How to Replace Cabin Air Filter 2010 Toyota Highlander

How to replace the cabin air filter in a 2010 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD. Relevant for 2nd generation model years (2008 through 2013). I also discuss which way the arrows need to point when installing because this causes confusion depending on whether you purchased an OEM or an after-market filter.

[@auronicus]

The information on the arrows was just what I was looking for! Thanks!

[@john21031]

Thank you for posting. Helpful.

[@bradgraziadio361]

This was a very helpful video. Thank you so much for documenting this!

[@kimballlewis1154]

Thanks for feedback. You are welcome.

[@MrSteve280]

nice demo in which direction the air actually flows. logic.

[@Bimmeraudi1]

This was a great tutorial.

[@erikhernandez6050]

Thank you so much. Super helpful

[@ojingaj30]

Thanks man!!

[@njsongwriter]

All cabin air filters mounted horizontally with the blower motor mounted below the filter have downward air flow. Otherwise the blower would be full of dirt and debris. It makes no difference what make or model. If your old filter is not inserted with the air flow arrow pointing down then it was installed incorrectly.
The arrow on the cover is simply telling you how the cover goes back on. It has nothing to do with air flow direction or the way the filter element should be installed.

[@kimballlewis1154]

Thanks for your comment. If you purchase a Toyota Genuine Parts cabin air filter, the arrow on the filter doesn't indicate air flow direction. Rather, the arrow indicates the direction of installation (matching the cover arrow), which is up. Therefore, if you purchase a Toyota Genuine Parts filter, the arrow should be pointing up. For all other filters I've seen, the arrow represents air-flow direction and should be installed arrow pointing down.
This image at this address shows the Toyota filter with the UP arrow: encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR1nrfnvyI7_zdjQJrdOA4jAcmb-_i1BjsxX-yEc4adPchalgvipas-KxHOHvvpCV876s4&usqp=CAU
This was confusing for me because I've purchased both types of filters.

[@paulamottadorigo8753]

2012? have it?

[@kimballlewis1154]

Good question. 2012 should be same as 2010. These are all part of the 2nd generation Highlanders which covered years 2008 through 2013. Before 2008 or after 2013 might be different from what my video shows.