[WhiteyFord]

I drive a completely stock 2007 ZX3, 2.0 w/ 5spd. I have put about 5,000 on it since I've owned it and figured it was about time for a fresh air filter.

I went to the local Auto Zone and told the guy at the computer what I needed so that he could look it up and give me the part number. His computer readout said that the stock air filter was a part that "didn't need to be replaced under normal driving conditions". He said it was good for the life of the vehicle.

This can't be right, even the owner's manual says to change it every 5k, is Auto Zone just retarded? or this there some validity to this claim.

I think I'll just get a performance intake, that'll solve this problem. [cheers]

 

[whynotthinkwhynot]

Ok, here's a kick.... find your air cleaner[]


Follow the air intake from the intake manifold, it will go into a box behind the driver's headlight. Then it turns down, you should see the MAF plugged into the side of the tube, as well as the "pressure tester" which is a green, yellow, red button sticking out of the side of the box. The owner's manual hints to the fact that you have a "lifetime" air cleaner, and you should use that pressure button to test whether or not the filter is still functioning.

This monstrosity is located in the fender in front of the wheel, and it takes up most of that space there. If you jack the car, remove the wheel, and remove the plastic inner fender liner, you can check it out. Lots of people remove it, then place an aftermarket cone filter on the end of the intake tube that connects to the foam filter.

Sadly, I can't say that the Autozone guys are crazy this time. Most of the time you'd be right though [thumb]

 

[WhiteyFord]

Thanks, that clears things up a bit.

 

[RichDDavis]

Yea i just removed my "Lifetime" filter today and fitted a conical filter in its place. just reset the ecu and boom sounds good and a little more jump. good luck.

 

[nardvark]

You may be confusing the cabin air filter with the engine air filter. The cabin air filter is replaced every 15k, according to the owner's manual (I think, this is from memory).

The engine air filter is gigantic, and will probably last longer than you own the car.