🔧 TLX - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Replacing your engine air filter keeps dirt out of the engine and helps maintain smooth power and fuel economy. On your TLX, the filter sits in a black plastic air box in the engine bay and is designed to be a simple, no-jack DIY job.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns from hot parts.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers and tools clear of the radiator fan area; fans can turn on unexpectedly.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine with the air filter removed; it can suck in dirt.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat trim tool
• Shop towel
• 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, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob from the vehicle area.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool for 10–15 minutes if it was running.
• Have a flashlight ready; clips hide in shadows.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter box

• Use a flashlight and look for the large black plastic box connected to the intake tube (the tube that leads toward the engine).
• Wipe loose dust off the top using a shop towel so dirt doesn’t fall inside when opened.

Step 2: Release the air box clips/fasteners

• Most TLX air boxes use metal spring clips; some may also have a screw-type fastener.
• If you see metal clips: use a flat trim tool to gently pry each clip open. (A trim tool is a plastic pry tool that helps prevent breaking clips.)
• If you see a screw fastener: loosen it with a Phillips screwdriver (do not remove it completely unless it comes out easily).
• Wear nitrile gloves to improve grip and keep oil/dirt off the new filter.

Step 3: Open the air box

• Lift the air box lid straight up with your hands.
• If it feels stuck, check for one more clip/fastener before forcing it.
• Don’t yank the intake tube; plastic can crack.

Step 4: Remove the old air filter

• Pull the filter straight up and out by hand.
• Use a flashlight to look inside the lower air box for leaves or heavy dirt.

Step 5: Clean the air box sealing surface

• Use a shop towel to wipe the inside edges where the filter seals.
• Do not push dirt deeper into the intake path; wipe outward and remove debris.

Step 6: Install the new air filter

• Place the new filter into the lower air box by hand, matching the shape exactly.
• Make sure it sits flat all the way around (no corners folded or lifted).
• If the filter has an “UP” mark, keep it facing up.

Step 7: Close and secure the air box

• Lower the lid back into position by hand, making sure it fully meets the bottom half.
• Re-latch the clips by pushing them closed with your hand or a flat trim tool.
• If equipped, snug the fastener with a Phillips screwdriver (firm, not over-tight).

Step 8: Final check

• Use a flashlight to confirm the lid is fully seated and all clips are locked.
• Remove tools and shop towel from the engine bay.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 20–30 seconds.
• Listen for any whistling/hissing (can mean the air box lid isn’t sealed).
• If you hear a leak sound, shut the engine off and re-check the filter seating and all clips.
• There is no maintenance light reset required for an engine air filter on the TLX.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $18-$40 (parts only)

You Save: $42-$90 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.6 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.