
The air filter element of F3 is located inside the long cover of the toolbox on the co-pilot side. Below is the relevant introduction about the steps to replace the air filter: 1. Remove the glove box and the protective panel below it. 2. After removing the protective panel, you will see a fuse box with six screws, including: two screws under the air filter cover plate, two nuts at the bottom of the fuse box bracket, and two fixed clips at the upper end of the fuse box. Remove these screws. 3. Pull the fuse box downward and remove the two screws behind it. 4. Take off the air filter cover plate, remove the old air filter element, and replace it with a new one.

















I've been driving a F3 for several years, and the air filter location is particularly easy to find. Just open the engine hood, and you'll see it on the right side of the engine – a black plastic box. The box is connected to a thick pipe leading to the throttle body, and the cover is secured with several metal clips. Changing it yourself is very simple: first unclip the fasteners, lift the cover, and you'll see the filter element. Be careful not to drop any screwdrivers into the intake pipe. During routine maintenance, I always check it. If I notice leaves or clumps of dust on the filter, I replace it – online filters cost just 20 yuan. It's especially important to check after driving on dusty roads, as sand getting sucked into the engine can cause serious damage.

As an auto repair shop employee, I've handled many F3 air filter replacement cases. It's consistently positioned on the right side of the engine compartment, near the battery. The black square plastic housing has a distinct air intake pipe connection and is typically secured with three clips. We recommend checking it during every maintenance service - coastal areas' high humidity can cause caking, while northern regions' spring willow catkins often lead to clogging. For DIY replacement, note two key points: first, use a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry open the clips; second, clean accumulated dust at the base before installing the new filter. Pay close attention to aligning the filter's serrated pattern correctly, as improper orientation will affect air intake efficiency.

My F3 just had its air filter replaced. This component is located inside the black rectangular box on the right side of the engine bay, easily reachable by hand. The box cover is secured with two semi-circular clips—just flip them upward to open. During one session, I discovered the filter was chewed through by rats, and the mechanic warned that debris could remain in the intake ducts. If doing it yourself, prepare a new filter and ensure the model is correct. Before removal, it's safest to let the engine cool for at least half an hour after turning off. When cleaning the box, avoid rinsing with water—just wipe it down with a damp cloth. During reinstallation, align the clips with their slots and listen for the click to confirm they're securely fastened.

The F3 owner's manual clearly indicates the air filter location: inside the plastic air collector box on the right side of the engine compartment. After opening the hood, the black box with pipes at the upper right facing the front of the car is it. I was hesitant to use force during my first replacement, but later found the clips are quite sturdy—just press down with your thumb to open it. If the filter element turns black and hard, it needs replacement, typically checked every 10,000 kilometers. A handy tip: Before closing the lid after replacing the filter, use a flashlight to check the bottom of the box for debris like stones to prevent obstruction and ensure optimal air intake.

Last week, I helped a friend replace the air filter on his F3. The location is quite straightforward: there's a palm-sized black box on the right side of the engine bay, connected to a rubber as thick as a wrist. The cover is secured by four elastic clips that can be pried open with just a fingernail. I remember once seeing a filter completely clogged with oil residue, which was caused by engine blow-by. It's recommended to check it monthly, especially after long trips. The most crucial part of DIY replacement is ensuring the filter edges are smoothed out during installation, making sure the sealing ring is fully pressed into the groove. Otherwise, dust can sneak into the engine through gaps. Air filters are cheap to buy online—just avoid no-name brands.


