🔧 Renegade - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Your Renegade’s engine air filter sits inside the air cleaner box (airbox) and keeps dirt from entering the engine. Replacing it restores airflow and helps maintain fuel economy and performance.

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

Assumption: This covers the common 2.4L airbox with spring clips and/or an 8mm hose clamp; some housings use screws instead.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work with the engine off and cool to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep keys away from the vehicle so the engine can’t be started accidentally.
• ⚠️ Don’t drop anything into the intake tube (the big plastic duct to the engine).
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• 8mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• Trim clip removal tool
• 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.
• 🧯 Set the parking brake and open the hood.
• 🔦 Locate the airbox: a black plastic box connected to a large intake tube.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the airbox

• Use a flashlight to find the airbox lid seam and the retaining clips (or screws) around the edge.
• If there’s an engine cover blocking access, remove it using a trim clip removal tool (lift straight up after clips release).

Step 2: Release the airbox lid

• If your airbox uses metal spring clips, pop them open using a flat-blade screwdriver (gently pry; don’t snap the clip).
• If your airbox uses a hose clamp on the intake tube at the lid, loosen it using an 8mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Tip: Only loosen enough to free the lid.

Step 3: Lift the lid and remove the old filter

• Lift the airbox lid upward with your hands. If it’s tight, help it along gently with a flat-blade screwdriver.
• Pull the old filter straight out by hand while noting its orientation (which side faces up/out).
• Use a flashlight to inspect the airbox for leaves or dirt. Remove debris by hand (with nitrile gloves on).

Step 4: Install the new filter

• Place the new filter into the airbox in the same orientation as the old one.
• Make sure the filter’s rubber seal sits flat all the way around (no corners folded).
• Tip: A crooked seal can trigger dust bypass.

Step 5: Reinstall and secure the airbox lid

• Lower the lid into place and align it with the airbox base.
• Close all spring clips by hand; if needed, assist carefully with a flat-blade screwdriver.
• If you loosened a clamp, tighten it using an 8mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet until snug. Do not overtighten (you can crack plastic).

Step 6: Final check

• Verify the lid seam is evenly closed on all sides using a flashlight.
• Confirm no tools or debris are left in the engine bay.

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✅ After Repair

• 🚗 Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds.
• 👂 Listen for a loud hissing/whistling near the airbox (can indicate the lid isn’t sealed).
• 🧾 If you track maintenance, note the mileage and date for your records.

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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.