🔧 Expedition - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Your A/C and engine need clean airflow to run efficiently. Replacing the engine air filter restores proper airflow, can improve throttle response, and helps protect the turbochargers from dust and debris.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns from hot turbo/engine parts.
• ⚠️ Keep tools and fingers clear of the radiator fan area; the fan can turn on unexpectedly.
• ⚠️ Do not run the engine with the air filter removed; unfiltered air can damage the turbos.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flathead screwdriver
• Flashlight
• 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, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Turn the engine off and let it cool for at least 10–15 minutes.
• Open the hood and use a flashlight so you can clearly see the air box.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter housing (air box)

• Use a flashlight to find the large black plastic box connected to the intake tube near the front of the engine bay.
• The air filter sits inside this box; the box usually has metal clips and/or screws around the edge.

Step 2: Open the air box

• Release the retaining clips by hand while wearing work gloves.
• If your air box uses screws instead of clips, use a flathead screwdriver to loosen them (they typically stay captured in the lid).
• Don’t force it—something is still latched.

Step 3: Remove the old air filter

• Lift the air box lid enough to access the filter.
• Pull the filter straight out. Use a shop towel to grip it if it’s dusty.
• Take a second to note how it sits: the rubber seal goes around the edges to prevent bypass air.

Step 4: Clean the air box sealing surface

• Use a shop towel to wipe dirt from the air box lip and inside the lower housing.
• Do not drop debris down the intake tube. If you see loose dirt, wipe it out gently rather than blowing it in.

Step 5: Install the new air filter

• Place the new filter into the lower air box with the seal sitting flat all the way around.
• Make sure it is fully seated and not pinched or sitting crooked.
• A crooked seal can trigger dirt ingestion.

Step 6: Close and secure the air box

• Lower the lid carefully so it meets the lower housing evenly.
• Re-latch all clips by hand, or tighten the screws using a flathead screwdriver until snug (do not over-tighten plastic).
• Visually confirm the lid is fully closed all the way around.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 15–30 seconds.
• Listen for any loud hissing/whistling that could indicate the air box lid isn’t sealed.
• Take a short test drive and recheck that the clips/screws are still secure.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $15-$45 (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.