How to Replace the Engine Air Filter on a 2019-2026 GMC Sierra 1500 (Engine: V6 4.3L | Body: Standard Cab Pickup)
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, safety tips, and quick install checks
How to Replace the Engine Air Filter on a 2019-2026 GMC Sierra 1500 (Engine: V6 4.3L | Body: Standard Cab Pickup)
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, safety tips, and quick install checks for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
🔧 Engine Air Filter - Replacement
Your Sierra’s engine air filter keeps dirt and dust out of the intake system. Replacing it on time helps airflow stay strong and can protect the turbo engine from contamination.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.2-0.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- Turn the engine off and let it cool before opening the air box.
- Make sure the air filter cover clips are fully released before lifting the housing.
- Keep loose dirt out of the intake tube and air box.
- No battery disconnect is required for this repair.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Trim clip removal tool
- Clean microfiber towel
- Safety glasses
- Mechanic gloves
🔩 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.
- Open the hood and secure it fully.
- Let the engine cool if it was recently driven.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open the air box
- Locate the black air filter housing on the top of the engine bay.
- Use a flat blade screwdriver if any retaining tabs need gentle help releasing.
- Release the air box cover clips with your hands or a trim clip removal tool.
- Do not force the lid.
Step 2: Lift the cover
- Lift the air box cover slowly and straight up.
- If the intake tube is attached tightly, wiggle the cover slightly while lifting.
- Set the cover aside without stressing any hose or sensor wire.
Step 3: Remove the old filter
- Pull the old engine air filter straight out of the housing.
- Check for leaves, sand, or debris inside the air box.
- Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe the inside of the housing if needed.
Step 4: Install the new filter
- Place the new engine air filter into the housing in the same orientation as the old one.
- Make sure the rubber seal sits flat all the way around.
- A crooked seal can let dirty air in.
Step 5: Close and secure the air box
- Reinstall the cover and line up the edges with the lower housing.
- Use your hands to press the cover fully into place.
- Lock all clips back down until they snap securely.
- There is no torque spec for the air box clips.
✅ After Repair
- Start the engine and listen for any hissing or unsealed air box sounds.
- Look around the air box to confirm the cover is seated evenly.
- Make sure no tools or rags were left in the engine bay.
💰 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 0.2-0.5 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.
Guide for Engine Air Filter replace for these GMC vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 6 3.0L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 6 3.0L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 6 3.0L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 6 3.0L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 6 3.0L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 6.2L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V6 4.3L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V6 4.3L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 6 3.0L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 6.2L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V6 4.3L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V6 4.3L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 6 3.0L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 6.2L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | Inline 4 2.7L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V6 4.3L | Extended Cab Pickup |
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V6 4.3L | Standard Cab Pickup |
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 | - | V8 5.3L | Standard Cab Pickup |


















