The air filter is located inside a housing at the side of the engine compartment. To remove the air filter, release the clamps retaining the two halves of the air filter housing and disconnect the wiring from the Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor in order to get enough clearance to raise the lid. Lift the cover up and remove the air filter element. Never drive the vehicle with the air filter removed as excessive engine wear could result and backfiring could even cause a fire under the hood. Inspect the outer surface of the filter element. If it is dirty, replace it. If it is only moderately dusty, it can be reused by blowing it clean from the back to the front surface with compressed air. Because it is a pleated paper type filter, it cannot be washed or oiled. If it cannot be cleaned satisfactorily with compressed air, discard and replace it. Installation is the reverse of removal. Make sure the hinge tabs on the housing cover engage properly with the lower part of the housing.