🔧 Grand Cherokee - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the engine air filter on your Grand Cherokee is a simple maintenance job that helps the 5.7L HEMI breathe properly. A clean filter improves airflow, protects the engine from dust, and can help maintain fuel economy and throttle response.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 10-20 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool before working near the air box and intake duct.
• ⚠️ Keep loose clothing, hair, and tools away from the engine bay.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine while the air filter or air box cover is removed.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Flathead screwdriver
• Clean shop towel
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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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 your Grand Cherokee on level ground.
• Shift to Park and set the parking brake.
• Turn the ignition fully off and remove the key fob from the vehicle.
• Open the hood and support it securely.
• The air box is the large black plastic box on the passenger side of the engine bay, connected to the intake tube.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the Air Filter Housing

• Stand at the front of your Grand Cherokee and look toward the passenger side of the engine bay.
• Find the black plastic air filter housing connected to the large intake tube leading toward the engine.
• Use a clean shop towel to wipe loose dust from the top and edges of the housing.
• Less dirt nearby means less dirt inside.

Step 2: Release the Air Box Cover Clips

• Use your hands to release the metal spring clips around the air box cover.
• If a clip is tight, use a flathead screwdriver gently to help pop it loose.
• A spring clip is a small metal latch that holds the plastic cover tightly closed.
• Do not bend the clips; they only need to swing away from the cover.

Step 3: Lift the Air Box Cover

• Use both hands to lift the air box cover upward just enough to access the filter.
• You do not need to remove the intake tube for a normal filter change.
• If the cover feels stuck, check that every clip is fully released before pulling harder.
• Plastic parts can crack if forced.

Step 4: Remove the Old Engine Air Filter

• Use your hands to pull the old engine air filter straight out of the lower air box.
• Note the filter’s position before removal so the new one goes in the same way.
• Use a clean shop towel to wipe dirt and leaves from the bottom of the air box.
• Do not let debris fall into the intake opening.

Step 5: Install the New Engine Air Filter

• Use your hands to place the new engine air filter into the lower air box.
• Make sure the rubber sealing edge sits flat all the way around.
• The seal must not be folded, pinched, or sitting on top of the air box lip.
• No torque specification applies because this filter housing uses clips, not bolts.

Step 6: Reinstall the Air Box Cover

• Use both hands to lower the air box cover evenly over the new filter.
• Make sure the cover sits flush against the lower housing before closing the clips.
• Use your hands to snap each metal spring clip back into place.
• If a clip will not latch, reopen the cover and reseat the filter.

Step 7: Final Check

• Use your hands to gently wiggle the air box cover and confirm it is secure.
• Use a clean shop towel to remove any remaining dust from the work area.
• Check that no tools, rags, or packaging are left in the engine bay.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for about 30 seconds.
• Listen for unusual whistling or hissing near the air box, which can mean the cover is not sealed correctly.
• If you hear an air leak, turn the engine off and recheck the filter seating and clips.
• No scan tool reset is required after replacing the engine air filter.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $45-$95 parts + labor

DIY Cost: $15-$35 parts only

You Save: $30-$60 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.4 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.