Auto Parts: air filters, chevy malibu, pep boys

Question
I have an '03 Chevy Malibu, and I would like to change the air filter, is this something a Sr. lady can do by herself.  Any tips?

Answer
Hi Carol,

ABSOLUTELY!

Stop making the dealership rich by allowing them to find things wrong with your car when they do a simple filter replacement.

Open the hood (I'm assuming you have a 3100 engine) prop the hood with the prop rod. In front of the LEFT (Drivers-side) strut tower and behind the battery will be your filter box. The top is held on with four or six thin-metal spring clips that just SNAP on and off. OK, there was a screw-on design that the Malibu's used for a short time at the end of '02 and ran through some of the production run of '03. If that is the case, you'll need a Phillips-head screw driver to remove (loosen) the four hold-down clips. Raise, don't remove the cover and reach in to replace the filter element. Replace the outer cover and that's it. Toss the old element in the trash or do what I do, put it in the trunk for a spare if someday you're driving in a heavy rain and it gets splashed, you'll be happy you had a spare. Or just toss it. lol

If you ask me, I don't care if you're 3 or 83, I try to answer all questions as accurate as I can and I hope that this has helped you.

Good luck!

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php