In a Dodge Challenger, the engine air filter is housed in a rectangular plastic air box in the engine bay on the passenger side. Access the filter by releasing the lid and pulling out the old element, then sliding in a new one.
The layout is common across the Challenger’s mainstream engines—the 3.6L Pentastar V6, the 5.7L Hemi, and the 6.4L Hemi—with only minor differences in ducting by year or trim. This guide outlines the typical location and how to replace the filter.
Location in the engine bay
The air box sits on the passenger side of the engine bay, near the front, with a large intake hose that runs toward the throttle body. Look for a black rectangular plastic enclosure secured by clips or screws.
These cues help you identify the air box and avoid confusion with other nearby components such as the battery, fuse box, or coolant reservoir.
- Rectangular air intake housing mounted on the passenger side of the engine bay.
- Securement by spring clips, wing nuts, or small screws; the lid is removable.
- A large intake hose connects the air box to the throttle body or intake plenum; a front grille duct may feed outside air into the box.
- The filter inside is a pleated paper element that traps dust and debris.
With the lid off, you can inspect the inside and see the filter’s orientation marks to ensure proper installation.
Replacing the air filter
Follow these steps to replace the engine air filter and keep the Challenger’s intake clean.
- Open the hood and locate the rectangular air-filter housing on the passenger side of the engine bay.
- Release the clips or remove the screws securing the lid, then lift the lid off the box.
- Take out the old filter and note the orientation (arrow pointing toward the engine is typical).
- If needed, wipe the inside of the box with a dry cloth to remove loose dust; do not use liquids.
- Insert the new filter in the same orientation as the old one, ensuring it seats evenly and the seal makes full contact with the box.
- Reinstall the lid and secure the clips or screws firmly; reconnect any hoses displaced during removal.
- Ensure all connections are snug, close the hood, and start the engine to confirm it runs smoothly.
Maintenance tip: Check and replace the air filter at the manufacturer-recommended interval—typically around 30,000 miles for normal driving, more often in dusty or harsh conditions. Always verify with your owner's manual or dealer for the exact specification for your Challenger’s year and engine.
Summary
The engine air filter in most Challenger models lives inside a rectangular air-box on the passenger side of the engine bay. It’s a simple, largely tool-free job to replace—open the housing, swap in a new filter, and reseal the lid. Regular replacement helps the engine breathe clean air and maintain performance.