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, Road and Race. Detailed instructions can be found below.
Step 1: Prepare your vehicle and work area.
- Ensure your engine isn’t hot, so you don’t burn yourself.
- Park your car on a level surface.
- Put on eye protection and gloves.
Step 2: Gain access to the engine.
To get an overview of how to access the engine, check out this video from Road and Race. Here are the detailed steps.
- Lower your convertible top so it is ~24 inches from the top of the windshield.
- At the base of the convertible top, disconnect the silver cables on each side by prying them off.
- Next, you will see that the base on the convertible top has a straight edge that is clipped in on both sides. Simply pull down on the straight edge to unclip this from the vehicle.
- Lift up the base on the convertible top. You should see a velcro tether on the base of the convertible top that you can use to keep it from falling.
- Now you should have full access to the carpeted panel above the engine. Twist the two plastic tabs 90 degrees to remove them. Then lift the carpeted panel out to reveal the engine cover.
- Remove the metal engine cover by twisting off the 5 metal tabs by rotating them counterclockwise.
Step 3: Replace the engine air filter.
- Finally, you have access to your engine.
- Locate the engine air filter housing, which is located on the left hand-side of the engine bay.
- Undo the two metal clips on each side of the air filter panel.
- Remove the old air filter
- If possible, vacuum the air intake housing to prevent debris from getting into the engine.
- Install the new air filter and the air filter housing lid.
Step 4: Re-install everything.
- Re-install the metal engine cover.
- Reinsert the carpeted panel.
- Ensure the convertible top has been properly put back in place.
- Clean up your work area and put your tools away.
- You’re all done.
