Replacing the Engine Air Filter

[chadhgraves]

I want to change my engine air filter and could use a little guidance. My manual says to use GM Part No. 88969107. Typed it into Amazon and found the AC Delco replacement filter. http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...X0DER So, I'll order that and it's good enough for me. Not looking for any upgrades or mods, just a new, stock, engine air filter. Now for a few questions. Where is the engine air filter located. I'm assuming it's in the air intake "plastic box" directly to the right of the engine when you're looking at it from the front. Do I just pop the top off it and pull the old one out and put the new one in the same way?I've been coming across posts about oiling your filter. That doesn't apply to a stock engine air filter, does it? I assume it's a paper type filter from what pictures I could see. My guess is that they're talking about oiling an aftermarket filter. Any tips, trick, advice, on changing it I should know? It seems like it an easy enough job. Thanks for any help!

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[chadhgraves]

Never mind. I unhooked the two clips and looked under there without taking off the hose. The filter looks pretty clean from what I can see, so I must of had it replaced at some point over the last few years. I need to keep better records of my maintenance. One quick question, will the filter look obviously dirty or will it seem clean to the eye, but not as effective as a new one would be.

[keithvibe]

When you looked at it was it still in the air box or did you pull it out and turn it over?If you just looked at it while still in the air box, go back and remove it, turn it over and you will see if it is dirty. The intake side faces down on the airbox.It will look dirty if it's dirty. You will have no problem deciding if it should be replaced.

[djkeev]

Agree with Keith ^^ when you removed the cover with the hose attached, you saw the clean side of the filter. The working side faces down and air is pulled from the bottom up. Sometimes the top will indeed look dirty as well but that is only after a LONG time of service neglect.Dave

[chadhgraves]

Thanks for the replies, Keith and Dave. I'll go back and take the filter completely out and inspect it. So, the air is coming from the bottom and out the top of the filter and into the big hose that goes towards the engine? To get the cover completely off, I just need to loosen the fastener clamp and pull off that big intake hose, right?

[jake75]

In the old days changing those donut air filters was easy - now you have to unhook hoses etc. My dealer had a service mailing that included a $5 off coupon for air filter change. I got it changed for $13. I don't think they charged for any labor - just the part. The old one didn't look very dirty - only 15,000 miles on the car. But, good for at least another 3 years now.

[sideshowalan]

The hoses don't need to come off. Just undo the clips, lift up on the other side to clear the hinge, then push it to the side. Snake your hand in and pull up on the filter. Make sure the filter and cover are seated all the way when put them back together.

[keithvibe]

Correct the air comes in the bottom threw the air filter and up into the engine. As Dave has said no need to remove the hose. Unclip the air box lift up it is still hindged at the back. To get it unhindged just wiggle it and push twards the center of the engine bay it will come unhindged. Pull out the filter and check it. When you put it all back together MAKE SURE it is re-hindged. If it is not those snap on clips won't go on super easy and should give you a hint something is wrong. Quote, originally posted by chadhgraves »Thanks for the replies, Keith and Dave. I'll go back and take the filter completely out and inspect it. So, the air is coming from the bottom and out the top of the filter and into the big hose that goes towards the engine? To get the cover completely off, I just need to loosen the fastener clamp and pull off that big intake hose, right?

[Water boy]

You should write the date and mileage on the edge of the filter. Also, I use my air hose to blow out the filter every so often. This will extend my replacement time period. The car is not normally driven in dusty/dirty conditions. I buy the least expensive I can find. Usually Fram from Wally World.People will swear by those "U-oil-it" filters. They usually end up getting oil in the MAF.

[Charles (in GA)]

Just go to the local parts place and buy one. I prefer a Purolator Pure One Air and oil filters.Don't forget the cabin air filter, just above and forward of the glove box also. People forget they are there, or don't know.I take a sharpie and write the mileage and date on the end pleat of the filter when I install it, along with keeping a record in the log in the glove box.Charles

[M1MECHANIC]

ORIELY'S has a oem engine air filter and cabin filter at a good price. Not sure where you read about putting oil on the filter, but will assume it was for an oil and not air filter. If you replace the cabin, just open the glove box, sqeeze on the sides and pull down. there is a piston on the right side as the box comes out the piston is the only thing holding it on still. just pry it off towards the left it clips in a hole on the piston. Then there are two clips on the top of the filter box one on each end on the top just lift the taps up and open the box and slid the filter out. If its had to pull out take a flat ruler and slid it under the filter side to side as you pull it out. If its never been changed the filter may have started to come seperated from the frame and dangle down causing it the get snagged on the inside of the box. Put it all back together in revers order making sure to connect the piston befor putting the gove box back in. Just squeeze on the glove box again to get it back into the opening.Hope this helped out.

[trb]

I'm sure the oil on the filter info is only for the K&N reusable air filters, NOT the paper replacable ones.