2017 Honda Accord Air Filter: A Comprehensive Owner's Guide
The air filter in your 2017 Honda Accord is a vital component that directly impacts engine performance, fuel efficiency, and cabin air quality. Replacing it regularly—typically every 15,000 to 30,000 miles—is a simple, cost-effective maintenance task that can save you from expensive repairs down the road. This guide provides a step-by-step, easy-to-follow approach to understanding, checking, and changing the air filter in your 2017 Accord, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently.
Understanding the Air Filter in Your 2017 Honda Accord
The air filter in a car serves two primary functions: engine air filtration and cabin air filtration. The engine air filter cleans the air entering the engine's combustion chambers. It traps dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris, preventing them from causing damage to internal engine components like cylinders and pistons. A clean air filter ensures the engine receives a steady flow of clean air, which is essential for the optimal air-fuel mixture required for efficient combustion. The cabin air filter, on the other hand, cleans the air that enters the interior of the car through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It removes pollutants, allergens, and odors, providing cleaner air for you and your passengers. In the 2017 Honda Accord, these two filters are separate units located in different parts of the vehicle. The engine air filter is housed in a black plastic box under the hood, near the engine. The cabin air filter is typically located behind the glove compartment. Understanding the distinction between these two filters is the first step in proper vehicle maintenance.
Why the Air Filter is Critical for Your 2017 Accord's Health
A clogged or dirty air filter can lead to a range of problems for your 2017 Honda Accord. For the engine air filter, restrictions in airflow can cause the engine to run rich—meaning it burns more fuel than air. This results in reduced fuel economy. You might notice a decrease in miles per gallon. It can also lead to a loss of engine power, causing sluggish acceleration, especially when trying to pass other vehicles or merge onto highways. In severe cases, a extremely dirty filter can even lead to engine misfires or rough idling. For the cabin air filter, a neglected unit will reduce airflow from the HVAC vents, making the air conditioning and heating system less effective. It can also lead to unpleasant odors inside the car and exacerbate allergies for occupants by circulating polluted air. Regularly replacing the air filters is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain the performance, value, and longevity of your 2017 Accord. It is a preventative measure that safeguards your investment.
How to Locate and Check Your 2017 Accord's Air Filters
Before you can change a filter, you need to know where it is and how to inspect it. This process requires no special tools and takes only a few minutes.
Locating and Checking the Engine Air Filter:
- Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Ensure the engine is completely cool before you begin.
- Open the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
- Find the engine air filter housing. It is a large, black plastic box located on the driver's side of the engine bay. It has a large hose (the intake hose) connected to it.
- Open the housing. The housing is secured by metal clips or screws. You can open it by releasing the clips with your fingers or using a screwdriver if necessary. Do not use excessive force.
- Inspect the filter. Carefully lift the old filter out. Hold it up to a bright light source. If you cannot see light passing easily through the filter paper, it is time for a replacement. Also, look for an excessive accumulation of dirt, debris, or any damage.
Locating and Checking the Cabin Air Filter:
- Open the glove compartment. Empty its contents for easier access.
- Remove the glove compartment. There are stoppers or dampeners on each side of the glove box that allow it to be removed. Squeeze the sides of the glove compartment inward to clear these stoppers and lower the glove box completely.
- Locate the filter compartment. You will see a long, thin rectangular access panel behind where the glove box was.
- Open the access panel. It is usually held in place by clips. Remove the cover.
- Slide out the old filter and inspect it. Check for dirt, leaves, and debris. If it looks dirty or dark in color, it needs to be replaced.
A Detailed, Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Engine Air Filter
Replacing the engine air filter is one of the simplest DIY car maintenance tasks. Here is a detailed guide specific to the 2017 Honda Accord.
Tools and Parts Needed:
- A new engine air filter compatible with the 2017 Honda Accord.
- No tools are typically required, but a screwdriver may be needed for some housing clips.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
- Preparation. Park the car on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and make sure the engine is cold.
- Open the hood and secure it.
- Locate the air filter housing as described in the previous section.
- Open the housing clips. Use your fingers to unlatch the metal clips securing the top of the air filter box. If your model has screws, use the appropriate screwdriver to remove them.
- Lift the top cover of the housing. You may need to disconnect a sensor connector or hose; if so, do so carefully.
- Remove the old air filter. Simply lift it straight out of the housing.
- Clean the housing. Before installing the new filter, use a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner to wipe out any dirt or debris that has accumulated inside the air filter box. Ensure no debris falls into the intake tube leading to the engine.
- Install the new filter. Place the new filter into the housing, making sure it sits correctly and seals properly. The rubber rim of the filter should create a tight seal against the housing. There is usually a marking on the filter indicating which side should face up.
