Replacing
the air filter is a simple and fast procedure.RX300how2
Engine Air Filter Replacement
Difficulty Level = 1 [very easy - no tools necessary]
Start by opening the engine compartment hood.
Replacing
the air filter is a simple and fast procedure.
After opening the engine compartment hood, you will see the "intake air box" on the right (driver's side) just behind the battery. It is big, black and made of plastic. Be careful working around the battery, accidentally causing a short can be very dangerous.
This picture shows red arrows which point out finger latches that can be opened by pushing on them in a direction away from the air box.
The orange arrow shows the intake duct going to the throttle valve and engine intake manifold. The books tell you to disconnect this duct. However, you can avoid the time and effort if you don't bother to disconnect it as shown below.
The path of air flow starts with outside air coming into the bottom of this air box and flows up through the box through the filter in the center of the box and then out through the top of the box into the duct and to the throttle valve. The air filter is located in the middle of this air box under the cover.
View of the two finger latches.
Latches open.
With the latches open, gently lift the right side (as you stand in front of the vehicle) and notice the two separable hinges on the left side of the air box (red arrow). Separate the left side hinges as you lift the right side.
You will see the filter sitting in the bottom half of the box. Here, you see an oiled cotton low-restriction air filter (pinkish) made by K&N.
Lift up the old filter and slide it out forward.
With the small amount of clearance, be careful when installing the new filter. You do not want to tear the paper filter. That will make the filter useless and you will have to throw it away. Don't use a ripped filter. Obviously, you will be using 2 hands to do all of these steps - sorry, I only had one hand free as my right hand was playing photographer!
Oh, and when you have the filter out, pull out any large debris in the bottom of the box.
Don't forget to change the filter on a regular basis for good engine efficiency.
[yes, that is corrosion around the battery hold down clamp - I'll get right to it next!]