A clean filter allows air to move freely into the engine, which increases gas mileage and lengthens engine life. It is recommended that air filters are changed every 30,000 miles unless the car is driven in dusty conditions, then it should be changed every 3,000 miles. Replacing an air filter in a Nissan Pathfinder will take the average person 10 minutes or less, even for beginners.
Turn the Pathfinder off. Prevent injury from engine backfires by keeping the car off while performing maintenance on the air filter.
Lift the hood of the Nissan. Locate the air filter housing unit at the front corner on the driver's side of the car.
Loosen the screws on the lid of the housing unit with a screwdriver. Lift the lid off of the unit.
Remove the old filter from the housing unit by pulling it out. Clean any remaining debris out of the air filter unit. Wipe both the interior and exterior down with a damp cloth.
Place the new air filter in the housing unit. Use a K&N air filter, part number 33-2286, for a Pathfinder manufactured from 2004 to 2008. Locate older Nissan air filter part numbers online or at your local auto part store.
Replace the lid on the filter housing unit. Tighten the screws with the screwdriver.