- Reassemble the housing. Close the top cover and securely fasten the clips or screws. Ensure the housing is sealed completely to prevent unfiltered air from entering the engine.
- Close the hood. You have successfully replaced your engine air filter.
A Detailed, Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Cabin Air Filter
Replacing the cabin air filter is equally straightforward and greatly improves the air quality inside your vehicle.
Tools and Parts Needed:
- A new cabin air filter for the 2017 Honda Accord.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
- Prepare the interior. Sit in the passenger seat.
- Open and empty the glove compartment.
- Remove the glove box. Squeeze the sides of the glove compartment inward to allow it to clear the stoppers, then lower it completely. This gives you full access to the filter compartment behind it.
- Locate the filter access panel. It is a rectangular plastic cover.
- Remove the access panel. It is typically held by clips. Press the clips to release the cover and set it aside.
- Remove the old cabin air filter. Slide the old filter straight out. Note the direction of the airflow arrows printed on the frame of the old filter; this is important for correct installation of the new one.
- Install the new filter. Insert the new cabin air filter into the slot, making sure the airflow arrows point in the correct direction. Usually, the arrows should point downward or toward the floor of the vehicle. Consult the new filter's instructions if you are unsure.
- Reinstall the access panel. Snap it back into place.
- Reinstall the glove compartment. Lift it back into position, ensuring the stoppers on the sides click back into place.
- Return items to the glove box. The job is complete.
When to Replace the Air Filters in Your 2017 Honda Accord
Sticking to a replacement schedule is key. Honda's official maintenance minder system will typically indicate when a filter change is due with specific codes. However, a general guideline is to replace the engine air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. If you frequently drive on dusty, unpaved roads, you should inspect and potentially replace it more often. The cabin air filter should be replaced every 15,000 to 25,000 miles. A good practice is to visually inspect both filters every time you get an oil change (approximately every 5,000-7,500 miles). Signs that a filter needs immediate replacement include: reduced gas mileage, lack of power when accelerating, a strange smell from the vents, or weak airflow from the HVAC system.
Choosing the Right Replacement Air Filter
Not all air filters are created equal. For the 2017 Honda Accord, you have several options.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Filters: These are made by Honda or its suppliers. They are guaranteed to fit perfectly and meet the exact specifications of your vehicle. They are often the most expensive option but provide peace of mind.
- Aftermarket Filters: Many reputable companies like FRAM, Bosch, and K&N produce high-quality filters. They can be more affordable than OEM parts. There are different types:
- Standard Paper Filters: These are the most common and effective for everyday driving. They provide excellent filtration and are disposable.
- High-Performance Filters: Some filters, like those from K&N, are washable and reusable. They are designed to increase airflow for a slight performance gain, but they require periodic cleaning and re-oiling.
- Activated Carbon Cabin Filters: These are premium cabin air filters that not only trap particles but also absorb odors and pollutants through a layer of activated charcoal.
When choosing a filter, read reviews and ensure it is specifically designed for the 2017 Honda Accord. Using the correct part is crucial for proper function.
Common Questions and Concerns About the 2017 Accord Air Filter
Many owners have specific questions about this routine maintenance task.
Can a dirty air filter cause the check engine light to come on?
Yes, in some cases. A severely restricted engine air filter can disrupt the air-fuel ratio enough to trigger the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor or Oxygen (O2) sensors, which may illuminate the check engine light. The code generated is often related to the engine running too "rich."
What happens if I don't change my air filter?
Neglecting the engine air filter can lead to poor fuel economy, loss of power, and over time, increased carbon buildup on spark plugs and inside the engine, which can cause costly damage. Ignoring the cabin air filter results in poor interior air quality and reduced HVAC performance.
Can I clean and reuse the engine air filter?
Standard paper air filters are designed to be replaced, not cleaned. Attempting to clean them can damage the delicate paper media. The only filters designed for cleaning and reuse are specific aftermarket high-performance filters, like oiled gauze filters, which come with detailed cleaning and re-oiling instructions.
Is this a job I can do myself, or should I go to a mechanic?
Replacing both the engine and cabin air filters on a 2017 Honda Accord is widely considered one of the easiest DIY jobs. It requires no mechanical skill and takes less than 15 minutes per filter. Doing it yourself can save you a significant amount of money compared to a dealership or repair shop.
Conclusion: Simple Maintenance for Long-Term Performance
Maintaining the air filters in your 2017 Honda Accord is a fundamental aspect of responsible car ownership. It is a task that requires minimal time, effort, and money but delivers substantial benefits for your vehicle's engine health, efficiency, and your personal comfort. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently perform this maintenance yourself, ensuring your Accord continues to provide reliable and enjoyable transportation for years to come. Regular checks and timely replacements are a small investment that protects your much larger automotive investment.