How To Replace The Engine Air Filter In A Subaru (Impreza, WRX, STI, Forester, Outback)

How To Replace The Engine Air Filter In A Subaru (Impreza, WRX, STI, Forester, Outback)

Replacing the engine air filter in a Subaru is super easy and can be done with no tools, saving you money rather than having a dealership do the install. The engine air filter is located in the air box in the front of the engine bay. To replace it, unlatch the two metal clips, slide the old filter out, and replace it with the new filter. It's that simple! How often should you replace it? It depends on driving conditions. It's a good idea to periodically check the air filter to see if it needs replacing.

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[supaflylob]

changed my own air filter

now im a mechanic

[andreyevt]

Thank you! Subaru told me my Impreza needs Engine filter being changed and Cabin filter for $39 and $87 respectively. Now I can do it by myself and save $100.

[Arachne]

Use this video every time they recommend I change it. Never remember how to do it, but search and this pops up. I appreciate it. Lol

[derpydestinies]

to make it easier, there are two pop up clips that hold the air intake "funnel". takes an extra 2 minutes but makes very easy to check the box and making sure no leaves or debris are in there.

[phant]

One thing to not forget: once the filter box closed make sure that the bottom of it is properly closed as well. Some dealership f*ed it up once and I drove around with half the air coming into my engine unfiltered for a few days until I noticed.

[sheab]

I know nothing about cars but once I finally figured out how to pop the hood, it was a breeze! So easy to find and do the change. I followed what he said exactly for my 2018 Subaru Forester and it was perfect!

[tylr]

Lol. PO'd service lady has had it with me. Came in for a Subaru recall, and she tries to pitch me that I need 110 plus tax for 2 new filters and service...I live in Midland. Those filters will be full in 30 minutes. Glad I found this. :) thx

[NiGhtPiSH]

I do most of these small things myself, except oil change, since I don't have a lift, but that's actually good since I can determine what needs to be replaced in the suspension, since the Bulgarian roads take their toll pretty harshly even for a Subie.

[nx]

You just saved me on a $49.95 filter change at the dealer. Thank you!

[strategicbushcraft]

Do you recommend K&N Filters? They cost more but last a lot longer with cleanings.
That is kind of funny how the dealership was going to triple charge for about a 2 minute job.

[jakeb]

Have you tried using a K&N before? I have one on my legacy and I love that I just have to clean it instead of replacing it

[DeliciaTrini]

Thanks so much for posting this video! Took me five minutes!

[benhatton]

Thanks for the video. I've been changing mine every year at March right before pollen season starts and also my cabin air filter. Had to make sure I've been putting it in correctly lol

[captnebulace]

I'm jealous of your wrx hatch. they're almost impossible to find where I live and VERY expensive due to virtually no supply and wild demand

[allanongonge]

What's the difference when it comes to performance between the 16546AA10A and 16546AA12A.

[dominicfong]

The hinged airbox like this is quite tricky to put back on. You have to make sure the hinges on the other side are engaged; otherwise it would suck unfiltered air into the engine.

[THEUrinalCake]

Well this is the first time in 20 years I've ever been defeated by an air filter. After about 30 minutes of fiddling with it, I've opened the air box, taken off the induction scoop and unfastened the hose clamp, but the rear of the airbox won't come loose from the hose even with the clamp fully removed, and there's just not enough clearance to get the filter out/in between the halves of the open box. Maybe they've made a subtle change to the 2019 model or maybe my airbox is just tightened down slightly more than normal, but there's no way I'm going to be able to pull the swap off without unbolting the front airbox bracketry from the fender completely. What a piss off. Thanks for the tutorial though so at least I knew where all the parts joined up. Too bad mine is being a stubborn ass.

[dinobot_maximize]

if you can see a good amount of light going through them theyre good
enough but i actually wash mine anyway after a few months. they're not
made of paper pulp so they dont fall apart or anything when you wet
them. it works well. this way, you dont have to buy anything lol just
keep an extra one on hand to put in while the other dries. same for
engine air filter. perhaps eventually you wont able to get it clean
enough but that will be a while. theyre not 100% pristine white like a
fresh new one is even after a wash but a good 90% like new.

[beenjammin]

If the filter box wasn't properly reseated, could that cause engine misfire codes to be thrown? Changed my filter then got misfire codes from all four cylinders

[bmwmsport]

Damn those Subaru genuine filters are well made. I don't ever recall Autozone STP filters for my WRX ever looking like that.