The pollen filter on the Citroen DS3 is accessed from the engine bay, not the interior — slightly unusual. It sits behind a cover just to the right of the engine bay when standing at the front of the car. There are actually two filter sections: a larger main filter and a smaller secondary one that slides to the right.
On this 2012 DS3 neither filter had ever been changed. Both were severely contaminated. The procedure is simple once you know where to look and how the two-part filter fits together.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Open the Bonnet & Locate the Filter Housing
Open the bonnet (release from inside the car, then locate the secondary catch at the front grille and pull to one side). Put the bonnet stay in place. Look at the engine bay — towards the passenger side firewall you will see a small plastic cover. Pull this cover off to expose the black filter housing beneath it.
Open the Filter Housing Cover
The filter housing has a hinged or pull-down front cover. Pull it down or fold it towards you to open the access to the filters inside.
Remove Both Filter Sections
First reach in and pull out the larger main filter — it slides straight out. Then reach further in and to the right to find the smaller secondary filter element in its own slot. This one slides out to the left and then forwards. Both filters will be dirty if they have never been changed — dispose of both.
Fit the New Filters
Check the airflow direction arrow on both new filters. The smaller element goes in first — slide it into its slot on the right side and push it into position. The larger main element then slots in at the front. Both should sit flush and secure once correctly located.
Close the Cover & Refit the Plastic Cover
Fold or push the filter housing cover back into its closed position, making sure it clips in securely on both sides. Refit the outer plastic cover over the top. Close the bonnet. Done.
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