How do you change the air filter on a 2004 Honda Accord DX?

Answer 1

Have your diagram here:

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/PartsSearch.jsp

For 2000 Civic Si-G, the air filter change was a snap. Two claps off then filter comes off. For 2002 Civic DX, the air filter housing unit is tighten with about 7-8 super screws, it was nearly impossible for me to take the top off with my pliers and drivers. I think you need a special tool to loosen those screws. My guess is Honda would like to encourage owners to bring their cars in for service or for some reason they don't want you to replace your own air filter. Either way, I had to return the air filter I bought. I see no reasons the air filter housing unit has to be tightened like that when the olders model housing was secured with two clamps!

I won't try to open the air filter housing again on my own ... waste of my time.

Going back to your qustions about 2004 Accord DX, I would guess you also may need a special tool to get access to the air filter.

This is a great answer, Honda doesn't want its buyers to be able to do minor car repairs and that's pretty pathetic. Changing the oil filter out on my 04 Accord LX is a pain in the butt! Anyway, while it's difficult to change the air filter, it's not required to bring it into the shop. You just have to use a little extra muscle when removing the housing that protects the filter. And FYI, you can buy a Fram replacement filter for about 1/3 of the price that you'd pay at your Honda dealer at Walmart, Target or anywhere else that sells Fram filters.

I just replaced the engine air filter on my 2004 Accord LX and have the following to share: In general, it is a DIY project that with the right tools and a little finesse anyone with beginner skills can accomplish. There are 4 Phillips hex head screws holding the air filter cover in place that are indeed as tight as they could be...I would suggest not using a screwdriver to undo them as they are hard to reach in places and it is difficult to get the necessary leverage...instead use a 5/16 socket wrench with an 8-10 inch extension or a 10 in screwdriver with 5/16 attachment...otherwise you run the risk of stripping the screw cap threads. Once the screws are loose (no need to remove them) you will want to grab the top half of the filter housing on the driver's side and with both hands push fairly hard toward the engine while slightly putting upward pressure to expose about 2-3 inches of the filter. By pushing the filter cover in this way you will not hit the plastic lip obstruction as noted above, however please also note that the filter cover will not be completely off at this point but just enough to reach in and remove the air filter manually by pulling it out firmly yet gently...once you do this the rest of the filter cover will come off easily as the filter in place is keeping the cover snug in its position. Replace the filter and then align the filter cover with the four screw holes and tighten in place...it is easier to put the cover on after replacement but you will need to push with some force to get it realigned with the screw holes. Don't be afraid to push and pull on the filter cover as necessary to remove and replace it as it is plastic but do be mindful that there are other connections around and on the cover itself so you will want to check to ensure that these are all intact and secure once you are done.

There are now several online video sources (YouTube) on this topic that provide excellent tutorials on how to remove the filter cover and replace the filter. With a little time and muscle you can save a bundle on what your dealer or local mechanic would charge for this.