🔧 1500 - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the engine air filter on your 1500 is a simple maintenance job that helps the 3.6L V6 breathe properly. A clean filter can improve throttle response, fuel economy, and engine protection by keeping dust and debris out of the intake.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool before working near the air intake box.
• ⚠️ Keep loose clothing, jewelry, and tools away from the engine bay.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine while the air filter 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:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Clean shop towel
• 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 your 1500 on level ground and shift into Park.
• 🅿️ Set the parking brake.
• 🌡️ Turn the engine off and let it cool for a few minutes.
• 🔍 Open the hood and locate the air filter box on the passenger side of the engine bay.
• 📘 The air filter box is the large black plastic housing connected to the intake tube that runs toward the engine.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the Hood

• Use your hand to pull the hood release lever inside the cabin near the driver-side lower dash.
• Use your hand to release the secondary hood latch at the front center of the hood.
• Raise the hood fully and make sure it is secure.

Step 2: Find the Air Filter Box

• Use a flashlight to look at the passenger side of the engine bay.
• Find the large black plastic air filter box connected to the wide black intake tube.
• The top cover is held by spring clips around the edge.
• Take a photo before opening it.

Step 3: Release the Air Box Clips

• Use your hand to flip the metal/plastic retaining clips away from the air box cover.
• A retaining clip is a small latch that holds the air box lid tight against the lower housing.
• Do not force the clips with a screwdriver unless one is stuck.

Step 4: Lift the Air Box Cover

• Use both hands to gently lift the air box cover just high enough to access the filter.
• Do not pull hard on the intake tube or wiring nearby.
• If the cover feels tight, check that all clips are fully released.

Step 5: Remove the Old Air Filter

• Use your hand to lift the old engine air filter straight out of the lower air box.
• Use a clean shop towel to wipe loose dust from the inside bottom of the air box.
• Do not let dirt fall into the intake opening.
• Never blow dirt toward the engine.

Step 6: Inspect the Air Box

• Use a flashlight to check the lower air box for leaves, sand, or debris.
• Use a clean shop towel to remove debris by hand.
• Make sure the sealing surface is clean where the new filter will sit.

Step 7: Install the New Air Filter

• Use your hands to place the new engine air filter into the lower air box.
• Make sure the rubber edge sits flat all the way around.
• The pleated paper side faces into the air box, and the rubber sealing edge must sit evenly in its groove.
• If it rocks, it is not seated.

Step 8: Reinstall the Air Box Cover

• Use both hands to lower the air box cover into place.
• Make sure the rear tabs are fully seated before closing the clips.
• Use your hand to snap each retaining clip back onto the air box cover.
• No torque spec applies because this air box uses hand-operated clips.

Step 9: Final Visual Check

• Use a flashlight to confirm the air box cover is fully closed.
• Check that every clip is latched.
• Check that the intake tube is still properly attached and not twisted.
• Remove all tools and towels from the engine bay.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds.
• ✅ Listen for hissing or whistling near the air box, which can mean the lid is not sealed.
• ✅ If the engine idles normally and no warning lights appear, the repair is complete.
• ✅ No scan tool reset or infotainment reset is required for this repair.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$120 parts + labor

DIY Cost: $20-$45 parts only

You Save: $40-$75 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?

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