Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 3.8L V6 Engine

See Engine Compartment Overview for the location of the engine air cleaner/filter.

Inspect the air cleaner/filter every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) and replace every 30,000 miles (50 000 km). If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter at each oil change.

To inspect the air cleaner/filter remove the filter from the vehicle and lightly shake the filter to release loose dust and dirt. If the filter remains caked with dirt, a new filter is required.

To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter do the following:

1. Loosen the two clips on top of the engine air cleaner/filter housing and lift the filter cover tabs out of the housing.
2. Push the housing cover toward the engine, compressing the hose.
3. Pull out the filter. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
4. To reinstall the housing cover, make sure the filter cover tabs position through the slots in the housing. A notch on the sides of the filter cover will indicate the correct engagement.
5. Fasten the two clips on the top of the housing when you are finished.

Caution: Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop flames if the engine backfires. If it is not there and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner/filter off.

Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get into the engine, which will damage it. Always have the air cleaner/filter in place when you are driving.

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 4.6L V8 Engine

See Engine Compartment Overview for the location of the engine air cleaner/filter.

When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

Inspect the air cleaner/filter every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) and replace every 30,000 miles (50 000 km). If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter at each oil change.

How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the filter from the vehicle and lightly shake the filter to release loose dust and dirt. If the filter remains caked with dirt, a new filter is required.

To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter, do the following:

1. Loosen and remove both wing screws on the top of the engine air cleaner/filter cover.
2. Lift up the outboard side of the cover at an angle while pulling toward you. This is necessary due to the three tabs located on the rear of the cover.



3. Remove the engine air cleaner/filter element and any loose debris that may be found in the air cleaner base.
4. Inspect or replace the air filter element.

Follow these steps to reinstall the cover to the engine air cleaner/filter housing:

1. Align the three tabs located on the back of the cover with the three slots on the back of the housing.
2. Push the cover slightly down and towards the engine to engage the tabs in the slots and align the two wing screws.
3. Engage and tighten the two wing screws on the top of the engine air cleaner/filter housing cover.

Caution: Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop flames if the engine backfires. If it is not there and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner/filter off.

Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get into the engine, which will damage it. Always have the air cleaner/filter in place when you are driving.