For vehicle with this feature, the engine air filter life gage will be located in the engine compartment either on or near the air cleaner or above the switchbank in the center of the instrument panel. It monitors the engine air filter and indicates when the filter should be replaced. If driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter each oil change.

As the filter gets dirty, the yellow indicator begins to rise. When it reaches the red/orange change area, replace the filter. Reset the indicator after each filter replacement, refer to Air Filter Restriction Indicator.

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.

The engine air cleaner/filter is located in the center of the engine compartment.

To inspect the engine 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.

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.

The engine air cleaner/filter is located in the center of the engine compartment.

To inspect the engine air cleaner/filter:

Isuzu 7.8L Diesel Only




1. Disconnect the air compressor hose by pinching the connector ring to release the connector lock.
2. Unclip the four clips that hold the upper housing to the lower housing and remove the upper housing.
3. 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.
4. Reinstall the upper housing and make sure that the air compressor hose is reconnected by pushing the connector back onto the port. Listen for the connector to click to be sure that the air compressor hose is securely locked and connected.

If the vehicle is being used in heavy snow conditions or for snow plowing, there is a possibility of snow and ice build up in the inlet to the air cleaner, which can block airflow to the engine and affect impacting engine performance.

To prevent this from happening, remove the hood inlet seal:

1. Loosen the clamp that holds the seal to the air cleaner.



2. Slide the seal off.



3. Store the seal in the inlet, located on the underside of the hood.
4. Store the air cleaner clamp on the coolant surge tank. Pull the overflow tube out of the white plastic retainer, slip the clamp over and reinstall the hose.

Replace the air cleaner seal during non-snow or non-icy conditions.