jfenley

OK, I finally decided to tackle the charcoal filter problem and I figured I would take some pictures and describe how I did it for those who are interested.

STEP 1:

Start on the driver side. There are 5 metal clips on each filter box that hold the cover in place. Insert a large flat-head screwdriver in the space between the filter box and the clip and gently turn the screwdriver. The clip will pop back. (See Figures 1 and 2) Repeat the process for each of the remaining clips.





STEP 2:

Remove the washer fluid filler tube by using a small screwdriver to depress the tab while sliding the spout upwards and off of the filter box cover. (See Figure 3)



STEP 3:

Remove the sensor cable. First, pull back the rubber boot that covers the connector. (See Figure 4)



Next, press in on the connector tabs and use a large flat head screwdriver to help unseat the cable connector, then pull off by hand. (See Figure 5)



STEP 4:

Loosen the clamp screw on the flexible tubing closest to the engine and slide the tubing off. (See Figure 6)



STEP 5:

You are now ready to remove the filter box cover that contains the charcoal filter you are going to remove. Gently wiggle the box cover until it separates from the housing and carefully remove the entire cover. Be careful not to disturb any other nearby cables, etc. The cover will come off completely and you can now examine the filter. (See Figure 7)



STEP 6:

Grasp the filter near the short edge as shown (See Figures 8,9,10) and pull the filter away from the cover. Try not to rip the filter, as it contains granulated charcoal, but don't worry if you do. Once you can grasp the edge of the filter frame, continue to gently pull the filter away from the cover by moving around the edges. You should now have the filter completely removed.







STEP 7:

Once the filter is removed, you will need to remove the metal clips that once secured the filter and now remain on the cover. With small needle-nose pliars (preferably the vice-grip type), carefully remove the clips by wiggling them back and forth until they come off. (See Figure 11)



STEP 8:

Thoroughly clean out the inside of the filter box cover with a damp cloth. If you broke the filter while removing it, be sure to be extra thorough with this step. Remove every particle of charcoal and other debris, because if you don't, it will end up in your engine - and that is bad!

STEP 9:

Be sure the orange air filter is properly seated in the filter box housing. DO NOT REMOVE THIS FILTER. (See Figure 12)



STEP 10:

Replace the cover on the filter box and CAREFULLY reassemble all of the things you removed in Steps 1-5.

STEP 11:

Repeat the same procedure for the passenger side, except there is one additional step. Remove the tube from the air box cover by pressing on the outer ring of the tube connector and pulling it away from the air box cover. (See Figure 13)




The entire procedure took me less than 30 minutes and is relatively easy for anyone who is a little adventurous. The only tools you need are a screwdriver and needle nose pliars.