If your vehicle has this feature, the gage is located in the engine compartment either on or near the air cleaner. It monitors the engine air filter and will let you know when the filter should be replaced. If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter each oil change.

As the filter gets dirty, the yellow indicator will begin to rise. When it reaches the red/orange change area, the filter should be replaced. Reset the indicator after each filter replacement.

Caution: Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop flames if the engine backfires. If it is not there and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner/filter off.

Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get into the engine, which will damage it. Always have the air cleaner/filter in place when you are driving.

The engine air cleaner/filter is located in the center of the engine compartment.

To inspect the engine air cleaner/filter, perform the following:

1. Disconnect the air compressor hose by pinching the connector ring to release the connector lock.
2. Unclip the four clip that hold the upper housing to the lower housing and remove the upper housing.
3. Remove the filter from the vehicle and lightly shake the filter to release loose dust and dirt. If the filter remains caked with dirt, a new filter is required.
4. Reinstall the upper housing and make sure that the air compressor hose is reconnected by pushing the connector back onto the port. Listen for the connector to click to be sure that the air compressor hose is securely locked and connected.

If your vehicle is being used in heavy snow conditions or for snow plowing, there is a possibility of snow and ice build up in the inlet to the air cleaner, blocking airflow to the engine and negatively impacting engine performance.

To prevent the blocking of air, remove the hood inlet seal, by doing the following:

1. Loosen the clamp that holds the seal to the air cleaner.



2. Slide the seal off.



3. Store the seal in the inlet, located on the underside of the hood
4. Store the clamp on the coolant surge tank. Pull the overflow tube out of the white plastic retainer, slip the clamp over and reinstall the hose.

The seal will need to be replaced on to the air cleaner for normal driving, especially in the warmer months.