Replacing Your Mitsubishi Air Filter: Everything You Need to Know
The engine and cabin air filters in your Mitsubishi go bad, and the ride you love won't run right. That's because the filters help prevent airborne contaminants getting into the engine and heating and AC systems and causing all kinds of problems. Simply put, the filters help the engine and HVAC work as well as they can, for as long as they can, keeping repair costs down in the meantime.
If you're wondering how to diagnose a faulty air filter, it's a good thing you came to us here at Mitsubishi Motors North America for advice. Here's everything you need to know -- most importantly:
- How to change both the engine and the cabin filter in your car, truck, or SUV when it's time
- How best to take care of the filters in the long run
- What changing air filters might cost you, if you have the job done at a Mitsubishi dealership
Signs of a Defective Air Filter
In both cases, the most obvious symptom is restricted airflow. A failing engine air filter, however, you'll know from:
- Check Engine light flashing on the dash
- The engine misfiring and losing power
- Having trouble speeding up
- Black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe
A cabin air filter gone bad, you'll know from:
- Air quality in-cabin worsening; things starting to smell dirty or stale
- The engine starting to work harder than it should
- Mulfunctoning heating and AC
How to Replace the Air Filter in a Mitsubishi (Plus, Care and Maintenance)
1. Gather Supplies
First, grab some protective gloves and goggles (or a face mask). Then, pull together a screwdriver and wrench, a soft-bristle brush, an old toothbrush, some spray air filter cleaner (or a combo of water, laundry detergent/dish soap, and a spray bottle), a trash can (or trash bag), specialty oil (if any of your air filters are oil-coated), and a vacuum. Have source of running water (e.g., a garden hose or faucet) handy, and plan to do any filter cleaning on a reliable work surface.
2. Take the Old Air Filters Out
You can find the engine air filter on top of the engine (or on the side of it), in most cases. The cabin air filter, you can right behind the glove compartment, usually. Consult your owner's manual for more specific locations, though; they can vary by Mitsubishi model.
To take out the engine filter, first, pop the hood, find the top of the filter's housing, and remove it. To take out the cabin filter, first, open the glove compartment, find the pin and screw that hold it up, remove them, lower the compartment, and pull off the filter cover. Use the screwdriver and/or wrench as needed.
3. Clean and Dry the Filters
If you're just doing filter maintenance, shake as much dirt and debris as you can out of each filter, and do it over the trash can or bag. Vacuum out any crud that remains. Then, spray the filters with the cleaner, letting it sit a couple minutes afterward. Now, using the soft brush, scrub the filters gently but firmly (using the toothbrush to get into any crevices). Finally, rinse the cleaning solution off completely in running water source. (Keep the water pressure low to avoid damaging the filters.) Dump out any excess water and set the filters aside to drip-dry. Note: if you have oil-coated filters, apply specialty oil to them evenly and let them absorb it for a few minutes.
4. Put the Filters Back in
Use your hand tools to reassemble everything just the way it was. If you're unsure of how to go about any of this, you can always get the job done at a Mitsubishi service center.
What's most important: if your owner's manual has more specific directions for air filter removal, cleaning, and replacement than these, follow them closely.
Mitsubishi Air Filter Replacement Costs on Average
According to recent RepairPal data, you might be looking at paying anywhere from $60 to $80. That can vary by model, though. For example, Mitsubishi Outlander air filter replacement might run more like $50 to $60 or so. Other models and average pricing for replacement from RepairPal include:
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: just over $40 to around $55
- Mitsubishi Lancer: $40 or $50
- Mitsubishi Mirage: a little over $50 to $60 plus
- Mitsubishi Eclipse: around $55 minimum, and sometimes, up to $70
It's critical that you use OEM replacement air filters for your Mitsubishi, too, and not aftermarket. They'll be up to manufacturer specs, they'll fit and work right the first time, and most come with warranty coverage. Aftermarket air filters like those from K&N, Bosch, AEM, BMC, Hengst, and other brands can be costlier, and they can have serious downsides compared to using stock air filters -- the worst of which is that using them may void your factory warranty, putting you on the hook for repairs otherwise covered down the road.
Shop OEM Air Filters Online at Mitsubishi Motors North America
We've got the replacements you've been looking for. Best of all, they're competitively priced. Order now; you'll get fast shipping right to your door, anywhere in the US. Contact us with any questions.