🔧 Impreza - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Your Impreza’s engine air filter keeps dust and debris out of the engine. Replacing it restores proper airflow and helps maintain smooth performance and fuel economy.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of the radiator fans; they can turn on unexpectedly.
• ⚠️ Do not run the engine with the air box open.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• 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 and shift to P.
• Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the car.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool if it was just running.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter box

• Use a flashlight and find the black plastic air box on the passenger side of the engine bay (it’s connected to the intake tube).

Step 2: Unclip the air box cover

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• Release the metal retaining clips around the air box by hand.
• If tight, wiggle the clip—don’t force it.

Step 3: Open the air box and remove the old filter

• Lift the air box cover enough to access the filter element.
• Remove the old filter straight out (note how it sits so the new one goes in the same way).

Step 4: Clean the air box sealing surfaces

• Use a clean shop towel to wipe out loose dirt inside the lower air box.
• Wipe the rim where the filter seals so it closes airtight.
• Don’t drop dirt into the intake snorkel.

Step 5: Install the new engine air filter

• Insert the new engine air filter into the lower air box the same direction as the old one.
• Make sure it sits flat and fully seated all the way around (no curled edges).

Step 6: Close the air box and re-clip it

• Lower the air box cover back into place.
• Re-latch all the retaining clips by hand.
• Do a quick tug-check: the cover should not lift or wobble.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 10–20 seconds.
• Listen for any whistling/hissing (can indicate the air box isn’t fully clipped).
• Take a short drive and confirm normal power and no warning lights.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $50-$120 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $35-$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.