🔧 Traverse - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Your Traverse’s engine air filter sits in the air box and keeps dust/debris from entering the engine. Replacing it helps maintain smooth performance and fuel economy, and it’s one of the easiest maintenance items you can do.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool so you don’t touch hot parts.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of 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.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight
• Phillips screwdriver
• 8mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet

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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 make sure you have good lighting over the engine bay.
• If you’re unsure where it is: the air filter is inside the black plastic “air box” connected to the intake tube. (The intake tube is the large plastic tube that carries air to the engine.)

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter housing

• Use a flashlight to find the large black plastic air box in the engine bay.
• Look for metal clips and/or small screws around the edge where the lid meets the lower half.

Step 2: Open the air box

• If equipped with clips: release them by hand while wearing nitrile gloves.
• If equipped with screws: loosen them using an 8mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet (or use a Phillips screwdriver if your housing uses Phillips screws).
• Lift the air box lid up enough to remove the filter. Don’t force it—check for missed clips.

Step 3: Remove the old filter

• Pull the old filter straight out by hand.
• Use a flashlight to look inside the lower air box for leaves or dirt.
• If you see loose debris, remove it by hand with nitrile gloves. Don’t let dirt fall into the intake tube.

Step 4: Install the new filter (correct direction)

• Compare the new filter to the old one to confirm the same shape.
• Place the new filter into the lower air box so it sits flat all the way around.
• Make sure the rubber seal (if equipped) is fully seated—no gaps.

Step 5: Close and secure the air box

• Lower the lid back into place, aligning the tabs/edges.
• Re-latch the clips by hand, or tighten screws using the 8mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet (or Phillips screwdriver).
• Confirm the lid is evenly closed on all sides. An uneven lid can cause unfiltered air leaks.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 15–30 seconds.
• Listen for any hissing/whistling near the air box (that can mean the lid isn’t sealed).
• Do a quick final check that all clips/screws are secured and nothing is left in the engine bay.

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💰 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.

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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.