🔧 Trax - Engine Air Filter Replacement

The engine air filter keeps dust and debris from entering your Trax’s turbocharged engine. Replacement involves opening the air-cleaner housing, installing the new filter, and making sure the housing seals correctly.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Switch the engine off and let it cool before working under the hood.
• 🛑 Keep dirt, tools, and loose objects out of the exposed air-cleaner opening.
• 🔋 Battery disconnection is not required for this repair.
• 🔥 Do not touch the turbocharger or nearby exhaust components when hot.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Torx T25 screwdriver
• 1/4-inch drive inch-pound torque wrench
• 1/4-inch drive Torx T25 bit socket
• Clean microfiber cloth
• Nitrile work gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine air filter for 1.4L turbo engine - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🚗 Park your Trax on level ground, select Park, and engage the parking brake.
• 🧊 Allow the engine to cool completely.
• 🔑 Remove the ignition key or keep the keyless transmitter away from the vehicle.
• 📦 Leave the new filter sealed until the old filter has been removed.
• 📱 No infotainment menu, scan tool, programming, or service reset is required.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open and secure the hood

• Pull the hood-release handle inside your Trax.
• Release the secondary latch at the front edge of the hood.
• Raise the hood and secure it with the factory prop rod. No tool is required.

Step 2: Locate the air-cleaner housing

• Wear the safety glasses and nitrile work gloves.
• Find the large black plastic air-cleaner box near the front corner of the engine compartment. The engine intake tube connects to its upper cover.
• The housing is the box that holds the rectangular engine air filter.

Step 3: Loosen the housing-cover screws

• Use the Torx T25 screwdriver to loosen each screw around the upper air-cleaner cover.
• Loosen the screws evenly. They are captive screws, meaning they normally remain attached to the cover after being loosened.
• Do not force a screw that is already fully loosened.
• Keep downward pressure on the screwdriver.

Step 4: Lift the air-cleaner cover

• Lift the cover only far enough to access the filter. No tool is required.
• Move the cover gently so the intake tube and attached wiring are not stretched.
• Do not disconnect the intake tube or airflow-sensor connector unless extra clearance is absolutely necessary.

Step 5: Remove the old filter

• Lift the old engine air filter straight out by hand.
• Observe which way the filter sits before removing it completely.
• Do not shake accumulated dirt into the lower housing or intake opening.

Step 6: Clean and inspect the housing

• Use the clean microfiber cloth to wipe loose dust from the lower housing.
• Keep the cloth away from the open engine-side air passage.
• Inspect the housing for leaves, cracks, moisture, or signs of rodent damage.
• Do not use compressed air because it can push debris into the engine intake.

Step 7: Install the new filter

• Remove the new filter from its packaging and place it into the lower housing by hand.
• Match its shape and orientation to the old filter.
• Press around the filter’s rubber sealing edge until it sits flat and fully inside its channel.
• Do not apply oil or grease to the filter.
• A pinched seal allows dirty air inside.

Step 8: Refit the housing cover

• Lower the cover carefully by hand without shifting the new filter.
• Check all sides with your fingers. The cover must sit evenly with no filter material trapped between the housing halves.
• Start every captive screw by hand using the Torx T25 screwdriver.

Step 9: Tighten the housing-cover screws

• Use the 1/4-inch drive inch-pound torque wrench and Torx T25 bit socket to tighten the cover screws evenly.
• Torque to 2.5 Nm (22 in-lbs).
• Do not overtighten the screws. The plastic housing can crack or its threads can strip.

Step 10: Perform a final inspection

• Use the clean microfiber cloth to remove any loose debris from the work area.
• Confirm that the housing is fully closed and the intake tube and electrical wiring remain securely attached.
• Remove all tools, return the prop rod to its holder, and close the hood securely.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start your Trax and let it idle for about one minute.
• 👂 Listen for a loud hissing or whistling sound, which can indicate that the housing is not sealed.
• 🚨 Confirm that no check-engine warning appears.
• 🔍 If the engine runs poorly, switch it off and recheck the filter seating, housing cover, intake tube, and airflow-sensor connector.
• 🗓️ Inspect the filter at normal maintenance intervals and replace it sooner in dusty conditions.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹1,800-₹4,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹800-₹2,000 (parts only)

You Save: ₹1,000-₹2,000 by doing it yourself!

Labor rates around Sonīpat vary by workshop. 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.