The engine air cleaner/filter is located in the engine compartment on the driver's side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview for more information on location.

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

1. Loosen the two clips on the top of the engine air cleaner/filter housing and lift the filter cover tabs out of the housing.
2. Push the filter cover housing toward the engine.
3. Pull out the filter.
4. Check or install a new engine air cleaner/filter. See Maintenance Replacement Parts .
5. To reinstall the cover, position the tabs through the slots on the housing. A notch on the sides of the filter cover will indicate the correct engagement. Reinstall the two clips on the top of the housing when you are finished.

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air filter.

See Part A: Scheduled Maintenance 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.