🔧 Altima - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Your Altima’s engine air filter sits in the air box and keeps dust and debris out of the engine. Replacing it restores proper airflow, helps fuel economy, and protects the engine from wear.

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 keys out of the ignition so the engine can’t start.
• ⚠️ Don’t drop anything into the air box or intake tube.
• ⚠️ 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 trim 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.
• Turn the engine off and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
• Open the hood and locate the air filter box (black plastic box connected to the intake tube).

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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 air box near the front/side of the engine bay, attached to a large plastic intake tube.
• The air box is the “filter housing.”

Step 2: Unlatch the air box cover

• Use a flat trim tool to help flip open the metal/plastic latches/clips around the air box lid (if they’re tight).
• Open all latches so the lid can lift enough to remove the filter.
• Don’t force it—clips should pop free.

Step 3: Remove the old air filter

• Lift the air box lid slightly by hand (no need to remove the whole lid).
• Pull the filter straight out.
• Use a flashlight to note how it sits (which side faces up and how the edge seals).

Step 4: Clean the air box sealing surface

• With the filter out, use the flashlight to check for leaves or dirt in the bottom of the air box.
• If you see loose debris, carefully lift it out by hand while wearing nitrile gloves.
• Don’t wipe dirt into the intake opening.

Step 5: Install the new air filter

• Insert the new filter into the air box the same way the old one came out.
• Make sure the filter sits flat and the rubber edge is fully seated all the way around (this “seal” prevents dirty air leaks).
• If it bows up, it’s not seated.

Step 6: Close and latch the air box

• Lower the air box lid into place by hand.
• Snap each latch/clip closed. If needed, use the flat trim tool gently to help press it shut.
• Do a quick visual check that 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 loud hissing/whistling (could mean the air box lid isn’t sealed).
• Re-check the latches and lid alignment if anything sounds unusual.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $15-$35 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$105 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.