🔧 Grand Cherokee - Engine Air Filter Replacement

You’ll be replacing the engine air filter inside the plastic air box on the left side of the engine bay. A fresh filter helps the engine breathe better, improves performance, and can slightly improve fuel economy.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 15–30 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🔹Work on a cool engine; hot parts can burn your hands.
• 🔹Turn the ignition fully off and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• 🔹Do not start the engine with the air filter or air box open; debris can be sucked into the engine.
• 🔹Avoid touching any sensor inside the intake tube; these are delicate and expensive.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 🔹8mm socket
• 🔹1/4" drive ratchet
• 🔹3" socket extension
• 🔹Flathead screwdriver (medium size)
• 🔹Shop vacuum with narrow nozzle
• 🔹Mechanic’s gloves
• 🔹Safety glasses
• 🔹Clean rag or microfiber towel

A ratchet is a hand tool that turns sockets to loosen or tighten bolts.

A shop vacuum is a strong, portable vacuum used to clean dust and debris.

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 🔹Engine air filter element (5.7L V8) - Qty: 1
• 🔹Dielectric-safe cleaning wipes - Qty: 1 pack

Always match the filter to your engine size.

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🔹Park the Grand Cherokee on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🔹Shift the transmission to Park.
• 🔹Shut off the engine and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• 🔹Open the hood using the interior release, then the safety latch at the front of the hood.
• 🔹No battery disconnection or scan tool is required for this job.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter box

• 🔹Stand in front of the vehicle and look in the engine bay on the driver’s side (left side when sitting in the car).
• 🔹Find the large black plastic box with a big hose going from it toward the engine. This is the air filter box.
• 🔹Visually note how the top cover fits and where the clips/screws are located. Take a quick phone picture for reference.

Step 2: Release the air box cover clips and screws

• 🔹On the air box, locate the metal clips along the sides of the plastic cover.
• 🔹Use your fingers or the flathead screwdriver to gently pry and unhook each clip from the cover.
• 🔹Next, locate any bolts or screws holding the cover (typically 8mm head).
• 🔹Use the 8mm socket, 3" socket extension, and 1/4" drive ratchet to remove these bolts.
• 🔹Set the clips (if detachable) and bolts in a safe place so they don’t get lost. Use a small tray or box.
• 🔹If bolts are reused, later tighten them to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs). This is snug, not very tight.

Step 3: Open and lift the air box cover

• 🔹Gently lift the air box cover. One side may hinge or tuck under tabs.
• 🔹You may need to wiggle it slightly to clear the intake hose—do not pull hard on any attached wires or hoses.
• 🔹Lift the cover enough to see the air filter inside. You usually don’t need to fully remove the cover; just tilt it back.

Step 4: Remove the old air filter

• 🔹Grab the edge of the old filter and pull it straight up and out of the air box.
• 🔹Pay attention to how the filter is oriented (which side faces up and which edge goes where).
• 🔹Set the old filter aside; you can compare it to the new one later.

Step 5: Clean the air box

• 🔹Use the shop vacuum with narrow nozzle to gently vacuum any leaves, dust, or debris from inside the bottom of the air box.
• 🔹Be careful not to suck up or damage any rubber seals inside the box.
• 🔹Use the clean rag or microfiber towel to wipe remaining dust from the smooth surfaces inside the box.
• 🔹Do not stick tools or rags deep into the intake tube toward the engine; just clean the box area.

Step 6: Install the new air filter

• 🔹Compare the old and new filters to confirm size and shape match.
• 🔹Place the new filter into the air box in the same orientation as the old one.
• 🔹Make sure the filter sits flat all the way around, with the rubber seal fully seated in the air box groove.
• 🔹Check that there are no gaps where unfiltered air could bypass the filter. Gaps let dirt into the engine.

Step 7: Refit the air box cover

• 🔹Carefully lower the air box cover back into place, making sure it lines up with the bottom half and any tabs or hinges fit correctly.
• 🔹Ensure the cover edge sits over the filter evenly, without pinching or folding the filter.
• 🔹Install the bolts with the 8mm socket, 3" socket extension, and 1/4" drive ratchet, tightening them evenly around the cover.
• 🔹Tighten each bolt to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs)—snug but not overly tight to avoid cracking the plastic.
• 🔹Reattach all metal clips by pushing them back over the cover edge until they snap into place.

Step 8: Final checks under the hood

• 🔹Look around the air box and intake hose; confirm all clips and bolts are back in place.
• 🔹Check that the large intake hose is still fully seated and its clamp appears tight (you do not normally need to loosen this for a filter change).
• 🔹Remove any tools, rags, or old parts from the engine bay.
• 🔹Close the hood securely.

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✅ After Repair

• 🔹Start the engine and let it idle for 30–60 seconds.
• 🔹Listen for any unusual hissing or whooshing sounds near the air box, which could mean a loose cover or hose.
• 🔹If you hear anything odd, shut off the engine and re-check clips, bolts, and hose connections.
• 🔹No warning lights or computer resets are normally needed for this job.
• 🔹Check the filter every 12,000–15,000 miles or once a year, depending on dust conditions.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60–$120 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15–$40 (parts only)

You Save: $45–$80 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates often run $100–$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3–0.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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