Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Grand Cherokee 1999-2004: How to Replace Air Filter

The manufacturer recommends replacing the engine air filter on your Jeep Grand Cherokee every year or every 20,000 miles, whichever comes first. Engine air filters are a cheap investment and you can do the work yourself. Read on for this simple step-by-step.

By Richard Bowen - September 29, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (1999-2004).

The engine air filter is exactly what it sounds like, a filtration system in the intake that cleans the incoming air going to the engine. As the filter grabs and collects particulates, it can eventually clog up and restrict flow. Less flow means less power, and reduced fuel economy. Follow this simple procedure to replace a worn engine air filter quickly on your Jeep Grand Cherokee. It's a necessary replacement that will yield reduction in gas consumption and improved performance. It also gives you a great feeling that your engine is running at its optimum performance.

Materials Needed

  • New engine air filter
  • Cotton rag

Some Jeep Grand Cherokee owners report that installing a reusable engine air filter is not necessary or advisable. These cotton filters do the job no better than a standard paper filter. In addition, there is down time when you have to wash the filter and wait for it to dry before re-installing. But it is the owner's choice.

Step 1 – Access the old filter

Open the hood on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and locate the engine air filter assembly. It's the large plastic box on the right side (driver's side) of the Jeep near the front.

Figure 1. Engine air filter assembly.

Locate the filter box hold-downs: one near each corner of the air filter box assembly. Unlatch and open each of the hold-downs.

Figure 2. Upper right hold-down is unlatched.

Pro Tip

Reach underneath the hose duct on the left side of the air filter box to locate the hold-down on that corner.

Step 2 – Remove the old filter

After unlatching and opening the four hold-downs, lift off the plastic box cover to expose the old filter. Lift the old filter out of the plastic box. Discard the old filter.

Figure 3. Remove old air filter.

With a cotton rag, wipe out any debris and dust from the box.

Step 3 – Install new filter

Remove the new filter from its carton and place the filter, pleated side down, into the box assembly.

Figure 4. Install filter with grid side up, pleated side down.

Place the cover back onto the box assembly and close the four hold-downs. Enjoy better gas mileage and improved engine performance with your new filter!

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