🔧 Grand Cherokee - Engine Air Filter Replacement

On your Grand Cherokee, the engine air filter sits inside the air cleaner (airbox) and keeps dirt out of the 6.4L engine. Replacing it restores airflow and helps protect the engine and throttle body.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.25-0.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🧤 Let the engine cool before working near the intake.
• 👓 Wear safety glasses—dust and sand can fall out of the airbox.
• 🔌 No battery disconnect is required for an air filter swap.
• 🧹 Do not let debris fall into the intake tube or airbox.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Flashlight
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• 8mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• Torx T25 driver

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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 locate the airbox (large black box connected to the intake tube).
• 🔍 Quick check: look at the airbox lid fasteners—some use metal clips, others use screws.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the airbox and identify the fasteners

• Use a flashlight to look around the edge of the airbox lid.
• If you see hinged metal clasps, you have clip-style.
• If you see screw heads, you have screw-style (often 8mm or Torx T25).
• Torx is a star-shaped screw head.

Step 2: Open the airbox lid (clip-style path)

• Release each metal clip by hand; if one is stubborn, gently pry with a flat-blade screwdriver.
• Lift the lid just enough to access the filter (you usually don’t need to remove the whole airbox).

Step 3: Open the airbox lid (screw-style path)

• Remove the airbox lid screws using an 8mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet or a Torx T25 driver (match what you see).
• Set the screws aside and lift the lid carefully.
• Torque: Reinstall screws snug by hand (no published torque spec; do not overtighten).

Step 4: Remove the old air filter

• Pull the filter straight up/out with your gloved hands (nitrile gloves).
• Use a flashlight to inspect the airbox bottom for leaves or sand.

Step 5: Clean the airbox sealing surface

• Wipe the airbox rim (where the filter seals) using a clean shop towel (use your nitrile gloves).
• Do not wipe dirt toward the intake opening.

Step 6: Install the new air filter

• Place the new filter into the airbox, making sure it sits flat in the lower tray.
• Confirm the gasket/edge is fully seated all the way around.
• If it rocks, it’s not seated.

Step 7: Close and secure the airbox lid

• Lower the lid squarely so it meets the filter evenly.
• If clip-style: latch all clips by hand; use a flat-blade screwdriver only if needed.
• If screw-style: reinstall screws using an 8mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet or Torx T25 driver and tighten snug by hand.

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✅ After Repair

• 🔎 Double-check the airbox lid is fully seated and all clips/screws are secured.
• 🚗 Start the engine and let it idle for 20–30 seconds; listen for any hissing (a sign the lid isn’t sealed).
• 🧼 If you had heavy dust in the airbox, consider checking the filter again after a week of driving.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $20-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $40-$80 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.5 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.