Ok, I'm a newby here, so give me some slack.
I have a 4 day old HHR Special Edition, and I ordered a K&N replacement Air Filter. I can't figure out how to open the black box to replace the filter.
I can't beleive they made it this difficult. What am I missing.

Thanks,
Keith

 

I can't remember well enough off the top of my head to give clear instructions but if you look in your owner’s manual it gives you detailed step by step instructions on how to do it.

 

I've read it a few times and I must be missing something.
My book says...

To inspect or replace the filter, do the following:
1. Disconnect the MAF sensor, PCV hose, and
both ducts.
2. Pull the entire system from the top of the engine.
3. Flip the system over and place it on a soft,
non-abrasive surface.
4. Remove the screws that hod the housing and cover
together and lift off the housing.
5. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
6. Reverse the steps to reinstall the system. Be sure
to reinstall the housing tightly.

Q? I have no idea what a MAF sensor is?
Q? I see two pipes going into the large black plastic unit with hose clamps that are a little difficult to get to. I assume I unscrew those?
Q? Does this whole unit pop off? or is there a place where it opens to get to the filter.

thanks,
Keith

 

Keith, the MAF sensor is at the front side of the filter box. Standing in front of the car it's just behind the radiator support. The sensor to disconnect is on your right side where the box connects to a rubber elbow. Loosen the hose clamp at that elbow and box. The hose at the fender just pops out. And the box pops off the motor, you can take the oil filler cap off for a little clearance. Then when it's off and turned over you should see screws to take it apart.

 

Got it !
That makes sense, accept the design to turn it over and un-do screws.
Wonder what they were thinking, unless they assume you just don't change it that often. I bet the Speede Oil change places hate to go through all that and you not buy anything?

I may over-do things, but I typically change the K&N after every oil change, and replace with a backup. Then I take the one I took out, and clean it, oil it for the next time. This is every 4K I do this on my other vehicles (Chevy Colorado).

I really appreciate you response, I've been tugging on that box on the sides hoping it would pop open somewhere.

Keith

 

I don't think they could have made changing a lousy air filter any more complicated if they tried! I just had the Dealer put in a K&N Filter when I had the first oil change done. They didn't charge me any extra for doing it.

 

I'll have to point aven11 over to this thread, according to him he's got it figured out how to do it in no time.

 

Hi, It is not that difficult at all.1st get your manual out of the glove box,look up air filter. Now read it carefully and do this: 2NDISCONECT THE SENSOR WIRE BETWEEN THE FRONT AIRINTAKE SOLID BLACK HARD PLASTIC HOSE(THE HOSE THAT GOES SOUTH TO NORTH)3RD ALSO UNSCREW THE CLAMP ON THE PLASTIC HOSE,4TH UNSCREW THE CLAMP ON THE AIR INTAKE HOSE THE CAME FROM PASSENGER FENDER AND CONNECTS WEST TO EAST ON THE BIG UGLY AIR CHAMBER. NOW.... JUST LIFT THE WHOLE BIG UGLY UNIT STRIGHT UP,FORGET ABOUT ANY SCREWS YOU MIGHT SEE AND WANT TO UNSCREW,...ONLY UNSCREW THE 2 CLAMPS AND DISCONECT THE SENSOR CORD AND LIFT THE UNIT STRAIGHT UP!! Becareful it is AKWARD handeling the air unit! Turn it upside down and unscrew th 7 yes 7 screws holding on the air intake air filter plate,unscrew the screws remove Stock Filter replace with the KnN filter and WHAT A DIFFERENCE you will notice!!....Hope this helps you,remember ONLY the 2 clamp screws and the sencor wire,NO OTHER SCREWS!!......Aven11

 

Understand Aven11 !

Now you would think someone would make a replacement air box that just snaps open and you replace the filter.

Thanks again to everyone who answered my question.
I had been pulling and tugging on this thing off and on hoping it would give.
So it looks like the two hoses hold it in place.

I can see why so many owners get rid of it and go with one of the Intake kits.

Keith
Marietta, GA.

 

Update....

I replaced the Factory Airbox with a K&N Intake today.
Very pleased with it, and the installation was easy with the help of pictures from the Gallery on this website.