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. To perform this DIY, check out the helpful tutorial above from YouTube channel, Jon @ Flat 6 Motorsports. Detailed steps can be found below
Step 1: Prepare your vehicle and work area
- Perform the air filter replacement with a cold engine so you don’t burn yourself on the hot engine.
- Gather your tools and parts and put on gloves.
- Open the hood.
Step 2: Replace the air filter on the right-hand side of the engine bay
- Locate the air filters on each side of the engine bay.
- Starting with the air filter on the right-hand side of the engine bay, remove the rubber gasket at the top of the air filter housing by pulling it off.
- Locate and remove the four T25 torx screws on the top of the air filter housing, then remove the plastic air filter cover.
- Remove the plastic panel on the side of the air box facing towards the engine by pulling it straight up.
- Now remove the old air filter and install the new one; make sure to align the tabs at the top of the air filter with the ones on the air filter housing.
- Re-install everything in reverse.
Step 3: Replace the air filter on the left-hand side of the engine bay
- Replacing the air filter on the left-hand side of the engine bay is exactly the same as the other air filter.
- However, there is a coolant hose and valve that you will need to remove from the air box; pull up on the assembly and detach it from the air box.
- Repeat the prior steps to replace the air filter.
- Clean up your work area and you’re all done.