🔧 Insight - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Your Insight’s engine air filter keeps dust and debris out of the engine. Replacing it helps maintain fuel economy, smooth power, and protects the engine from premature wear.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the car fully OFF before working under the hood.
• ⚠️ Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the radiator fan area; it can run unexpectedly on hybrids.
• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight
• Clean microfiber towel

---

🔩 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 P.
• Make sure the vehicle is OFF and the key fob is outside the car.
• Open the hood and let the engine bay cool if it was recently driven.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter box

• Use a flashlight to find the black plastic air box in the engine bay (it’s connected to the intake tube).
• Identify the metal clips or latches holding the air box lid shut.

Step 2: Unclip and open the air box

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• Release the clips by hand. If one is stubborn, use the clean microfiber towel for better grip.
• Lift the air box lid enough to remove the filter. Don’t force it; it should hinge/open without prying.

Step 3: Remove the old air filter

• Pull the filter straight out by hand.
• Use the flashlight to check how the filter sits (which side faces up) so the new one goes in the same way.

Step 4: Clean the air box sealing surface

• Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe out loose dust in the air box.
• Wipe the rim/sealing edge where the filter sits so the new filter seals properly.
• Tip: Don’t drop dirt into the intake.

Step 5: Install the new air filter

• Place the new filter into the air box by hand.
• Make sure it sits flat and fully in its groove all the way around.
• Use the flashlight to verify the rubber edge (if equipped) is not folded.

Step 6: Close and latch the air box

• Close the air box lid evenly by hand.
• Refasten all clips by hand until they fully snap/lock.
• Do a quick tug-check on the lid to confirm it’s secure.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start your Insight and let it idle briefly; listen for any whistling/hissing (a sign the air box isn’t sealed).
• Recheck the clips if you hear an intake leak noise or notice the lid sitting unevenly.
• Write down the mileage/date so you know when it was last replaced.

---

💰 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.

---

🎯 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.