The air filter is located inside a housing at the left (driver's) side of the engine compartment. On four-cylinder models, unscrew the bolts retaining the two halves of the air cleaner housing; on V6 models, release the spring clips that keep the two halves together. Lift the cover up and remove the air filter element. 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. Caution: Never drive the vehicle with the air cleaner removed. Excessive engine wear could result and backfiring could even cause a fire under the hood. Installation is the reverse of removal. Make sure the hinge tabs on the housing cover engage properly with the lower part of the housing.