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The pollen filter filters air coming from outside the cabin via the ventilation system. As it’s heavily used throughout the year, in winter for demisting the windscreen, and in the summer for running the air condition, it can get dirty quite quickly.

Faults that can arise from a dirty filter include bad smells, lack of air flow, windscreen misting up.

Removal and replacing of the pollen filter is very easy, and is done entirely from the cabin. The only tool that is needed is a T20 torx screwdriver.

The part number for my Jetta 2.0 FSI is 1K2 819 653 B and should be obtainable from the parts desk of the VW dealer for around £15; check with the dealer for the correct part if you’re not sure.

Start in the front passenger footwell by undoing the three screws along the top of the picture, on the line just above the light.

There are also two plastic screws in the middle of the foam sheet which also need to be removed.

You should now be able to remove the foam sheet by unhooking it at the front and pulling it out.

At the back there is a plastic cover over the pollen filter, slide it to the left (away from the centre console) to unhook it. (The stuff on the carpet is all debris that fell down after removing the plastic cover).

You should now be able to withdraw the pollen filter from above the location where the plastic cover was removed from.

Re-fitting is a simple reversal of the above.

A comparision of the old and new pollen filter (old at top, new at bottom). The old wasn’t too bad, it was last replaced around a year ago.