Headache replacing Air Filter

[Phillip]

Am I the only one who has this problem? I went back about 1 year on this forum, to see if I could find any threads on this issue, but I did not find any!!! The last time I had to replace my air filter, I gave up, because it was so difficult. I remember posting about that a while back, but I cannot find my original thread. I remember someone stating that due to the air filter being placed in a difficult location amongst other engine parts, you have to basically wrestle the top cover of the air filter cover off, and push/pull hard in the process. I recall trying to do that, and worrying that the plastic top cover was going to break, and so I stopped and went to the dealership to have them do it.

Now, I WILL TRY AGAIN, AND ASK IF THERE ARE ANY TRICKS THAT I SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF, IN ORDER TO (HOPEFULLY EASILY) REMOVE THE AIR FILTER COVER, THE DIRTY AIR FILTER, AND THEN PUT BACK THE FILTER COVER WITH THE NEW AIR FILTER FITTED IN PLACE UNDERNEATH?

Thanks.

[Gobird]

Re: Headache replacing Air Filter

Phil, Try this link:

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=19704

[Gobird]

Re: Headache replacing Air Filter

Phil, Here is another link to the "How to Install" section of TBN that might come in handy in the future.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...c&daysprune=-1

[Tbyrdy]

Re: Headache replacing Air Filter

Phil, Try this link:

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=19704

Worked for me when I did it this way...

[Phillip]

Re: Headache replacing Air Filter

Thanks. I can't wait to give it a try.

Phillip

[Peterfurlan]

Re: Headache replacing Air Filter

Phil, Try this link:

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=19704

I looked at this link and If you own a 2002 forget it. All you need is a screw driver to loosen the large clamp to the left of the filter housing. You are now done using any tools simply unsnap the two catches on top of the
filter housing (housing is actually marked as far as location just look down
on it you can't miss it). Just open housing replace filter and reverse the
above. I really can't believe that the 03,04 and 05 would be different but
that I can't attest to. If you own a 02 its easy as pie.

[Gobird]

Re: Headache replacing Air Filter

John, I'm not the author of that post, I just referred it for the person that ask the question. I don't know what the 03 to 05's are like. You are correct about the 02's. But I don't have to bother with either because I have a CAI on my 02.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Headache replacing Air Filter

Yes John they are very different.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Headache replacing Air Filter

Here is an exploded view of the air intake components of the 03-05. Taken from the Ford T-Bird manual.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Headache replacing Air Filter

I'll try again

Sorry it doesn't seem to load.

[5bird7]

Re: Headache replacing Air Filter

Mike, size the photo to no larger than 800 pixels wide or tall and it should work.

[jerrym3]

Re: Headache replacing Air Filter

When I did my TBird and LS filters, the TBird went on fairly quick, but I couldn't get the LS to go as easily.

But, it took my mechanic 60 seconds to do the job, so maybe I was just too concerned about forcing something.

[Peterfurlan]

Re: Headache replacing Air Filter

When I did my TBird and LS filters, the TBird went on fairly quick, but I couldn't get the LS to go as easily.

But, it took my mechanic 60 seconds to do the job, so maybe I was just too concerned about forcing something.

If an 03 T Bird filter change goes fairly quick and a 04 LS is done in sixty
seconds you can't be removing the entire filter housing assembly.

I'm going to try to add the procedure from the 2002 manual.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Headache replacing Air Filter

Yep!
Looks like the 02 filter box sits in place differently than the 03-05.
Suggest that at your next Bird meet those that have 02s & those that 03-05 should pop their hoods and compare. Looks like there is more finger room on the 02s.

Hope these attachments stay hooked on to this response to you. If not PM me your email address & I can send you the pdf files of the copies of the manual that deal with the air filter service, removal & reinstall.

Mike Attached Files Air Filter 1.pdf (68.5 KB, 23 views) Air Filter 2.pdf (6.7 KB, 20 views) Air Cleaner.pdf (8.0 KB, 19 views)