🔧 Journey - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the engine air filter helps your A4 breathe clean air, which supports smooth performance and fuel economy. On your Journey, the filter sits inside the airbox under the hood and is a quick maintenance item.

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

Assumption: Stock factory airbox (no aftermarket intake).

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers/tools clear of the radiator fan area.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine with the air filter removed.
• ⚠️ 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
• Flathead screwdriver (medium)
• Torx T25 driver
• 1/4" ratchet
• 8mm socket
• Shop towel
• Flashlight
• Vacuum (wet/dry)

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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 let the engine cool for at least 15 minutes.
• Have a shop towel ready so nothing falls into the intake.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter housing (airbox)

• Use a flashlight and find the large black plastic box connected to the intake tube (the big plastic/rubber tube going toward the engine).
• Wipe loose dust around the airbox seam using a shop towel.

Step 2: Release the airbox cover

• Release the metal clips by hand if equipped (flip them open).
• If your airbox uses screws, loosen them with a Torx T25 driver or 8mm socket with a 1/4" ratchet (do not remove more than needed).
• If a hose clamp blocks access, loosen it carefully with a flathead screwdriver (medium).
• Tip: Keep screws in a pocket tray.

Step 3: Open the airbox and remove the old filter

• Lift the top half of the airbox just enough to slide the filter out.
• Pull the old filter straight out and set it aside with the dirty side facing up.
• Check the airbox for leaves or dirt.

Step 4: Clean the airbox (quick, but important)

• Use a vacuum (wet/dry) to remove debris from the bottom of the airbox.
• Use a shop towel to wipe the sealing surface (where the filter’s rubber edge sits).
• Do not spray cleaners into the intake.

Step 5: Install the new engine air filter

• Place the new filter into the airbox in the same orientation as the old one.
• Make sure the filter’s rubber edge sits flat all the way around (this prevents unfiltered air leaks).
• Tip: If it buckles, it’s not seated.

Step 6: Close and secure the airbox

• Lower the airbox cover and align the tabs/edges.
• Re-latch the clips by hand, or snug the fasteners using a Torx T25 driver or 8mm socket with a 1/4" ratchet.
• If you loosened a hose clamp, snug it with a flathead screwdriver (medium).
• Do not overtighten plastic screws/clamps (they strip easily).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 10–20 seconds.
• Listen for whistling or hissing (can mean the airbox isn’t sealed).
• Confirm the intake tube and any clamps you touched are secure.
• Resetting anything in the dash is not normally required for an air filter.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $50-$120 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $35-$85 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.6 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.