How to Install an Air Filter on a 2015 to 2020 Ford F-150

Your Ford F-150’s air filter helps trap and eliminate dust, dirt, and contaminants from the outside air before entering your truck’s engine. Changing your 2015-2020 Ford F-150’s air filter is a simple and quick repair that can improve fuel economy and engine performance. It’s recommended that you should change your F-150’s air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but your truck’s service manual will detail the manufacturer’s maintenance intervals. A clogged air filter can cause your truck to misfire, make unusual engine noises, or you may smell gas when starting your F-150. Our detailed step-by-step instructions will help you perform an air filter installation in your F-150 easily and keep your truck running at its best.



Tools & Materials

Safety Glasses Safety Glasses

Protective Gloves Gloves

Air Filters Air Filter

2015-2020 Ford F-150 Air Filter Installation Instructions

We will demonstrate how to change the air filter on this 2015 Ford F-150, but the procedure will be similar for any 2015-2020 F-150. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.

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Open your 2015 Ford F150 hood and locate air filter housing

Step 1: Remove Your Old Air Filter

Open your hood, and locate the air filter housing.
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disengage clips securing housing pull out slightly on lid to disengage tabs

Disengage the clips securing the lid of the housing.

Pull out slightly on the lid to disengage the tabs on the back side, and lift the cover.
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remove old Ford F150 air filter

Remove the old air filter.



Do It Right: Now is a good time to make sure the inside of the air filter housing is clear of leaves and debris.

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put new Ford F150 air filter into place

Step 2: Install Your New Air Filter

Put your new air filter in place.


Do It Right: Once you’ve put it in, make sure the edges are flush with the housing.

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slide tabs at back of lid in place and secure F150 air housing lid by clipping two tabs

Slide the tabs at the back of the lid into place.

Secure the lid by clipping the two tabs, and close the hood.
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Additional Resources

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How to Change Cabin Air Filter
Install Wiper Blades

How to Change Wiper Blades
Using a roller to apply truck bed coating

How to Install Bedliner
These step-by-step instructions and video detail how to replace the air filter in your 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 Ford F-150. The replacement procedures will be similar for select F-150 King Ranch, Raptor, Platinum, Lariat, Limited, XL, and XLT models, F-250 and F-350 models between 2008 and 2016, as well as select 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 Ford Expeditions. Replacing the air filter removes contaminants from the outside air before it enters your Ford’s engine, and can improve your truck’s engine performance and gas mileage. Your 2015-2020 Ford F-150’s owner’s manual will detail the replacement intervals, but if you notice a dirty or clogged air filter or reduced gas mileage, you can replace the air filter more often to ensure optimum performance.
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The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.