The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine compartment on the driver's side of the vehicle, near the front. See Engine Compartment Overview for more information on location.
The engine air cleaner/filter needs replacement periodically. Use the information listed in this manual as a guide for filter replacement intervals. See Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services for more information. In general, you should change the filter whenever the indicator located on the cover turns black. See the previous photo for the exact location of the indicator.
The indicator may turn black earlier or later than the suggested replacement intervals listed in this manual. However, you should replace the filter and reset the indicator once the indicator turns black.
To check or replace the filter, do the following:
- Remove the two screws located on the sides of the cover.
- Lift the cover off.
- Pull out the old engine air cleaner/filter.
- Install a new engine air cleaner/filter, if needed. See Maintenance Replacement Parts for the correct part number for the filter.
- If the filter is replaced, reset the indicator by pressing upward on the indicator from the bottom.
- Reinstall the cover by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
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.
