🔧 Accord - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Your Accord’s engine air filter sits in the air box and keeps dust/debris out of the engine. Replacing it restores airflow, helps fuel economy, and can prevent drivability issues from a clogged filter.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.1-0.25 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work with the engine off and cool to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of moving parts; don’t start the engine with the air box open.
• ⚠️ Don’t drop debris into the intake snorkel (the air tube opening).
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Flat trim tool
• Shop towel
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• 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 P.
• Pop the hood and support it with the prop rod.
• Locate the air box: a black plastic box on the driver side of the engine bay with a large intake tube attached.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the air filter housing

• Use a flashlight to look at the air box cover and find the clips and/or screws holding the top on.
• If your air box has screws, use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to loosen/remove them.
• If your air box uses metal clips, pop them open by hand; if tight, gently help with a flat trim tool. Don’t pry hard—plastic can crack.

Step 2: Remove the old filter

• Lift the top of the air box enough to access the filter (you usually don’t need to remove the whole lid).
• Pull the old filter straight out by hand and keep it level so dirt doesn’t spill.

Step 3: Clean the air box sealing surface

• Use a shop towel to wipe out loose dust inside the lower air box.
• Wipe the rim where the filter seals to the box. This helps prevent unfiltered air leaks.
• Do not use compressed air aimed toward the intake opening. Dust can be pushed into the engine.

Step 4: Install the new filter

• Install the new filter into the lower air box by hand.
• Make sure it sits flat and fully into its “track” all the way around.
• If the filter has an “UP” mark, ensure it faces up.

Step 5: Re-secure the air box

• Lower the air box lid and confirm it’s seated evenly.
• Re-latch the clips by hand, or reinstall screws using a Phillips #2 screwdriver until snug. Snug, not gorilla-tight.
• Do a quick visual check that no tools or rags are left in the engine bay.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and listen for any loud hissing/whistling that could indicate the air box isn’t sealed.
• If the check engine light comes on (rare for this job), recheck that the air box lid is fully seated and clipped/screwed down.
• Write down the mileage/date so you know when it was last replaced.

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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 0.2-0.5 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.