Air Filter Replacement
How are air filter issues diagnosed?
A visual inspection of the filter will be sufficient. The technician will open the air filter box and remove the filter. The airbox will be inspected for road debris, and the filter will be assessed for cleanliness.
How is an air filter replaced?
The procedure is the same as the inspection. The technician will open the air filter box and remove the filter. Typically the filter is a cartridge that can simply be swapped for a new one. Some high end cars may have two filters in two air boxes that need to be changed at the same time.
RepairPal Recommendations for air filter issues
Most engine air filters are very low cost, when going through the trouble to inspect them, they should be replaced unless they have been recently serviced.
What to look out for when dealing with air filter issues
The air filter box cover is attached to the engine intake tube. Often, this tube will hold additional sensors such as the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) or intake air temperature sensor. When servicing this part, it is important not to disconnect or damage anything in the vicinity. There may also be vacuum hoses in the servicing area. Failure to take care or reconnect lines and hoses in this area may cause running issues and the Check Engine Light to illuminate.
Can I replace the air filter myself?
Most engine air filters are extremely easy to replace. But before ordering parts or attempting this service yourself, it is important to look for the correct procedures to replace the engine air filter on your specific car. Certain models will require tools in order to access the air filter box as today's engine bays become more complicated and crowded.