🔧 Cherokee - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the engine air filter keeps dirt out of your engine and helps it breathe properly. On your Cherokee, the filter sits inside the air cleaner box under the hood and is usually a quick service item.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool for 15–30 minutes before working near the intake area.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers/tools clear of the radiator fan area.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine with the air box open (it can suck debris in).
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight
• Torx T25 screwdriver
• Flat trim tool

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine air filter - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and locate the air cleaner box (the large plastic box connected to the intake tube).
• Have a flashlight ready so you can see how the air box is secured (clips vs screws).

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air cleaner box

• Use a flashlight to find the air cleaner box and the intake tube connected to it.
• Look at the air box lid edge: you’ll see either metal/plastic latches (clips) or fasteners (often Torx screws).

Step 2: Open the air box (clips-type lid)

• If your lid uses clips, release each clip by hand. If one is stubborn, use a flat trim tool to gently pry it open.
• Lift the air box lid just enough to remove the filter. Don’t yank—plastic tabs can crack.

Step 3: Open the air box (screw-type lid)

• If your lid uses screws, use a Torx T25 screwdriver to loosen/remove the fasteners around the lid.
• Set screws aside where they won’t fall into the engine bay.
• Lift the lid carefully. If it feels stuck, check for a hidden screw or a locating tab before forcing it.

Step 4: Remove the old air filter

• Pull the filter straight up and out by hand (wear nitrile gloves).
• Note how it sits in the box (the seal edge must sit flat when reinstalling).

Step 5: Clean out the air box (quick check)

• Use a flashlight to check the lower air box for leaves, bugs, or dirt.
• If debris is present, lift it out by hand (with nitrile gloves). Avoid pushing dirt toward the intake opening.

Step 6: Install the new air filter

• Place the new filter into the lower air box by hand.
• Make sure the filter’s rubber seal is fully seated all the way around.
• If the lid won’t close easily, the filter is usually not seated correctly—reposition it.

Step 7: Close and secure the air box

• Close the lid and ensure all tabs align.
• If clips-type: snap each clip closed by hand.
• If screw-type: use a Torx T25 screwdriver to tighten screws until snug and the lid is evenly sealed (do not overtighten plastic).

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 10–20 seconds. Listen for whistling/hissing that could indicate the air box lid isn’t sealed.
• Re-check that all clips/screws are secured and the intake tube is still seated.
• If you had a check engine light beforehand, this won’t usually clear it—air filter replacement is maintenance, not a reset.

---

💰 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.

---

🎯 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.