🔧 Grand Cherokee - Engine Air Filter Replacement

The engine air filter keeps dirt and debris out of your Grand Cherokee’s 5.7L HEMI engine. Replacing it helps maintain airflow, fuel economy, and engine performance.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool before working near the air box and intake tube.
• ⚠️ Keep loose clothing and fingers away from the cooling fan area.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine while the air filter or air box cover is removed.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Shop vacuum with crevice nozzle
• Clean microfiber 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 your Grand Cherokee on level ground.
• Shift to Park and set the parking brake.
• Turn the ignition fully OFF and remove the key fob from the vehicle area.
• Open the hood and make sure it is securely supported.
• The air box is the large black plastic housing on the passenger side of the engine bay that holds the rectangular air filter.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the Hood

• Use your hand to pull the hood release inside the cabin, near the driver footwell.
• At the front of the hood, use your fingers to move the safety latch and raise the hood.
• Make sure the hood is fully supported before reaching into the engine bay.

Step 2: Locate the Air Filter Housing

• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Find the black plastic air filter housing on the passenger side of the engine bay.
• Look for the large intake tube running from the air box toward the engine.
• Take a quick photo first.

Step 3: Release the Air Box Cover Clips

• Use your fingers to flip open the metal retaining clips around the air box cover.
• If a clip is tight, use a flat-blade screwdriver gently to help pop it loose.
• A retaining clip is a small spring-style latch that holds the plastic cover down.
• Do not pry hard on the plastic air box, because it can crack.

Step 4: Lift the Air Box Cover

• Use both hands to lift the air box cover just high enough to access the filter.
• Do not pull hard on the intake tube or wiring nearby.
• There is no torque spec for the air box clips; they snap closed by hand.

Step 5: Remove the Old Engine Air Filter

• Use your hand to lift the old engine air filter straight out of the lower air box.
• Note the direction and shape of the old filter before removing it completely.
• Check for leaves, sand, or debris inside the lower air box.
• Keep dirt out of the intake tube.

Step 6: Clean the Air Box

• Use a shop vacuum with crevice nozzle to remove loose debris from the lower air box.
• Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe the sealing edge where the filter sits.
• Do not push dirt toward the intake tube opening.

Step 7: Install the New Engine Air Filter

• Place the new engine air filter into the lower air box by hand.
• Make sure the rubber seal sits flat all the way around.
• The filter should drop in easily without bending or forcing it.
• If it fights you, recheck alignment.

Step 8: Reinstall the Air Box Cover

• Use both hands to lower the air box cover evenly over the new filter.
• Make sure no part of the filter seal is pinched outside the cover.
• Snap each retaining clip closed by hand.
• If needed, use a flat-blade screwdriver gently to guide a clip into place.
• Torque to hand-tight only because the clips are not threaded fasteners.

Step 9: Final Visual Check

• Use your hands to lightly wiggle the air box cover and confirm it is secure.
• Check that all clips are locked.
• Check that the intake tube is still seated correctly and nothing was left in the engine bay.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for about 30 seconds.
• Listen for a loud hissing sound, which can mean the air box cover is not sealed correctly.
• If the engine runs rough, turn it off and recheck that the filter is seated flat and the cover clips are fully locked.
• No scan tool reset, infotainment reset, or battery registration is required.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$120 parts + labor

DIY Cost: $20-$45 parts only

You Save: $40-$75 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.