🔧 Maxima - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Your Maxima’s engine air filter sits inside the air filter box (air cleaner housing). Replacing it helps the engine breathe properly and can prevent dirt from damaging the engine and mass air flow sensor.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.2-0.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work with the engine off and cool to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch or spray anything on the mass air flow sensor; it’s a sensitive airflow sensor in the intake tube.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine air filter - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and support it securely.
• Have a clean rag ready so no dirt falls into the air box.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter box

• Use a flashlight to find the black plastic air filter box near the front of the engine bay, connected to the intake tube.

Step 2: Release the air box clips (and any screws, if equipped)

• Release the metal clips by hand. If your housing has screws, loosen them with a Phillips screwdriver.
• Tip: Don’t force it—look for a hidden clip.

Step 3: Open the air box

• Lift the top half of the air box upward to expose the filter.
• If it doesn’t lift far, gently reposition it—don’t pull hard on wiring or the intake tube.

Step 4: Remove the old filter

• Pull the filter straight out by hand.
• Use a flashlight to check the bottom of the air box for leaves/sand.

Step 5: Clean the air box sealing surface

• Wipe the inside lip/sealing edge with a clean rag (use your nitrile gloves).
• Do not let debris fall into the intake opening.

Step 6: Install the new filter

• Place the new filter into the lower half of the air box in the same orientation as the old one.
• Make sure it sits flat all the way around (no corners folded).

Step 7: Close and secure the air box

• Lower the air box lid back into place.
• Reinstall/retighten any screws with a Phillips screwdriver (snug, not over-tight).
• Re-latch all clips by hand and confirm the lid is evenly seated.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 20–30 seconds. Listen for any hissing/whistling that could indicate the air box isn’t sealed.
• Do a quick visual check that all clips are latched and nothing is left loose in the engine bay.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15-$35 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$105 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.

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🎯 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.