How to replace the A/C cabin filter (pollen) of a Renault Trafic

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  • OVERALL DIFFICULTY INDEX: 2/10
  • NO TOOLS NEEDED FOR THIS JOB
  • IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE YOU SPEND 10 MINUTES TO CARRY OUT THIS JOB
  • RISK OF BURNS, SEE BELOW​
BEFORE YOU START
  • Be careful not to touch any hot part of the engine.
  • This pictorial covers the pollen filter used to clean the air entering your vehicle. It is located inside the engine compartment and does not clean recirculated air. Filters that do clean both recirculated and fresh air are located inside the vehicle and better called cabin filters.
The below works concern a 2009 Renault Trafic van, also apply to the Opel Vivaro and Nissan Primastar.
DISCLAIMER:
Our pictorials are of informative nature and do illustrate works carried out by ourselves at our own premises for our own use and satisfaction.
Readers who envisage to carry out similar works inspired by the below method shall do this at their own risks and liability.

Symptoms of a clogged car A/C cabin (pollen) filter

  1. Car A/C is overall less efficient, yet the pulsed air from the A/C grilles on the dashboard is cold
  2. Excessive A/C fan noise inside the car
  3. Air getting out of the A/C diffusers is too cold
  4. Air flow is reduced, put your hand facing an A/C diffuser and pull it out slowly, you will notice the pulsed air reaches a shorter distance
  5. Uncomfortable ambience inside the car at night, with the A/C being too cold
  6. Uncomfortable ambience inside the car under the sun, with the A/C lacking efficiency

Removing / refitting the AC cabin filter on Renault Trafic - Opel Vivaro - Nissan Primastar vans

Put your fingers on the bottom of the AC pollen fitler of the Renault Trafic, which is located inside this box under the hood, and push it up just a little so it falls out of its seat.
Make sure of the air flow arrrow prior to refitting a new cabin filter on the Renault Trafic (Opel Vivaro, Nisssan Primastar); the arrow is to point towards the interior of the vehicle once the hood is closed.
Insert the new pollen filter of the Trafic van until it can no more be pushed in, then move it towards the hood so it holds well in its intended seat. That's it!

See also how to replace other filters on the Opel Vivaro van:

And more DIY tips for all types of cars: