can the cabin filter on a 2001 CL-S be replaced WITHOUT cutting the small plastic tabs that hold the panel/cover on?

2nd question after I get a answer to the 1st one.

 

No.

edit: Ok, I'm back again...

Check out Kavextrax's cabin filter install pics...

http://public.fotki.com/kavextrax/aircon_micron_filte/

It should make it a little clearer... What happens is that when Acura builds the car, they designed the filter area to minimize assembly time. That adds a little time to the maintenance time, but the tabs should be easy enough to snip.

I was hoping to get to changing my cabin filters this weekend, but it looks like I'm going to have to help someone move

 

why do dealers suck!
At 30,000 miles the dealer "replaced" the filters charging for parts only with labor at N/C because of a prior screwup they did. I am now at 70,000 miles and figured I better change them again. Pull the glove box and low and behold; THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN CHANGED!

This old link shows the replacement process also.
https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/i-love-tattoos-but-just-wrong-107821/

 

go back to dealer that supposedly installed cabin filters w/receipt and show them that they have not been changed. maybe they'll give you a refund and a free oil change or something...

 

Been there/done that. Stood and watched them do it this time. The service writer I go to, who was not even working there at the time, was very embarrassed. To top it off, when it was "done" the first time, they gave me the old filters!!! The turn over of personnel at this dealer in the time I have been going there is amazing.