Oct 21, 2021
Bronco engines pull in A LOT of air. The turbo that gives sixth generation Broncos their zip is a thirsty component and if you're doing a lot of off-roading in dusty environments, you'll want to keep an eye on the engine air filter. Here's how to inspect it and how often you should.
How often should I check the engine air filter on a new Bronco?
The Bronco owner's manual suggests that the filter be replaced every 30,000 miles. However, if you keep reading, it suggests that if you are driving in dusty or sandy conditions, such as on unpaved or dirt roads, then you should inspect it frequently and service as required. To me, the point of a Bronco is to spend as much time as possible in those very conditions so you'll want to be inspecting that filter a lot.
In our recent trip to Colorado for Bronco Super Celebration West, we did a solid two weeks of off-roading and when we checked our air filter, it was in need of replacement and we were right around 10K miles on the odometer. Now, the number of folks who do that kind of driving are small but if you're out doing what Broncos are made to do, we'd suggest checking this filter frequently. It takes about five minutes and it's much better than dealing with a severely damaged engine.
How do I inspect the engine air filter on the new Bronco?
Tools Required:
Figure 2:
Figure 3:
Figure 4:
How often should I check the engine air filter on a new Bronco?
The Bronco owner's manual suggests that the filter be replaced every 30,000 miles. However, if you keep reading, it suggests that if you are driving in dusty or sandy conditions, such as on unpaved or dirt roads, then you should inspect it frequently and service as required. To me, the point of a Bronco is to spend as much time as possible in those very conditions so you'll want to be inspecting that filter a lot.
In our recent trip to Colorado for Bronco Super Celebration West, we did a solid two weeks of off-roading and when we checked our air filter, it was in need of replacement and we were right around 10K miles on the odometer. Now, the number of folks who do that kind of driving are small but if you're out doing what Broncos are made to do, we'd suggest checking this filter frequently. It takes about five minutes and it's much better than dealing with a severely damaged engine.
How do I inspect the engine air filter on the new Bronco?
Tools Required:
- Ratchet
- 5/16th Socket
- Pull the hood release handle under the left-hand side of the instrument panel.
- Release the hood latch by pushing the secondary release lever to your left-hand side.
- Open the hood and support it with the hood strut.
- Identify the air filter housing cover in the lower left-hand portion of the engine bay. (labeled H in figure 1)
- Remove the four screws from the air filter housing cover (see figure 2)
- Carefully lift the air filter housing cover.
- Inspect the air filter and air filter housing.
- The filter housing should be generally free of debris and dust build up.
- Paper filter elements are usually white or yellow. When they become gray, meaning they are full of dirt and dust, it is time to change.
- See figure 3 for an example of a filter that needs replacement and figure 4 for a clean, new filter.
- Once you've inspected the filter, replace the air filter housing cover and close the hood.
- Failure to use the correct air filter element could result in severe engine damage that the vehicle warranty may not cover.
- When servicing the air cleaner, do not allow foreign material to enter the air induction system. The engine is susceptible to damage from even small particles.
- To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and personal burn injuries, do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
Figure 2:
Figure 3:
Figure 4:
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David in the Bronco Nation Forums
BroncoTroubadour on Instagram
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