🔧 Grand Cherokee - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Your Grand Cherokee’s engine air filter sits inside the air cleaner box and keeps dust and debris out of the engine. Replacing it restores proper airflow, helps performance, and can improve fuel economy if the old filter is clogged.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 10-20 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Work on a cool engine to avoid burns from hot parts.
• 🛑 Keep tools and fingers clear of the cooling fan area.
• 🛑 Do not start the engine with the air box open (it can suck debris in).
• 🛑 Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Flathead screwdriver
• 8mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• Small 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 and shift to Park.
• Open the hood and locate the air cleaner box (black plastic box connected to the intake tube).
• Have a rag ready and keep dirt away from the open air box.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air cleaner box

• Use a small flashlight to find the air cleaner box and the intake tube attached to it.
• Look for either metal/plastic latches (clips) around the box, or small screws/bolts holding the cover.

Step 2: Unlatch or unbolt the air box cover

• If your air box uses latches, release them using a flathead screwdriver (a flathead is a straight-slot screwdriver).
• If your air box uses bolts/screws, loosen/remove them using an 8mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Tip: Keep bolts in a pocket or tray.

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

• Lift the air box cover up just enough to access the filter.
• Pull the old filter straight out by hand while wearing nitrile gloves.
• Use the small flashlight to check the bottom half of the air box for leaves/sand.

Step 4: Clean the air box sealing area

• Wipe the sealing edges and the inside of the lower air box with a clean rag (do not push dirt down the intake opening).
• If you see loose debris, lift it out by hand (do not blow it deeper into the intake).

Step 5: Install the new air filter

• Place the new filter into the lower air box in the same orientation as the old one.
• Make sure the filter sits flat and fully in its groove (no corners folded).

Step 6: Reinstall and secure the air box cover

• Lower the air box cover and ensure it lines up evenly all the way around.
• Re-latch the clips by hand (use a flathead screwdriver only if needed).
• If you removed bolts/screws, reinstall and snug them using an 8mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 15-30 seconds.
• Listen for a hissing/whistling sound (that can mean the air box cover isn’t sealed).
• Do a quick visual check that all latches/bolts are secured and the cover is sitting evenly.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $40-$90 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $25-$55 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.4 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.