🔧 Kicks - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Replacing the engine air filter on your Kicks helps the 1.6L engine breathe clean air and can improve throttle response, fuel economy, and engine protection. This is a very beginner-friendly job because the filter housing uses simple clips and does not require removing major parts.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool before working near the air filter box.
• ⚠️ Keep loose clothing, jewelry, and fingers away from the radiator fan area.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine while the air filter is removed.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.
• ⚠️ Do not let dirt, leaves, or tools fall into the air intake tube.

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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 Kicks on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🔑 Turn the ignition completely off and remove the key from the vehicle.
• 🧊 Open the hood and let the engine cool if it was recently driven.
• 💡 The engine air filter box is in the engine bay on the driver-side/front area, connected to the large black intake tube.
• 📌 A clip is a spring latch that holds the air filter box lid closed.

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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.
• Move to the front of your Kicks and use your hand to release the secondary hood latch under the hood edge.
• Raise the hood and secure it with the hood prop rod if equipped.
• Use a flashlight to locate the black plastic engine air filter box.

Step 2: Inspect the Air Filter Box Area

• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Use a flashlight to check around the air filter box for leaves, dirt, or debris.
• Use a clean shop towel to wipe loose dirt from the top and sides of the box before opening it.
• Clean first, then open.

Step 3: Release the Air Filter Box Clips

• Use your fingers to unhook the metal retaining clips on the air filter box lid.
• Pull each clip outward gently until it pops free from the lid.
• Do not force the plastic housing. It can crack if bent too far.

Step 4: Lift the Air Filter Box Lid

• Use both hands to lift the air filter box lid just enough to access the filter.
• Do not pull hard on the attached intake tube or wiring nearby.
• If the lid feels stuck, use your hands to gently wiggle it upward while keeping the lower box steady.

Step 5: Remove the Old Engine Air Filter

• Use your hand to lift the old engine air filter straight out of the lower air box.
• Notice the direction and shape of the old filter before removing it fully.
• Use a flashlight to inspect the lower air box for leaves, sand, or bugs.

Step 6: Clean the Lower Air Box

• Use a clean shop towel to carefully wipe dust from the lower air box.
• Do not push dirt into the intake opening.
• Do not spray water or cleaner into the air box.
• Dry cleaning only.

Step 7: 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 sits flat all the way around.
• The filter should drop into place without being forced.
• If it does not sit flat, remove it and rotate it to match the housing shape.

Step 8: Close the Air Filter Box Lid

• Use both hands to lower the air filter box lid onto the new filter.
• Make sure the lid sits evenly on the filter seal.
• Use your fingers to reconnect the metal retaining clips.
• Each clip should snap securely into place.

Step 9: Final Check

• Use a flashlight to confirm the air filter box lid is fully closed.
• Use your hand to gently tug the lid upward. It should not lift open.
• Check that no shop towel, packaging, or tools are left in the engine bay.
• No torque specs apply because no bolts are removed for this service.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start your Kicks and let it idle for about 30 seconds.
• ✅ Listen for hissing or whistling near the air filter box, which can mean the lid is not sealed.
• ✅ If the engine runs rough, turn it off and recheck that the filter is seated flat and the lid clips are locked.
• ✅ No scan tool reset, battery registration, or infotainment reset is required.
• ✅ Replace the engine air filter at normal maintenance intervals, or sooner in dusty conditions.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$120 USD equivalent / about ₹5,000-₹10,000 depending on parts and labor

DIY Cost: $15-$35 USD equivalent / about ₹1,250-₹3,000 for the filter only

You Save: $45-$85 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary by region. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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