Can't open air box [SOLVED]

[jkayca]

So I wanted to swap out the air filter today but couldn't open the air box. I saw three clips which I opened but couldn't open up the box. What am I missing here?

Thanks

 

[Trainmaster]

It's just stuck. Make sure there's not another clip somewhere or hinge pins and gently persuade it. The gasket on the filter sticks the thing together sometimes.

 

[Andy Rubalcaba]

you have 3 latches on the left side, meaning on passenger side of the air box. unlatch those, then, loosen the clamp which holes the air snorkle tube assembly which connects to the air box - I personally loosen the connection to the throttle body section as well, I just take it all off when I do my air filters but that's just me.

anyways, once you have the air tube removed from the air box ( it's kind of difficult to get the movement you need without undoing the tube, but you could find w/e technique works for you once you get past this initial removal for yourself ), simply glide the air box towards the passenger side. there are three notches, they snugly go into little slots on the bottom half of the air box, the top portion has the male end of the notches. it'll make sense once you remove it and inspect it for yourself.

go slow and firm, slide that top portion of airbox towards passenger and you'll have your air filter ready for replacement right there.


edit: you can lift the passenger side of the airbox a little bit when you glide it, but don't go ham with lifting it - it's just thick plastic that the notches are made of, so you want to make sure you're trying to slide it out and not rip it out.

 

[jkayca]

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll try and tackle this over the weekend and report back

 

[jkayca]

No luck. Loosened clamp and tried to remove the air tube. Couldn't even do that. Everything is inflexible and tight. I was scare of cracking something. No give in any of the piping.

 

[Alwaysthinkin]

Any chance you can take some pictures? Remember, everything (latches and clamps) must be undone.

Do you have a mechanic you usually use? If so, maybe that should be your next step. Once you see it done kind of thing....

 

[Hamfisted]

No luck. Loosened clamp and tried to remove the air tube. Couldn't even do that. Everything is inflexible and tight. I was scare of cracking something. No give in any of the piping.

Use a hair dryer or hot air gun to warm up the box lid and the tube to free it up.








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[adamsdaddy]

I have a 2016 and I generally replace the air filter when I change the oil. They say to disconnect the clamp holding the air box to the intake but I’m too lazy. I undo the 3 clamps on the passenger side and then lift up the cover on the passenger side so it’s at an angle. I push The side with the tabs is towards the passenger side, it might take a slight hit with the palm of your hand to pop loose. After replacing the filter it takes a little bit of work to reseat tabs back into their slots. I should probably put some silicone on the tabs to make it easier. I’ve had to brace the slots with a screwdriver as I’ve pushed it back together.

 

[jkayca]

Well I'm flummoxed. Even with all the advice given here I can't get it open. I can lift the passenger side 1/4" once all the clamps were undone but it still doesn't want to move.

I'm due for an oil change soon. I'll just get them to change the filter too.

 

[adamsdaddy]

I sent you a private message with my email address. If you have an iPhone, email me the number and I’ll show you how it comes apart. No iPhone…can’t help you

How to change air filter on Ford expedition

This is how you check or change the air filter on a Ford expedition and many F150's

youtu.be

Video showing the removal of the clamp.

 

[Trainmaster]

If you can't open it, do you really think the ex-con working at Jiffy Lube is going to change that filter?

 

[jkayca]

If you can't open it, do you really think the ex-con working at Jiffy Lube is going to change that filter?

Ha! No. I don’t use jiffy lube or any of those quick oil change places.

But I have managed to open her up. I think a warmer day helped. The accordion style pipe was flexible enough for me to work without worrying about breaking things. I unclipped the 3 fasteners and then used a large flathead screwdriver to leverage the tabs out while lifting the passenger side at a steeper angle then I did on previous attempts.

Total PITA but it's done. Almost as hard putting things back together

Thanks everybody.

 

[Andy Rubalcaba]

it really should be easy peasy, I do my air filter about every 2-3 months because I live on dirt roads and whatnot. here's some additional tips buddy, continue to do things yourself and learn stuff about the vehicle, that's just my two cents.


once you loosen the clamps ( one going to throttle body, one going to air box lid ), wiggle the air tube while PULLING it, you must wiggle and pull at same time with consistent pressure. do the same for the air tube going to air box lid, wiggle and pull. fully remove air tube, put a shop towel inside the throttle body intake opening ( keep dirt and whatnot out of there ).

with the air tube off, get a rubber mallet, and give it some light whacks while pulling the lid towards the passenger side, however if you notice the angle of the tabs on the lid, they are angled so you'll need to have the lid at a slight upward angle while pulling, and just use your right hand to give it a little thump with rubber mallet.

when you put it back in, same thing - keep the lid at a slight angle, press it in while giving it a little whack with the rubber mallet.

this might be long winded, but i just want to give some insight on what your hands are doing and what might help when removing it. what you can also try, is applying a TINY bit of dialectric grease on the tabs of the air box lid, it will make it slide in like butter i'm sure with the aid of the rubber mallet. just a slight coating, nothing big, no gobs - just a little coat with your finger. ( I suggest that kind because it's not messy, applies thin and i've used it to put in tubes and whatnot in other areas and works great )

dialectric grease - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AL8VD2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
( you might find the grease cheaper at walmart or something )

rubber mallet - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KX4KB5M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
( you can get these at the dollar store i'm sure if you don't plan on using it for much else )