🔧 CX-5 - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Your CX-5’s engine air filter keeps dust and debris out of the engine. Replacing it restores airflow and helps maintain fuel economy and smooth acceleration.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work with the engine OFF and cooled down to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep tools and debris out of the air intake tube and air box.
• ⚠️ Do not run the engine with the air filter removed.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Flashlight

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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 Park.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool for 10-15 minutes if it was running.
• Have a clean spot ready to set the air box cover down if needed.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter housing

• Use a flashlight to find the black plastic air box in the engine bay (it’s connected to a large intake tube).
• The engine air filter sits inside this air box.

Step 2: Unlatch the air box cover

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• Release the air box retaining clips by hand (they flip off the cover).
• Tip: Don’t force it—clips pivot open.

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

• Lift the air box cover just enough to access the filter (usually you can lift it without fully removing the cover).
• Remove the old filter straight up and out.
• Use a flashlight to check the bottom of the air box for leaves or dirt.

Step 4: Install the new filter

• Install the new engine air filter into the air box in the same orientation as the old one.
• Make sure the filter is fully seated all the way around (no edges folded or sticking up).
• Tip: A raised edge can cause unfiltered air leaks.

Step 5: Close and re-latch the air box

• Lower the air box cover back into place.
• Re-engage the clips by hand until they snap fully closed.
• Use a flashlight to confirm the cover sits evenly on the air box.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and listen for any hissing/whistling that could indicate the air box isn’t sealed.
• Verify the air box clips are fully latched after the first short drive.
• Write down the mileage/date so you know when it was last replaced.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$120 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $45-$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.