How to Replace the Engine Air Filter on a 2019-2026 GMC Sierra 1500 (Engine: V8 5.3L | Body: Extended 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: V8 5.3L | Body: Extended 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 uses a serviceable engine air box with a replaceable filter element. This is a quick maintenance job that helps restore airflow and protect the engine from dust and debris.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.2-0.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- Make sure the engine is off and cool before opening the air box.
- Keep dirt, leaves, and tools out of the intake opening.
- Do not start the engine with the air box open.
- No battery disconnect is required for this job.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- No. 2 Phillips screwdriver
- Flat-blade trim tool
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
🔩 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.
- Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob from the cabin.
- Open the hood and secure it fully.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open the air filter housing
- Locate the air filter box on the driver side of the engine bay.
- Use the No. 2 Phillips screwdriver to loosen any retaining screws if equipped.
- Release the air box cover clips by hand or use the flat-blade trim tool if a clip is tight.
- Lift the cover slowly.
Step 2: Remove the old filter
- Lift the old engine air filter straight out of the housing.
- Check for dirt, leaves, or debris in the air box.
- Do not let debris fall into the intake tube.
Step 3: Clean the air box
- Wipe out the inside of the housing with a clean dry cloth if needed.
- Use the flat-blade trim tool only if you need to gently lift trapped debris.
- Do not use compressed air near the intake.
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 filter seats evenly all the way around the edge.
- Check that the sealing lip is not folded or pinched.
Step 5: Reinstall the air box cover
- Set the cover back onto the housing carefully.
- Snap the retaining clips back into place by hand.
- If equipped, use the No. 2 Phillips screwdriver to snug the screws.
- Do not overtighten plastic screws.
Step 6: Final check
- Make sure the air box is fully closed and sealed.
- Close the hood.
- Start the engine and listen for any unusual intake noise.
✅ After Repair
- Verify the air filter cover is fully latched after a short drive.
- Check the air box again if you hear a whistling sound.
- Replace the air filter more often if you drive in dusty conditions.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $60-$130 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $20-$45 (parts only)
You Save: $40-$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.
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 |

















