🔧 Grand Cherokee - Engine Air Filter Replacement

You’ll be replacing the engine air filter inside the black plastic air box in the engine bay. This helps your 5.7L engine breathe properly and can improve performance and fuel economy if the old filter is dirty.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Park the Grand Cherokee on level ground, shift to PARK, and set the parking brake.
• ⚠️ Turn the engine off and remove the key; let the engine bay cool for at least 10 minutes.
• ⚠️ Do not drop tools or debris into the air intake tube or air box.
• ⚠️ Do not pull hard on wiring or hoses near the air box; move them gently aside if needed.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 8mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3" socket extension
• Flathead screwdriver (medium size)
• Work light or flashlight
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses
• Clean shop rag or microfiber cloth

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine air filter element (5.7L V8) - Qty: 1
• Air box cover clips - Qty: 2-4 (optional, only if any clips are broken)

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park the Grand Cherokee on a flat, safe surface with good lighting.
• Shift to PARK, set the parking brake, and switch off the engine.
• Open the hood using the interior hood release, then release the safety catch at the front of the hood and raise it fully.
• Secure the hood with the hood support if your model uses one.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter box

• Stand at the front of the vehicle and look to the passenger side of the engine bay.
• Find the large black plastic box with a big rubber hose (intake tube) going to it; this is the air filter box.
• Use the work light or flashlight to clearly see the top and sides of the box.

Step 2: Clear access around the air box

• If any plastic engine cover is in your way, gently pull up at the corners to release it; most engine covers just snap on.
• Move any small hoses or wiring looms gently aside—do not disconnect anything, just make room.
• Wear your mechanic gloves and safety glasses before continuing.

Step 3: Loosen the intake hose clamp

• Find the metal clamp where the big rubber intake hose attaches to the air box lid.
• Use the 8mm socket with the 1/4" drive ratchet (and 3" extension if needed) to loosen the clamp screw.
• Turn the screw counterclockwise until the clamp can move freely on the hose. Do not remove the screw completely.
• Gently twist the rubber hose by hand to free it from the air box lid, but you can leave the hose on the throttle body side connected.

Step 4: Release the air box cover clips or screws

• On this Grand Cherokee, the air box lid is usually held with metal clips and sometimes one or two screws.
• Use your hands to unclip the metal retaining clips along the edges of the air box lid. They will snap off the lid and swing away.
• If you see any small bolts or screws holding the lid, use the 8mm socket and ratchet to remove them and set them aside safely.
• If needed, use the flathead screwdriver gently to help lift a stubborn clip. Do not pry hard; clips can break.

Step 5: Lift the air box lid

• With the clips released and the hose loosened, carefully lift the air box lid upward and slightly toward the engine.
• The lid may be a bit tight; wiggle it gently until it separates from the lower half of the box.
• Do not force it; check that all clips and screws are released if it feels stuck.
• Rest the lid to one side while keeping the attached hose and any wires relaxed, not stretched.

Step 6: Remove the old air filter

• Look inside the lower half of the air box; you will see the rectangular air filter element sitting inside.
• Note how the filter is oriented (which side faces up and how it fits). Take a quick photo with your phone if helpful.
• Use your hands to lift the old air filter straight up and out of the box.
• Inspect the bottom of the air box for leaves, sand, or debris.

Step 7: Clean the air box

• Use the clean shop rag or microfiber cloth to wipe dust and dirt from the inside of the lower air box.
• If there are loose leaves or larger debris, you can carefully remove them by hand.
• Do not push dirt down into the intake opening in the bottom of the box.

Step 8: Install the new air filter

• Take the new engine air filter out of its packaging, keeping the rubber sealing edge clean.
• Match the orientation to how the old filter sat in the box (flat side and seal facing the lid).
• Place the new filter into the lower air box, making sure:
  • The edges sit flat all the way around.
  • The rubber seal is fully seated and not twisted or folded.
• Run your fingers around the perimeter to confirm there are no gaps. Gaps let in dirty, unfiltered air.

Step 9: Reinstall the air box lid

• Lower the air box lid back into position, lining it up with the lower half of the box and the new filter.
• Make sure the lid edge sits inside the grooves of the lower box and does not pinch the filter.
• Press down on the lid gently to seat it fully.

Step 10: Secure the lid and reconnect the intake hose

• Reattach all metal clips by snapping them back over the lid edge; make sure each clicks into place.
• If you removed any screws or bolts, install them now using the 8mm socket and ratchet and snug them down. Torque to 3-5 Nm (2-4 ft-lbs)—just hand snug, not very tight.
• Slide the rubber intake hose fully back onto the lid connection.
• Position the metal clamp correctly around the hose, then use the 8mm socket and ratchet to tighten the clamp screw. Torque to 3-5 Nm (2-4 ft-lbs)—firm, but do not over-tighten.

Step 11: Final checks and reassembly

• Double-check:
  • All clips are locked.
  • All screws/bolts you removed are reinstalled.
  • The intake hose is fully seated and the clamp is tight.
• If you removed an engine cover, press it back into place until all mounting points snap in.
• Remove any tools and rags from the engine bay.
• Lower the hood securely.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for a minute; listen for any unusual hissing sounds near the air box, which could indicate a loose hose or poor lid seal.
• Blip the throttle gently from inside the vehicle and confirm there are no strange intake noises.
• No warning lights or reset procedures are normally required for an engine air filter change on this Grand Cherokee.
• Check the air filter again at your next oil change to see how quickly it gets dirty based on your driving conditions.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $70-$120 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $20-$45 (parts only)

You Save: $50-$75 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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