Checking and replacing the air filter on your Ford Escort is one of the easiest and most fail-safe auto maintenance tasks there is. If you can fill up your gas tank, you can maintain your own engine air filter. The reason it's important to check this filter regularly and replace it when it gets dirty is because a clogged air filter prevents your engine from operating at its peak which wastes fuel and prevents you from getting optimal acceleration response while driving.
Pull the hood release latch near the driver's seat, then open the hood and prop it open.
Identify the air filter compartment, which is about the size of a breadbox and made of black plastic. It is located on the front driver's side and is connected to the engine block by a large black tube made of rigid plastic.
Remove the cover from the air filter compartment. Depending on the model year of your Escort, this cover is either held in place by two metal clips on the sides or by four Phillips head screws, one on each corner. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws, and if you have the clips, just flip them open with your fingers.
Remove the old air filter. Put the new air filter in the compartment, facing the same way as the old one.
Put the cover back on the air filter compartment and lock it back into place with clips or screws.
Close the hood.
