🔧 Grand Cherokee - Engine Air Filter Replacement

Your Grand Cherokee’s engine air filter sits inside the air filter box (air cleaner housing). Replacing it restores proper airflow to the engine, which helps performance and fuel economy and can prevent dirt from reaching the engine.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.25-0.5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🧤 Turn the engine off and let it cool before working near the engine bay.
• 🧯 Keep fingers clear of the radiator fan area; it can run unexpectedly on some vehicles.
• 🔌 Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flathead screwdriver
• 8mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• Shop towel
• Flashlight

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine air filter - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and locate the air filter box on the passenger side front area of the engine bay (large black plastic box with an intake tube).

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter box

• Use a flashlight to find the air filter box and the metal clips (or screws) holding the lid down.
• The air filter box is the “housing” that holds the filter.

Step 2: Release the air box lid

• If your air box uses clips, flip them open by hand; if they’re tight, gently pry with a flathead screwdriver.
• If your air box uses fasteners, loosen them with an 8mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet (do not remove more than needed).
• Lift the lid up enough to access the filter. Avoid yanking on any attached intake tube.

Step 3: Remove the old air filter

• Pull the filter straight out by hand.
• Use a shop towel to wipe out loose dust inside the lower air box. Don’t push dirt down the intake opening.
• Note which side faced up before removal.

Step 4: Install the new air filter

• Place the new filter into the lower air box by hand, making sure it sits flat in its groove all the way around.
• Check that the rubber edge (seal) is not folded or pinched.

Step 5: Re-secure the air box lid

• Lower the lid back into place and confirm it aligns evenly with the lower box.
• Close the clips by hand, or tighten any fasteners using the 8mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet until snug (no torque spec is typically provided for these air box fasteners; do not overtighten).
• Do a quick visual check that the lid is fully seated all the way around (no gaps).

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 10–20 seconds. Listen for any hissing/whistling that could indicate the air box lid isn’t sealed.
• Recheck the clips/fasteners and lid alignment if you hear an air leak sound.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15-$40 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$100 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.5 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.