Air Filter Removal

[jonmills]

I know there have been numerous threads on this topic. I am trying to install a new air filter. I unfastened the three clips and unscrewed the clamp but I cannot get the piece attached off of the top of the filter box. What is the trick?

[arude]

hot engine and a piece of broomstick to pry it off. It worked for me.

[JimDantin]

Pull the intake pipe off of the filter box -- then the top pf the filter box is easy to remove. When reattaching, slip the pipe onto the top before you lock the top down.

If you are fighting it, stop and figure out what's wrong -- if you're doing it right, it's pretty easy. I have the bloody knuckles to prove that statement!

[Commander Cody]

JimD is soo right. After my bloody knuckles I realized you had to reattache the hose to the top of the box and then go about installing. Take Note: when you're putting the top of the box back on make sure that the plastic tabs that are on the rear of it go into the respective holes. If you don't the fit won't be secure and you'll be pulling in unfiltered air!

[jonmills]

I got the reattach part. I can't get the intake pipe off.

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by jonmills

I got the reattach part. I can't get the intake pipe off.

Evilution indicates that it will take some effort: Evilution - Smart Car Encyclopaedia

[Macaw]

pop off clamps, loosen clamp. Lift up at front pull forward just enough to disengage rear clips. At this point the top is loose. lift up front and back slightly and shove it backwards as far as it will go. The intake hose should be easy to remove now.

[jonmills]

Thanks. I'll give it a shot.

[Kermit]

OHHH! and don't do it in the dark. You may want to be in a well lit area while you're doing all this so you can see what goes where. Ask me how I know. (mark me down as a member of smart bloodied knuckle air filter changing club)

[GHammerly]

Just changed my oil today, while at it I decided to take a look at the air filter and what a PITA it is. I disconected the hose from the airbox cover and was going to remove it entirely but it's attached to a bracket with an imposible to get to torx bolt.
I had to deflect the intake hose at the belows more than I'm comfortable with to get it out of the way, if I do this every time the plastic bellows will brake.
I like the airbox design, even the intake duct looks large and smooth, just don't like the hose and resonator between the airbox and throttle.