The air cleaner/filter assembly may have an air cleaner/filter restriction indicator that lets you know when the engine air cleaner/filter is dirty and needs to be serviced.
The air cleaner/filter restriction indicator is located on the air cleaner cover.
When to Inspect
Inspect the air cleaner/filter every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) and replace the filter if necessary.
How to Inspect
When the restriction indicator turns black, or is in the red/orange "change" zone, replace the filter and reset the restriction indicator.
To inspect and replace the filter and reset the restriction indicator, do the following:
The air cleaner/filter assembly is located on the front corner of the engine compartment on the passenger's side of the vehicle.
- Loosen the screws on the cover of the housing and lift up the cover.
- Remove the air cleaner/filter from the housing. Care should be taken to dislodge as little dirt as possible.
- Clean the filter sealing surface and the housing.
- Install the new engine air cleaner/filter.
- Reinstall the cover and tighten the screws.
- Reset the air cleaner/filter restriction indicator, if equipped, by pressing the top button on the indicator.
See Scheduled Maintenance to determine when to replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
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.
