How to change air filter?

[devin1229]

Greetings,
Does anyone know where I can find a step-by-step guide to changing the engine air filter? I got that the cabin air filter is behind the glove box, but I - knowing nothing about cars - am not sure how to change the other. I've looked through the manual (specifically, here) and can't find anything on this. Google is failing me too.

I have about 37k miles and it's probably due for a change, but I can't bring myself to be charged parts + labor for something I can (hopefully) do myself. Thanks.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

Right past the air duct the there is a box. If you look at the piping from the duct it goes into the box. All you do is undo 2 clips on the side and then you can just pull it off. Also in the how to section someone posted the service manual as pdf. It's in there too.

 

[pjensen641]

One of the easiest maintenance items that you can do yourself. Air box has a couple silver buckles on the front side. un-snap those and pull box cover up. Air duct is flexible, so no need to disconnect. Filter sits right in the box and can be easily pulled out.

There are two things to pay close attention to.

1. The air filter is directional. Make sure you pay attention to how the old one sits in there and which side is up.

2. The box cover is not so easy to get aligned to put back on. There are two tabs that you must align on the back side of the box(closest to driver). I find that i have to push slightly to the left and compress the intake duct a little bit in order to align them. Make sure to get the tabs UNDER the plastic hooks on the lower box. Once everything is aligned, push down firmly on the box cover and snap the silver buckles back in to place. Once on...left up on the box and wiggle around to confirm that the lid is securely fastened.

If you screw up either one of those items, there is a high likelihood that you can damage your engine because of dirt leaking past the air filter.