How to Replace the Air Filter in Golf VII?
4 Answers
To replace the air filter in Golf VII, first open the engine hood and locate a black box in the engine compartment. Open this box to access the air filter, then remove the old one and install the new one. The Golf VII has the following dimensions: length 4259mm, width 1799mm, height 1476mm, with a wheelbase of 2637mm. Its fuel tank capacity is 50 liters and trunk capacity is 380 liters. The front suspension is MacPherson strut independent suspension, while the rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent suspension. It is equipped with a 1.2L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing a maximum horsepower of 116PS, maximum power of 85kW, and maximum torque of 200Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Replacing the Golf 7 air filter is a job I've done myself several times. First, buy the correct OEM filter online, making sure to match the model year. Open the engine compartment and locate the black square plastic box on the right side of the front, connected to a thick intake pipe. Gently pry open the side clips with your fingernail or a small screwdriver—some models may have an extra screw to remove. Be careful not to yank the cover forcefully; lift it slowly to avoid breaking the clips. When removing the old filter, take a photo with your phone to note the arrow direction. Before placing the new filter, wipe the dust from the corners of the box with a damp cloth to prevent affecting engine airflow. Secure the cover tightly, then start the engine to check for any air leaks—this confirms a successful job. The whole process takes about 20 minutes, saving you over 200 yuan in labor costs compared to a dealership visit.
With over a decade of car repair experience, I consider air filter replacement the simplest DIY project. All you need is a Phillips screwdriver and a compatible filter. For Golf VII models, the filter housing is typically located on the right side of the engine - a black plastic box with clip-on design. Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting to prevent short-circuit risks. When opening the cover, observe the internal structure carefully as some models have particularly fragile clips that require finesse rather than brute force. After removing the old filter, use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly remove dust and debris from the housing base. The most critical step in new filter installation: ensure the rubber sealing gasket lies completely flat and compressed, with the arrow pointing toward the throttle body direction. When reinstalling the cover, engage all clips first before applying even pressure. Pay special attention to intake pipe connections for airtightness. After starting the engine, listen for three minutes with the hood open - any hissing sound indicates improper installation. Recommended replacement interval is annually in spring, or every six months in dusty regions.
Changing the air filter on a Golf VII by yourself is super easy! Last time I bought a filter online, it only cost me sixty bucks. Open the engine hood and locate the black box near the front right of the car, the one connected to the intake pipe. Unclip the plastic fasteners on both sides, lift the cover, and take out the old filter directly. Remember to note the direction of the arrow mark on the filter, and insert the new filter in the same orientation. Gently press down the cover and secure the fasteners—the whole process takes just five minutes. The DIY cost is less than one-tenth of what a dealership charges, and doing it yourself allows you to check the filter condition anytime. It's recommended to replace it every 10,000 kilometers or every six months, especially before and after seasons with heavy wind and sand in northern areas.
