GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 865513  Size: B3

Notice: If you spray water into the engine air cleaner/filter intake and water enters the engine air cleaner/filter housing, as shown in the illustration, you could damage your vehicle's engine. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Do not spray water into the engine air cleaner/filter intake and/or housing.


Object Number: 809105  Size: A2

See Engine Compartment Overview for the location of the engine air cleaner/filter and the air filter restriction indicator, if equipped.

When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

If the vehicle is equipped with an air filter restriction indicator, it lets you know when the engine air cleaner/filter needs to be replaced. On vehicles with a restriction indicator, you should inspect the air filter restriction indicator at every oil change and replace the engine air cleaner/filter when the indicator tells you to.

On vehicles without an air filter restriction indicator, you should inspect the air cleaner/filter at every oil change and replace it at the first oil change after 100,000 miles (160 000 km). See Scheduled Maintenance for more information.

How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

Vehicles With an Air Filter Restriction Indicator

Locate the air filter restriction indicator on the engine air duct. When the indicator turns black or is in the red/orange change zone, replace the filter and reset the indicator. See "Inspecting the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter and Resetting the Air Filter Restriction Indicator" later in this section for further instructions.

Vehicles Without an Air Filter Restriction Indicator

To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove it from the vehicle and lightly shake the filter to release loose dust and dirt. If the engine air cleaner/filter remains caked with dirt, a new filter is required. See "Inspecting the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter and Resetting the Air Filter Restriction Indicator" later in this section for further instructions.

Inspecting the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter and Resetting the Air Filter Restriction Indicator


    Object Number: 865518  Size: B3
  1. Loosen the screws on the engine air cleaner/filter cover.

  2. Object Number: 865520  Size: B3
  3. Lift the cover upward and set it aside.
  4. Pull the air cleaner/filter up and out from the air cleaner housing. Care should be taken to dislodge as little dirt as possible.
  5. Clean the air cleaner/filter sealing surfaces and the housing.
  6. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
  7. Reinstall the cover and tighten the screws.
  8. Reset the air filter restriction indicator, if equipped, by pressing the top button on the indicator.
  9. If the vehicle is not equipped with the air filter restriction indicator, refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the engine air cleaner/filter. See Additional Required Services.

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.