Toyota 17801-45020 Air Cleaner Filter Element Sub-Assembly

The air filter is located inside the air cleaner housing at the left rear corner of the engine compartment. To remove the air filter, release the four spring clips - two on the top and two on the bottom - that keep the two halves of the air cleaner housing together. These clips can be pried loose with a medium size screwdriver. Once this is done, lift the left half of the air cleaner housing out of the engine compartment and remove the air filter. The filter element is held in place by the friction of two long tabs pushing against its inner wall. Inspect the outer surface of the air filter. If it is dirty, replace it. If it is only moderately dusty, it can be reused by blowing it clean from the inside with compressed air. If the filter is excessively dirty or mildewed, discard it. The air filter is a pleated paper type filter and cannot be washed or oiled. If it cannot be cleaned satisfactorily with compressed air, discard and replace it. Never drive the vehicle with the air cleaner removed as excessive engine wear could result and backfiring could even cause a fire under the hood. Installation is the reverse of removal.