🔧 Forester - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Replacing your A/C engine air filter keeps dirt and dust out of your turbo engine, helping it breathe properly and protecting the turbo and sensors. On your Forester, the air filter sits inside the airbox in the engine bay and is a quick DIY job.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep tools and fingers away from the radiator fans; they can turn on unexpectedly.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine with the air filter removed.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 8mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Clean shop towel
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine air filter - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and shift to Park.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool for 10–15 minutes.
• Locate the airbox (the black plastic box connected to the intake tube) on the passenger-side area of the engine bay.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the airbox and release the cover

• Find the airbox cover and the intake tube attached to it.
• Unclip the metal retaining clips by hand; if tight, gently pry with a small flathead screwdriver.
• If your airbox uses screws/bolts, loosen them with an 8mm socket and 1/4" ratchet or a Phillips #2 screwdriver.
• Clips pop off easier if you push the cover inward.

Step 2: Open the airbox and remove the old filter

• Lift the airbox cover just enough to slide the filter out.
• Pull the old filter straight out and note its orientation (which side faces up).
• Use a clean shop towel to wipe out loose dust inside the airbox.
• Don’t drop dirt into the intake snorkel.

Step 3: Install the new filter

• Slide the new engine air filter into the airbox in the same direction as the old one.
• Make sure the filter’s rubber edge sits flat all the way around (no gaps).

Step 4: Close the airbox and secure it

• Lower the airbox cover carefully, ensuring it seats evenly.
• Re-latch the retaining clips by hand.
• If equipped, snug the fasteners with a Phillips #2 screwdriver or 8mm socket and 1/4" ratchet.
• Even seating prevents unfiltered air leaks.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds.
• Listen for hissing/whistling that could indicate the airbox isn’t sealed.
• Recheck the clips/fasteners if the cover looks uneven.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$120 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $45-$85 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.