Air Filter on Montana

[shs]

Does anyone have a step by step instructions on how to replace the engine Air Filter on the 2002 Montanas. I checked the manual but they don't give you any detailed instructions. I looked at the engine and can not figure out how to get in there, I opened the two latches but the door won't come out. Please help!

shs

[Glen_T]

I don't have step by step, but I usually loosen the clamp for the flexible air intake hose at the throttle body, loosen the clamps on the air filter housing, twist/contort/fight with the air intake hose/air filter housing cover to remove it, then you can see the filter. Reverse while trying not to scrape the skin off every knuckle....definitely not a slick design integration job.....Glen

[hufhouse]

I would agree. If you are constantly saying to yourself, "There has got to be an easier way to do this!", then you are probably doing it right.

My father-in-law will do anything if you just tell him it can't be done. His daughter (my wife) inherited that trait. I usually whine a little around one of them with the hood open and the filter in my hand and poof, that air filter gets in there. Maybe you know someone similar.

Seriously, though, it does seem to help to loosen all of the clamps between the air filter housing and the throttle body. I think there are three big hose clamps on my 2000. That gives just a little more wiggle room. Don't forget to tighten them back up again.

[shs]

Thanks GlenT and hufhouse for your replies. They definitely don't make it easy for people to change their own air filters... why have they designed this to be so hard to access is beyond me.... Anyway, I did try and loosened the two clamps but the duct didn't come out, I'll try again today and this time I'll loosen all the three clamps and force the duct out and see what happens. I'll let you know.

shs

[1999montana]

I think there is a MAP or mass air flow sensor in between the throttle body and the air cleaner.

You need to exercise some care in removing the two hoses that connect to the throttle body and the air cleaner. There is a very delicate wire screen in this sensor that can be damaged if you are not careful.

It really makes removal of the filter a lot easier if the hoses and sensor are removed before the air cleaner is opened.

My experience; - yours may differ of course.

[hufhouse]

Originally Posted by 1999montana

I think there is a MAP or mass air flow sensor in between the throttle body and the air cleaner.

You need to exercise some care in removing the two hoses that connect to the throttle body and the air cleaner. There is a very delicate wire screen in this sensor that can be damaged if you are not careful.

It really makes removal of the filter a lot easier if the hoses and sensor are removed before the air cleaner is opened.

My experience; - yours may differ of course.

1999Montana is absolutely right. If you remove the hoses, the replacement of the air filter is really easy.

However, it takes three men and a dog to get the hoses back on.

[lightning rod]

I have a 2004. I assume the layout is the same as the 2002

I remove the electrical connectors on the MAF and Air temp sensor
Dissconnect the air line hose. Loosen band clamps on either side of the long hose. Leave MAF connected to air filter housing. The first time you do this,the rubber on the long hose will have welded/bonded/stuck to the aluminum flanges. It will be a bit of a wrestle. Undo "C" clips on the air filter housing and the lid will come straight up , more or less.

Replace air filter. Before reassembling in reverse order , apply a thin layer of silicone grease the the lips of the hose. This will keep it from bonding to the aluminum flanges due to heat. The hose will come off very easily the next time

Ross