The engine air filter plays a vital role in protecting your engine as it stops various debris particles from entering and causing damage. As debris adds up with every mile traveled, the air filter will reach its maximum dirt absorption capacity at some point. When this happens, the air flow resistance rises and affects the engine’s performance. So, it is important to replace the air filter at your vehicle’s specified maintenance interval. However, you may need to change your air filter sooner depending on your driving conditions.
This is a very easy DIY that even a beginner can do. It will also save you a lot of money versus going to a dealership. For an overview of how to perform this DIY procedure, check out the tutorial above from the YouTube channel, Kro50019. More detailed instructions can be found below.
Hand tighten fasteners
Step 1: Prepare your vehicle and work area.
- Ensure engine is cold, so you don’t burn yourself.
- Gather tools and parts and put on gloves.
- Open engine cover.
Step 2: Remove engine air filter box.
- Loosen clamp that holds engine air filter hose to throttle body using a flat head screwdriver.
- Disconnect the MAF sensor plug by depressing two plastic tabs (opposite sides from one another) and pulling out the plug
- Remove the MAF sensor plug’s wiring harness from the clip attaching it to the air filter box.
- Disconnect the vacuum solenoid plug by pressing down on the metal spring clip, then pull the plug straight out.
- Disconnect the vacuum line going into the vacuum solenoid by simply pulling it out.
- Pop off engine oil filler, which clips onto the engine air filter box.
- You should now be able to pull up on the engine air filter box and remove it.
Step 3: Open the engine air filter box and replace the air filter.
- With the engine air filter box removed, dust it off so no dirt gets inside the air box once you open it up.
- Open engine air filter box by removing 8 T-25 Torx screws.
- Replace engine air filter with a new one.
Step 4: Re-install everything by following these steps in reverse.
- Be careful not to over-torque the engine air box screws.
- Clean up and return tools.
- You’re all done!
