost completely outside of the housing in this image.  Note that the dirty side of the filter is facing upwards.  There are also markings indicating direction on the side of the filter element.

A closer inspection reveals that it is time for replacement.  This filter is full of dust, debris and probably pollen.  To install the new filter, reverse the steps above.

10 thoughts to “2005-2013 Corvette Cabin Air Filter Replacement”

  1. Do you push upward at an angle when installing the filter, not just straight back, flat even?

    1. I have a 2011 Grand Sport Coupe. My cabin filter goes in long side first and enters a track that takes it on an upward curve into the cavity. The element you use for a replacement must be able to flex or bend into a curved configuration when you insert it into place. A ridged one, that can’t bend into that curved position will be impossible to insert correctly. I know this because I tried and failed with a ridged one and now know the difference. I hope this can help.

      1. I had the same experience with a 2013 base coupe. I also had to remove the battery. I’ve read the earlier years used a different sized battery that wasn’t as tall. But mine made the job impossible without removing it. To avoid losing all the computer settings, I first attached a battery minder (.85 Amp max) to the aux. power outlet in the console.

        One so-called “trick” I’ve heard is to pinch the sides closed as you feed it in, so as to make it follow the curve in the holder. Supposedly, the filter will come back to shape on its own once it’s installed.

      2. P because of cranking the car and smelling 2011 so I need to replace it thank you so much

  2. My 2005 Corvette makes noises under the dash when the car is turned off. It sounds like servo motors running on and off about every 10 minutes. The car hasn’t been driven in about three days but I did open and close the door. I was in the garage for about 45 minutes and could hear it happening.

  3. I was replacing the battery last week and I hit a spring clip that went “flying” and could not be found. Do you know the part number or where can I buy that spring clip?
    Thanks.

    1. We don’t currently stock the spring clip you’re looking for, but if you call 800-345-4122 and ask for product assistance, they might be able to point you in the right direction.

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