How to Replace the Engine Air Filter on a 2017-2019 Honda CR-V (DIY Guide)
Step-by-step air box removal and install tips, required tools/parts, and post-repair checks
How to Replace the Engine Air Filter on a 2017-2019 Honda CR-V (DIY Guide)
Step-by-step air box removal and install tips, required tools/parts, and post-repair checks for 2017, 2018, 2019
🔧 CR-V - Engine Air Filter Replacement
Your CR-V’s engine air filter sits inside the air box and keeps dust and debris out of the engine. Replacing it is quick and helps maintain performance and fuel economy.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.2-0.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns.
- ⚠️ Keep tools and fingers clear of moving parts; engine must be OFF.
- ⚠️ Do not drop debris into the intake tube (the snorkel leading to the air box).
- ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
- Flashlight
- Flat-blade screwdriver
- Shop towel
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Engine air filter - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and shift to Park.
- Set the parking brake and pop the hood.
- Have a shop towel ready to wipe dust from the air box.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Locate the air filter housing
- Open the hood and find the black plastic air box near the engine.
- Use a flashlight to clearly see the air box lid and its retaining clips.
Step 2: Unclip the air box lid
- Use your hands to release the metal/plastic retaining clips around the air box lid.
- If a clip is stubborn, gently help it with a flat-blade screwdriver.
- Tip: Don’t pry hard—clips can crack.
Step 3: Lift the lid and remove the old filter
- Lift the air box lid just enough to access the filter (you usually don’t need to remove any hoses).
- Pull the old filter straight out by hand while wearing nitrile gloves.
- Use a shop towel to wipe loose dirt from the inside of the air box.
- Tip: Don’t wipe dirt into the intake opening.
Step 4: Install the new filter correctly
- Insert the new engine air filter into the air box the same way the old one came out.
- Make sure the filter sits flat and the rubber edge (gasket) is fully seated all the way around.
Step 5: Re-secure the air box lid
- Lower the lid back into place, ensuring it aligns evenly with the lower half of the air box.
- Snap all retaining clips back on by hand. Use the flat-blade screwdriver only if needed to guide a clip into place.
✅ After Repair
- Start the engine and let it idle for 10–20 seconds.
- Listen for a hissing/whistling sound that could indicate the air box lid isn’t sealed.
- Recheck that all clips are fully latched and the lid is sitting flat.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $60-$120 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $15-$35 (parts only)
You Save: $45-$85 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.5 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.
Guide for Engine Air Filter replace for these Honda vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Honda CR-V | - | - | - |
| 2018 Honda CR-V | - | - | - |
| 2017 Honda CR-V | - | - | - |


















