🔧 QX50 - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Changing your QX50’s engine air filter is a quick maintenance job that helps your engine breathe clean air. A clogged filter can reduce power and fuel economy, so replacing it on schedule is an easy win.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the engine off and let it cool before working under the hood.
• ⚠️ Keep hands, hair, and clothing away from belts and fans.
• ⚠️ Do not touch or spray anything into the MAF sensor area; the MAF is the airflow sensor in the intake tube and it’s delicate.
• ⚠️ 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
• Flathead screwdriver
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• Flashlight
• Clean shop towel

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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.
• Pop the hood and support it securely.
• Set your tools where they won’t fall into the engine bay.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter box

• Use a flashlight to find the black plastic air filter box connected to the large intake tube near the front of the engine bay.
• It’s the box that “feeds” the engine air.

Step 2: Release the air box lid fasteners

• Unclip the metal retaining clips by hand if equipped.
• If your lid uses screws/bolts, use a 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet to loosen them.
• If there’s a hose clamp or small clip in the way, gently assist with a flathead screwdriver.

Step 3: Open the air box

• Lift the air box lid up carefully.
• Do not yank on the intake tube; just lift enough to access the filter.

Step 4: Remove the old air filter

• Pull the filter straight out by hand.
• Use a shop towel to wipe any loose dirt from the air box.
• Don’t let dirt fall down the intake opening.

Step 5: Install the new air filter

• Place the new filter into the air box the same way the old one came out.
• Make sure the rubber edge (seal) sits flat all the way around.
• If it doesn’t sit flat, remove it and re-seat it; a pinched seal can let unfiltered air in.

Step 6: Close and secure the air box

• Lower the air box lid back into position.
• Re-latch the clips by hand, or tighten bolts with a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Confirm the lid is evenly closed on all sides.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds.
• Listen for any whistling/hissing (a sign the air box lid isn’t sealed).
• Take a short drive and verify there’s no check engine light.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $15-$40 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$100 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.