🔧 Altima - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the engine air filter helps your Altima breathe properly, which supports smooth acceleration and good fuel economy. This job is quick because the filter sits inside the air box right in the engine bay.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of the radiator fan area; it can come on unexpectedly.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine with the air filter removed.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight
• Clean shop towel

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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 and shift to Park.
• Set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool for 15–30 minutes if it was running.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter housing

• Use a flashlight to find the black plastic air box in the engine bay (it’s connected to the large intake tube).

Step 2: Unclip the air box lid

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• Release the metal retaining clips around the air box lid by hand.
• Clips can be tight—pull steadily.

Step 3: Open the air box and remove the old filter

• Lift the air box lid just enough to slide the filter out (no need to remove the whole intake tube).
• Remove the old filter straight out and note its orientation (which side faces up).

Step 4: Clean the air box sealing area

• Use a clean shop towel to wipe out loose dust or debris from the bottom of the air box.
• Do not let dirt fall into the intake tube opening.

Step 5: Install the new air filter

• Insert the new filter into the air box the same way the old one came out.
• Make sure the filter sits flat and fully inside the edges of the air box (this prevents unfiltered air leaks).

Step 6: Close and secure the air box

• Lower the air box lid into place, making sure it aligns evenly all the way around.
• Snap all the retaining clips back on by hand.
• Gently tug the lid to confirm it’s latched and not gapped.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 15–30 seconds.
• Listen for whistling/hissing near the air box (a sign the lid isn’t sealed).
• If you hear a leak, shut the engine off and re-check the filter seating and clips.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$130 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $45-$95 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.