🔧 Cadenza - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Your Cadenza’s engine air filter keeps dust and debris out of the engine. Replacing it restores proper airflow, which can help performance and fuel economy and protects the engine long-term.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.2-0.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool before working near the air box.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of the radiator fan area (it can turn on unexpectedly).
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• 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 support it securely.
• Use a flashlight to locate the air filter housing (air box) on the engine bay.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter housing

• Use a flashlight to find the large black plastic air box connected to the intake tube.
• Put on nitrile gloves to keep dirt/oil off the new filter.

Step 2: Release the air box clips (or fasteners)

• Use a flat-blade screwdriver to gently help lift/release the metal retaining clips if they’re tight.
• If your air box uses tabs, use the flat-blade screwdriver carefully to nudge the tab—don’t force it. Plastic tabs break if pried hard.

Step 3: Open the air box

• Use nitrile gloves to lift the air box lid enough to remove the filter.
• Use a flashlight to look at how the filter sits (direction and sealing edge).

Step 4: Remove the old air filter

• Use nitrile gloves to lift the old filter straight out.
• Use a flashlight to inspect the air box for leaves/dirt.

Step 5: Clean the air box sealing surface

• Use a flashlight to check the rim where the filter seals.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver only if needed to gently pick out a stuck leaf/debris (do not gouge the plastic).

Step 6: Install the new air filter

• Use nitrile gloves to place the new filter into the air box.
• Make sure the filter sits flat and fully in its channel all the way around. A pinched filter can leak dust.

Step 7: Close and secure the air box

• Use nitrile gloves to lower the air box lid into position.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver to help re-seat clips if needed, then snap all clips fully closed.
• Use a flashlight to confirm the lid is evenly closed on all sides.

Step 8: Final check

• Use a flashlight to verify nothing is left in the air box area.
• Close the hood securely.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 10–20 seconds.
• Listen for any hissing/whistling (can indicate the air box lid isn’t sealed).
• Re-check the clips and lid alignment if anything sounds unusual.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$130 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $45-$95 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.