How to Replace the Engine Air Filter on a 2016 Volvo S60
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, safety tips, and installation checks
How to Replace the Engine Air Filter on a 2016 Volvo S60
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, safety tips, and installation checks
🔧 Engine Air Filter - Replacement
The engine air filter on your S60 traps dust and debris before they reach the turbo and engine. Replacing it on time helps keep airflow steady and can help maintain throttle response and fuel economy.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.3-0.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- Shut the engine off and let it cool before opening the airbox.
- Keep loose dirt out of the intake opening while the filter is removed.
- Do not use compressed air to clean a dirty paper air filter; replace it instead.
- No battery disconnect is required.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Flat-blade screwdriver
- 8mm socket
- Ratchet
- Trim clip tool
- 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 set the parking brake.
- Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
- Let the engine cool if it was recently running.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open the hood
- Use the interior hood release, then lift the hood and secure it.
Step 2: Locate the air filter box
- Find the black plastic airbox on the engine side of the bay.
- The air filter sits inside the top half of this housing.
Step 3: Remove the airbox cover
- Use the 8mm socket and ratchet to remove any retaining screws, if equipped.
- Release the cover clips with a flat-blade screwdriver or trim clip tool.
- Lift the cover straight up.
Step 4: Remove the old filter
- Lift the old air filter straight out of the airbox.
- Check the inside of the housing for leaves, dirt, or debris.
- Wipe out loose debris with a clean dry cloth.
Step 5: Install the new filter
- Place the new filter into the airbox the same way the old one came out.
- Make sure the filter edge seats fully in the groove all the way around.
- A bad seal lets dirty air bypass the filter.
Step 6: Reinstall the airbox cover
- Set the cover back on the housing and press it down evenly.
- Reinstall the screws with the 8mm socket and ratchet, if removed.
- Snap all clips back into place.
- Torque to snug only; do not overtighten plastic fasteners.
Step 7: Final check
- Make sure the cover is fully seated and all clips are locked.
- Close the hood.
- Start the engine and listen for any unusual intake noise.
✅ After Repair
- Confirm the engine idles normally.
- If the airbox cover is not sealed, recheck the filter fitment and clips.
- Replace the filter at the service interval in your maintenance schedule, or sooner in dusty conditions.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $70-$140 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $20-$45 (parts only)
You Save: $50-$95 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.5 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.


















