🔧 Fusion - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the engine air filter on your Fusion helps the 1.5L turbo engine breathe clean air and maintain proper fuel economy and performance. This is a simple beginner-friendly job that does not require lifting the vehicle.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool before working near the air filter box.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt, leaves, and loose debris out of the air intake tube.
• ⚠️ Do not run the engine with the air filter removed.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 8mm socket
• 1/4-inch ratchet
• Flathead screwdriver
• Clean shop towel
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine air filter - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Fusion on level ground and shift to Park.
• 🔥 Turn the engine off and let it cool for a few minutes.
• 🧤 Put on safety glasses and gloves.
• 📍 Open the hood and locate the air filter box on the driver-side/front area of the engine bay.
• ℹ️ The air filter box is the black plastic housing connected to the large intake tube going toward the engine.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the Hood

• Use your hand to pull the hood release inside the cabin near the driver footwell.
• Use your hand to lift the secondary hood latch at the front of the hood.
• Raise the hood and secure it with the hood prop rod if equipped.
• Good lighting makes this easier.

Step 2: Locate the Air Filter Box

• Use your eyes and hands to find the black plastic air filter box near the front driver-side of the engine bay.
• Follow the large black intake tube from the front of the vehicle toward the engine; it attaches to the air filter box.
• The top cover of the box is held by small screws.

Step 3: Loosen the Air Filter Box Screws

• Use an 8mm socket and 1/4-inch ratchet to loosen the air box cover screws.
• These screws are usually captive screws, meaning they stay attached to the cover and do not fully come out.
• If a screw is hard to start, use a flathead screwdriver carefully to help guide the cover upward slightly.
• Do not force the plastic cover because it can crack.

Step 4: Lift the Air Filter Box Cover

• Use your hands to gently lift the air filter box cover just enough to access the filter.
• You do not need to remove the intake tube for a normal engine air filter replacement.
• Hold the cover up carefully so the plastic tabs do not bind or snap.
• Lift slowly and watch the rear tabs.

Step 5: Remove the Old Engine Air Filter

• Use your hand to pull the old engine air filter straight out of the lower air box.
• Look at how the old filter sits before removing it fully, so the new one goes in the same way.
• Use a clean shop towel to wipe loose dust from the bottom of the air box.
• Do not push dirt into the intake opening.

Step 6: 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 edge of the filter sits flat all the way around.
• The rubber edge is the sealing lip; it keeps unfiltered air from entering the engine.
• If the filter is tilted or pinched, remove it and reseat it.

Step 7: Reinstall the Air Filter Box Cover

• Use your hands to lower the air filter box cover back into place.
• Make sure the rear plastic tabs are seated before tightening the screws.
• Use the 8mm socket and 1/4-inch ratchet to tighten the air box cover screws snugly.
• Torque to snug only, about 2-3 Nm (18-27 in-lbs)
• Do not overtighten because the screws thread into plastic.

Step 8: Final Visual Check

• Use your hands to gently tug the air box cover and confirm it is secure.
• Check that the intake tube is still fully seated and not twisted.
• Use your eyes to confirm no tools, towels, or debris are left in the engine bay.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds.
• 👂 Listen for hissing or whistling near the air filter box, which could mean the cover is not sealed.
• ✅ If the engine runs smoothly and no warning lights appear, the repair is complete.
• 🗓️ Check the engine air filter about every 15,000-30,000 miles, or sooner in dusty driving conditions.

---

💰 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 0.2-0.4 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.