How to Change a 2001 Honda Civic VTEC Air Filter

The 2001 Honda Civic, with its 1.7-liter VTEC engine, has a unique under-hood setup. On most vehicles, you’ll find the air filter compartment easily accessed on the side of the engine bay. On the Civic, the setup is a bit different, but you can still perform the maintenance procedure at home with basic tools. The air filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles under normal driving conditions; every 15,000 miles if you live in a dirty or dusty climate, according to the Civic owner’s manual.

Things You'll Need

• Socket wrench
• Air filter (Honda part number 368359 or equivalent)

Instructions

1. With the engine off; open the hood. Locate the air filter compartment in the rear-center of the engine bay, directly behind the valve cover. It is most easily accessed from the side rather than the front of the engine.

2. Remove the seven bolts from the filter compartment lid with a standard socket wrench. There are six bolts on the compartment's perimeter and one in the center.

3. Lift the compartment lid straight up, and set it aside to access the filter element. Lift the filter element out of the compartment (it should come out easily).

4. Inspect the compartment for leaves or other debris. Remove them, if found.

5. Place the new filter in the compartment, pushing the edges down to ensure that it is snugly in place.

6. Position the compartment lid back in place. Tighten the seven bolts with the socket wrench.

Tips & Warnings

• Honda recommends using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. However, an aftermarket replacement air filter should be perfectly acceptable, as long as it’s designed specifically for a 2001 Civic.

References

• Honda Techinfo: 2001 Civic Manual (PDF-Maintenance-221)