The vehicle’s engine air filter provides clean air to the engine, as it is very important for the vehicle to function efficiently. The air filters keep the inside of the engine free of dust and insects and extend the life of the engine. If the engine air filter is dirty or clogged, it does not provide the engine with the proper amount of clean air, which can lead to a variety of problems like poor pick up, less power, rough running, poor fuel economy, or check engine light coming on. If you experience any of these symptoms, it could be a dirty engine air filter. People driving in a dusty area should check and replace the engine air filter more often than the factory recommends. You should replace your engine air filter every 20,000 to 25,000 kilometers or once a year. It’s a good idea to at least inspect it regularly. This may vary depending on the make and model of your car, so it is better to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
1 Follow These Step By Step Instruction To Install Engine Air Filter
2 Step 1. Precaution And Safety Instructions
Park the vehicle on a flat surface, pull the emergency brake, and if the engine is too hot, wait for it to cool. Make use of hand gloves to avoid any injury. Ensure you have the best quality of engine air filter.
3 Step 2. Open The Hood
Your engine air filter is located under the hood. Open the hood of the car by pulling the hood lever. Slide the exterior bonnet catch lever for the final release. Lift the bonnet a little. It gets raised up automatically due to gas struts, but some vehicles may have to be secured with the prop rod.
4 Step 3. Locate The Engine Air Filter
Locate the engine air filter assembly. It is a black plastic box that may be on top or on the side of the engine. It also contains a large hose coming out of the side. It may be rectangular, round, or square.
| Car | How to Locate The Engine Air Filter |
| Ford F-150 (2009 to 2014) | The engine air filter is situated on the extreme left side near the brake oil reservoir in the engine compartment. |
| Ford F150 (2015 to 2020) | The engine air filter is installed near the coolant tank. |
| Dodge Ram 1500 (2014 to 2020) | The engine air filter is located on the right side of the engine compartment, below the hood gas strut. |
5 Step 4. Unlocking The Engine Air Filter Assembly
The engine air filter cover is mostly attached with screws, fasteners, clamps, or wing nuts. Select the perfect tool to remove them. In most cases, a flat or a star screwdriver is used. After removing the screws or clamps, loosen the hose clamp from the large hose coming out of the side of the air filter housing with a flat screwdriver and gently slide the hose from the housing. Slide the air filter cover slightly out to disengage the tabs from the slots that are at the back and lift the cover.
6 Step 5. Removing The Engine Air Filter
After lifting the cover, you will see a square, round, or rectangular filter made of cotton, paper, or gauze and has a rubber rim that seals off the unit’s interior. Carefully remove the dirty air filter. If you observe a substantial quantity of dirt inside the folds, it is sure that your air filter needs replacement. You can also tap the filter to see if any debris or other things fall out, which is another symptom that your engine air filter needs to be replaced. After removing the air filter, make sure the inside of the air filter housing is clean and clear of any debris. Remember to check the vehicle’s make, model, and engine size before purchasing your air filter.
7 Step 6. Installing The New Engine Air Filter
Put the new air filter in the housing with the rubber edge facing up. Make sure it is seated and oriented properly in the housing. Carefully insert the cover back onto the housing and gently slide the tabs in the slots at the back of the lid into place. Press the entire piece down onto the lower half of the air filter housing and secure it with fasteners, screws, or clamps. Reinstall the large hose on the air filter assembly and tighten it with a screwdriver. Do not over-tighten screws. Visually check for fitment and close the hood. And that’s it! You have replaced the engine air filter by doing the work yourself.
