The second easiest filter to replace on the 5th gen 4Runner is the air intake filter. Keeping your filter clean and free of leaves and other blockages help your engine perform its best year-round. While it might be overkill, I try to change my filter once every year. For me, the stock intake filter suits my usage case and this is an easy, relatively inexpensive maintenance step.
Difficulty: Easy
Frequency: Every 12 months or 15,000 miles.
Estimated time: Less than 5 minutes
Estimated cost: Around $20
All info is based on a 2010 and up 1GR-FE (V6)
Toyota OEM filter:17801YZZ13
MSRP: $19.60
Special Tools Required: None
Other tools/items needed: None
Find your air intake housing, passenger side front.
2. Release the (4) clips on the housing. The 4th is towards the engine. This will allow the top portion of the housing to be moved slightly to change the filter.
3. Remove the filter without ripping, tearing, or tilting the filter. This is to avoid any excess dirt and debris from entering the filter housing. Now is also a great time to check for and clean your intake housing, before installing the new filter.
In the comparison shot below, you can tell the difference between the old filter (left) and new filter (right). It was definitely not too bad, as I regularly change it and have not put too many miles on this year.
4. Insert the new filter and make sure the rubber ring is seated around the intake housing.
5. Push down on the housing and re-engage the (4) clips. This does not take much force, so double check that the filter is seated if you are having difficulty securing the clips.
And that’s it, you are done. This is such an easy but critical maintenance step which is easily forgotten in so many vehicles today. When the process is this easy, take the time to regularly change your intake and your engine will thank you.