How to Change the Engine Air Filter on a 2020 Honda Civic
You can change the 2020 Honda Civic’s engine air filter in about 10 minutes by opening the airbox, swapping the filter element, and re-securing the cover—usually with no tools. The engine air filter sits inside a black plastic housing in the engine bay; replacing it periodically helps maintain performance, fuel economy, and engine longevity. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide that applies to both the 2.0L (K20C2) and 1.5L turbo (L15B7) models.
Contents
What You Need and When to Replace It
Honda’s Maintenance Minder will call for an engine air filter change with subcode “2,” typically around 30,000 miles (48,000 km) under normal driving, or sooner (about 15,000 miles/24,000 km) in dusty conditions. If you drive in heavy traffic, on dirt roads, or in areas with wildfire smoke or construction dust, inspect it more frequently.
Recommended parts and tools
The following items will make the job straightforward and help you avoid common mistakes.
- New engine air filter element specified for your engine (2.0L K20C2 or 1.5L L15B7). Use an OEM Honda filter or a high-quality equivalent.
- Clean rag or shop towel to wipe debris from the airbox.
- Optional: vacuum with a narrow nozzle to remove leaves/sand from the airbox.
- Optional: Phillips screwdriver if your airbox uses screws instead of clips (many have metal clips and need no tools).
Having the correct filter for your specific engine is important; part numbers differ between the 2.0L and 1.5L turbo. Check your owner’s manual or a trusted parts catalog using your VIN to ensure a proper fit and seal.
Step-by-Step: Replacing the Engine Air Filter
These steps cover the standard factory airbox on 2020 Honda Civic trims. The airbox is the black plastic housing connected to the intake snorkel at the front of the engine bay. If you have an aftermarket intake, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Park safely and prepare:
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, and let it cool.
- Open the hood and secure the prop rod.
- Locate the airbox:
- Find the rectangular black plastic air cleaner housing connected to a large intake tube near the front of the engine bay.
- Release the airbox cover:
- Unclip the metal retaining clips by hand, or remove the cover screws if equipped.
- Do not unplug or stress the mass airflow (MAF) sensor wiring that’s attached to the airbox cover on some models.
- Open the airbox:
- Lift and tilt the cover back just enough to access the filter. Avoid pulling hard on any attached wiring or hoses.
- Remove the old filter:
- Note the orientation of the filter as you lift it out. Check for excessive dirt, oil contamination, or tears—signs of overdue replacement.
- Clean the airbox:
- Wipe the inside of the lower airbox with a clean, dry cloth and vacuum out leaves or debris. Do not allow debris to fall into the intake tube.
- Avoid using compressed air on the paper filter element; it can damage the media.
- Install the new filter:
- Seat the new filter in the lower airbox with the rubber sealing edge flush all around. Most engine air filters are not directional; if your filter is marked “UP” or has arrows, follow them.
- Reinstall the cover:
- Ensure the cover’s rear tabs (if present) engage the lower airbox slots, then swing the cover down.
- Secure the clips or snug the screws. Do not overtighten; plastic screws typically require only light torque.
- Final checks:
- Verify the cover is seated evenly and the intake tube is fully connected with no gaps.
- Start the engine and confirm a normal idle and no warning lights.
Once complete, your intake system should be sealed and rattle-free. If the cover won’t sit flat, remove it and re-seat the filter—misalignment is a common cause of air leaks.
Tips, Fitment, and Maintenance Notes
The following pointers help ensure a correct fit and long filter life while preventing common issues like unfiltered air leaks or sensor damage.
- Filter choice: Use the exact filter for your engine variant. The 2.0L and 1.5L turbo may use different elements; mismatched filters can prevent proper sealing.
- Driving conditions: Replace more often if you see visible dirt on the pleats, reduced acceleration, rough idle, or worsening fuel economy.
- Maintenance Minder: When you see subcode “2,” Honda expects both the engine air filter and the cabin (pollen) filter to be replaced, plus a drive belt inspection.
- Do not oil: The stock intake and MAF sensor are designed for dry paper elements. Oiled filters can contaminate the MAF and trigger drivability issues.
- Environmental care: Dispose of the old filter with regular trash unless local recycling programs accept them; they are typically paper and rubber.
Following these tips preserves the MAF sensor’s accuracy and keeps the intake tract sealed, helping the engine breathe properly under all conditions.
Troubleshooting After Replacement
If anything feels off after the swap, these quick checks usually resolve it.
- Check-engine light or rough idle: Ensure the airbox cover is fully seated and the intake tube clamps are secure; inspect the MAF connector.
- Whistling or hissing noises: Reseat the filter and verify clips/screws are tight and the snorkel isn’t misaligned.
- Poor fit: Confirm you have the correct filter part for your specific engine and trim.
Most post-replacement issues trace back to a partially seated cover or an incorrect filter element. Rechecking the fit usually fixes the problem.
Summary
Replacing the 2020 Honda Civic’s engine air filter is a simple, tool-light task: open the airbox, swap the element, and secure the cover. Use the correct filter for your engine, follow Honda’s Maintenance Minder (subcode “2”), and inspect more frequently in dusty conditions. Proper installation restores airflow, protects the engine, and supports smooth performance and fuel economy.
How often should you change the engine air filter on a Honda Civic?
You should change your Honda Civic’s engine air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year, but consult your owner’s manual for the exact schedule for your model. If you frequently drive in dusty or high-pollen conditions, it’s best to check the filter more often and replace it as needed to maintain engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Factors influencing filter life:
- Driving Conditions: . Opens in new tabDusty roads, construction zones, or areas with high pollen counts will clog the filter faster.
- Engine Performance: . Opens in new tabSigns of a clogged filter include reduced fuel economy, slower acceleration, and even a illuminated “check engine” light.
Why it’s important:
- A clean engine air filter allows the engine to “breathe” properly, which is crucial for optimal fuel combustion.
- A dirty filter restricts airflow, potentially leading to decreased horsepower and fuel efficiency.
Recommendation:
- Check the filter: during your routine oil changes to see if it’s visibly dirty.
- Consider replacing it annually: as a preventative measure, especially if you notice any performance changes.
Where is the air filter in a 2020 Honda Civic?
And remove the old filter. Make sure the inside of the air filter housing is clear of leaves. And debris. Put your new filter in place making sure all its edges are flush with the assembly.
How to change engine air filter in Honda Civic?
Press down with your hand. And recipip the two metal tabs. Your job is complete.
Can I replace my engine air filter myself?
Yes, replacing an engine air filter yourself is typically a straightforward process that most people can handle. It usually doesn’t require any special tools and can be done in a few minutes.
This video shows how easy it is to replace your engine air filter: 50sHonest FinanceYouTube · Sep 6, 2022
Here’s a general guide:
- Locate the air filter housing: It’s usually under the hood, in a rectangular box connected to the engine intake.
- Open the housing: This usually involves releasing clips or screws.
- Remove the old filter: Simply slide out the old filter.
- Install the new filter: Slide the new filter into the housing, ensuring it’s oriented correctly.
- Close the housing: Secure the clips or screws.
- Dispose of the old filter properly: Most filters can be recycled.
This video demonstrates how to locate and open the air filter housing: 1mOpenRoad GroupYouTube · Jul 28, 2023
Important Considerations:
- Consult your owner’s manual: For specific instructions and filter type for your vehicle.
- Consider your driving conditions: If you drive in dusty or dirty areas, you may need to replace the filter more frequently.
- Check for signs of wear: If your filter is dirty or clogged, it’s time for a replacement.
This video explains why and when you should replace your engine air filter: 1mDIY•BRYYouTube · Jul 9, 2025
