🔧 Kona - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Your Kona’s engine air filter keeps dust and debris out of the engine. Replacing it restores airflow, helps performance, and protects the turbo and engine internals.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.25-0.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the engine off and let it cool 10–15 minutes before working.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of the radiator fan area; it can run unexpectedly on some vehicles.
• ⚠️ Don’t drop anything into the open airbox 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-blade 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, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• 🧼 Open the hood and locate the air filter box (black plastic box with clips) near the front/side of the engine bay.
• 🔎 Have the new filter ready and keep a towel handy to wipe out loose dust.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the air filter box

• Use your hands to release the metal/plastic retaining clips around the airbox lid.
• If your Kona has a small screw or bolt holding a snorkel/duct to the airbox, remove it with a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Don’t force clips; they pivot open.

Step 2: Lift the airbox lid

• Lift the airbox lid up slightly by hand.
• If a rubber intake snorkel is snug, gently help it free using a flat-blade screwdriver (light pressure only).
• Lift just enough to remove the filter.

Step 3: Remove the old air filter

• Pull the old filter straight up/out by hand.
• Use a flashlight to look into the lower airbox for leaves or heavy dirt.

Step 4: Clean the airbox sealing surface

• Use a clean shop towel to wipe loose dirt from the lower airbox and the sealing edge.
• Do not use compressed air that can blow dirt into the intake.

Step 5: Install the new air filter

• Place the new filter into the lower airbox by hand.
• Make sure it sits fully flat and the gasket (soft rubber edge) is evenly seated all the way around.
• If it rocks, it’s not seated.

Step 6: Close and latch the airbox

• Lower the airbox lid by hand, keeping the filter aligned.
• Snap the retaining clips closed by hand.
• If you removed a bolt/screw, reinstall it using a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet (snug only; no published torque is typically specified for this fastener).

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✅ After Repair

• 🔍 Double-check all clips are fully latched and the lid is sitting evenly.
• 🔊 Start the engine and listen for a “hissing” air leak sound near the airbox (a sign the lid isn’t sealed).
• 🛠️ If a check engine light appears soon after, re-check that the airbox lid is fully closed and nothing is pinched.

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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 0.3-0.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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