On a 2002 Ford Ranger, the cabin air filter is responsible for keeping your heating, air-conditioning and venting system in tip-top shape. When the air filter gets clogged, harmful gases and damaging particles could flow through your system, causing a hazardous environment for both you and your car. If your venting system seems slow or smells stale, it may be time for an air-filter replacement. Your cabin's air filter should be changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Fortunately, this is a relatively simple task even if you do not consider yourself mechanically inclined.
Lift the hood of your Ranger to expose the engine.
Locate the cabin air-filter compartment just beneath the passenger-side windshield.
Open the black lid on the container by removing the retaining screw with your Phillips screwdriver.
Pull the old filter out, using caution to not let loose debris fall back into the cabin container.
Wipe the inside of the filter container out with your shop rag.
Insert the new filter with the black plastic tabs pointing upward, just as the previous filter had been resting.
Replace the black cover and retaining screw, again using your Philips screwdriver.
Close the hood of your truck and your Ranger's cabin air filter is now changed successfully.
