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Lexus IS: How to Replace Air Filter

A step-by-step walk through to replacing the air filter on a post-2004 Lexus IS.

By James Karuga - November 11, 2014
Contributors: TiLongLFC

This article applies to the Lexus IS 250, IS 350 (2005-2014).

The air filter stops the engine from sucking in physical pollutants like dust or leaves, which are abrasive to the engine’s metal parts. When the filter is dirty, air doesn't flow as freely resulting in less power and a rough idle. Experts advise that the filter be examined at around 6,000 miles. Replacing it depends on it's condition, but the recommended interval is after your Lexus IS has clocked 10,000 miles. You can replace a Lexus IS air filter at home or at a garage. When you do it yourself, you only incur the cost of a Lexus IS filter which goes for $7 to $70, but having a garage replace it may cost you an extra $50 or so. This article explains how to replace the air filter at home with moderate mechanical skills and thus avoid garage costs.

Materials and Tools Needed

  • 10mm socket
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • New air filter

Step 1 - Unscrew the air intake assembly cover

After opening the car hood, look to the passenger’s side where the plastic covering for the air intake assembly sits. There are three push-pins and a one flat head screw holding the plastic cover in. The pins are circled in figure 1. Press the center of the pins in to pop them out. Remove the cover to get access to the air intake assembly.

  • Figure 1. Remove the fasteners circled above to access the air intake
  • Figure 2. Push these clips in with a flat head screwdriver, then pull off.
  • Figure 3. Remove engine cover after removing fasteners.

Step 2 - Unclip the air box

There are four metal clips securing the air filter cover to the assembly. Squeeze the clips, and pull them from the cover.

Pro Tip

Be attentive when pulling the clips; they've been known to fall off and get lost under the engine. They're small and plastic, so finding one that's dropped will be a chore.

  • Figure 4. Remove these two clips on the passenger side.
  • Figure 5. This clip is located on the drivers side of the air box under the engine cover.
  • Figure 6. This clip is hidden slightly under the engine cover as well.

Step 3 - Replace the air filter

Remove the worn out filter and insert the new one. Then, replace every component earlier removed in the reverse manner.

  • Figure 7. Remove filter cover and air filter.
  • Figure 8. Clean filter on the left, dirty filter on the right.

Pro Tip

The ideal time to replace the Lexus IS air filter also depends on the environment. If your typical environment is dusty, it’s advisable to check your filter condition frequently. A clean air filter improves gas mileage by up to 14% and acceleration by up to 11%, the equivalent of saving $0.15 per gallon.

Featured Video: How to Replace Air Filter in Lexus IS

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