Air filters should be changed every 30,000 miles when a Sonata is driven under normal conditions, or every 3,000 for extreme driving conditions. A clean air filter lets air flow freely to the engine, increasing gas mileage and extending engine life. Spend 10 minutes or less to change the air filter.
Turn the Sonata off to eliminate the risk of engine backfires while changing the air filter. Leave the car off until the filter has been replaced or there is risk of injury.
Lift the hood of the Sonata. Locate the air filter housing unit on the passenger side of the car, in the front corner. Look for a black, plastic cylinder that has an accordion-type hose attached to it that leads to the engine.
Remove the air intake hose and air duct from the housing unit. Disconnect the connector for the air-flow sensor from the filter cover. Unclip the clip on the filter cover. Lift the cover off the housing unit.
Take out the old filter from the housing unit. Remove any remaining debris out of the air filter unit. Wipe the inner and outer surfaces of the housing unit with a damp cloth.
Place the new air filter in the housing unit. Use a K&N air filter, part number 33-2346, for a Hyundai Sonata manufactured during the years 2006 to 2008. Use part number 33-2188 for a Sonata manufactured from 1999 to 2005.
Replace the cover on the housing unit and clip it in place. Reattach the air-flow sensor. Put the air intake hose and air duct back in place on the housing unit.
