🔧 Regal - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the engine air filter keeps clean air flowing to your engine and turbo. A dirty filter can reduce power and fuel economy, and it’s one of the easiest maintenance jobs on your Regal.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work with the engine off and cool to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers/tools clear of belts and fans (even with engine off).
• ⚠️ Don’t let dirt fall into the intake tube while the airbox is open.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 7mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Trim clip tool
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine air filter - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and use a flashlight to locate the airbox (black plastic box with a large intake tube).
• Assumption: stock factory airbox installed.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter housing (airbox)

• Use a flashlight to find the airbox near the front/side of the engine bay.
• Look for either metal/plastic retaining clips around the airbox lid, or small screws/bolts around the lid edge.

Step 2: Free up access (only if something is blocking the lid)

• If a plastic engine cover or snorkel/duct blocks the airbox, remove its push-pins with a trim clip tool.
• If there’s a hose clamp on an intake duct that must be loosened for lid movement, loosen it with a 7mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet (or a flat-blade screwdriver).
• Tip: set clips/pins in a cup.

Step 3: Open the airbox lid

• If your airbox uses clips: unclip them using a flat-blade screwdriver if they’re tight.
• If your airbox uses screws/bolts: remove them using a 7mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Lift the lid just enough to pull the filter out. Try not to strain any attached wiring (like the MAF sensor harness).
• MAF sensor = airflow sensor; don’t hit it.

Step 4: Remove the old air filter

• Pull the filter straight up/out with gloved hands.
• Use the flashlight to check the bottom of the airbox for leaves/sand.
• If debris is present, wipe it out carefully with a clean rag (do not push debris into the intake opening).

Step 5: Install the new air filter (correct direction)

• Place the new filter into the lower airbox the same way the old one sat.
• Make sure the filter’s rubber edge is fully seated all the way around (no corners folded).
• Tip: a crooked filter can cause a whistle.

Step 6: Close and secure the airbox

• Close the lid carefully so it doesn’t pinch the filter.
• Reinstall screws/bolts using a 7mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet, or snap the clips back on.
• Tighten fasteners until snug (the airbox is plastic—do not overtighten).
• If you loosened an intake clamp, retighten it with the 7mm socket (or flat-blade screwdriver) until snug.

Step 7: Reinstall any covers/ducting you removed

• Reinstall push-pins using your hands and a trim clip tool as needed.
• Do a quick visual check that nothing is left loose in the engine bay.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 20–30 seconds.
• Listen for hissing/whistling (often means the airbox lid or intake clamp isn’t sealed).
• If you hear a leak, turn the engine off and re-seat the lid and recheck clamps.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $15-$45 (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.

---

🎯 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.