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2008-2013 Subaru Forester Engine Air Intake Filter Replacement

This guide is to replace the engine air intake...

iFixit Library 2008-2013 Subaru Forester Easy 10 - 30 minutes Guide 145236
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Guide overview

Before you begin

This guide is to replace the engine air intake filter on a 2008-2013 Subaru Forester. Subaru Forester manuals suggest that every 15,000-30,000 miles, the engine air filter should be replaced. If the engine air filter is not replaced in the correct time frame, the car will lose power and consume more fuel. Replacing the filter will prevent damage to the engine, save on carbon emissions, and save money. Some of the Subaru Forester models of this generation have a turbocharged engine (like the one shown in this guide), but the process is the same for non-turbocharged models. If you have a turbocharged model with a hood scoop, it’s more important to keep the engine air filter replaced on time since the hood scoop sucks in more debris compared to other non-turbocharged models. Make sure to turn off your vehicle before you begin.

Step 1

Repair step

  • Make sure that the vehicle is turned off before you start.
  • Pull the hood release latch under the driver's dashboard to unlock the hood.
  • Press on the latch under the hood to expose the engine.
Step 2

Repair step

  • Locate the engine air intake holding and hose.
Step 3

Repair step

  • Unclip and separate the sensor and sensor cable on top of the holding.
  • Move the sensor cable to the side to prevent it from getting in the way.
Step 4

Repair step

  • Unlatch the metal clips keeping the holding together.
Step 5

Repair step

  • Use a 1/4" flat screwdriver to loosen the metal hose fastener on the engine air intake hose.
  • Do not remove the metal hose fastener. Keep the fastener on the hose for easy reassembly.
  • Remove the engine air intake hose from the holding.
  • Move the engine air intake hose to the side to prevent it from getting in the way.
Step 6

Repair step

  • Separate the two sides of the holding from each other.
  • Remove the back panel of the holding to add space to remove the engine air filter.
Step 7

Repair step

  • Remove the old engine air intake filter from the holding.
  • Insert the new engine air intake filter into the holding in the same position as the old filter.