How to Change Air Filters on 2008 VW Jettas

It is important to keep a clean engine air filter to protect the engine from ingesting dust and sand, which would severely compromise the integrity of the cylinders. With the close tolerances used in the design of engines and the speed at which they turn, any hard element entering the combustion chamber will scratch or score the cylinder walls, resulting in a poor ring-to-surface contact. This robs the engine of power and the ability to retain its oil. The second reason is that a fouled air filter restricts intake airflow, resulting in loss of power and fuel economy. There is no set in stone time to replace the air filter. It is easy to check so it should be checked frequently for a few months. This will give you an idea as to how long you can go before replacement. Dusty zones will obviously require more frequent changes, while urban areas will be less frequent. The cabin air filter protects the occupants from pollen and airborne contaminants. The cleaner the filter, the cleaner the cabin air quality.

Instructions

Engine Air Filter

1

Open the hood and locate the air filter housing located on the driver's fenderwell. It is shaped like a black plastic box with an accordion-style air duct leading from it to the throttle body.

2

Lift the securing clips on the sides of the housing and lift the lid. Extract the air filter element and clean the inside of the housing with a damp rag.

3

Insert the new air filter and restore the lid to its original position. Lock the snap down to hold it in place.

Cabin Air Filter

4

Locate the cabin air filter directly under the passenger-side windshield wiper. Look at the black cowl under the wiper and you will see a rectangular cut-out in the cowl panel, held in with plastic snaps.

5

Insert the screwdriver under the cover and pry up the snaps to release the cover. Pull the cabin air filter out by bending the tabs on both sides of the filter toward the engine and pulling it straight out.

6

Install a new filter with the red arrow on the filter facing down. Install the filter in the air filter frame and push it back into position.

7

Align the trim fasteners on the cover with the holes in the cowl and push them in to complete the installation.