The air filter in a Dodge Challenger sits inside a rectangular plastic air box in the engine bay, where it is connected to the intake duct that feeds the throttle body. It’s designed for quick access and regular replacement as part of routine maintenance.
Understanding the location and how to service it can save time when performing basic upkeep. The Challenger uses a few different engines over its production run, but the air-filter housing is typically a single, recognizable box in the engine compartment. Below is a practical guide to finding and replacing that filter across common Challenger configurations.
Where to look in the engine bay
Overview applicable to most Challenger engines
Across the common Challenger engines (3.6L Pentastar V6, 5.7L Hemi V8, and 6.4L Hemi), the air filter sits inside a rectangular plastic air box. A large intake hose runs from the front of the engine bay into this box, and another short duct connects the box to the throttle body. The exact orientation can vary by year, but the air box is always a distinct, clip- or screw-secured housing you can access from above the engine bay.
How to visually identify it quickly
Look for a black plastic box with a removable lid, located toward the top of the engine bay. It will have one or more clips or screws securing the lid and a sizeable duct entering from the front or side of the box. The air intake hose leading toward the throttle body is a telltale sign you’ve found the air box.
Once you’ve found the air box, you’re ready to inspect or replace the filter. Below are the steps to locate and replace the filter safely and correctly.
Before performing any maintenance, ensure the engine is cool and the negative battery cable is disconnected if you’ll be working near electrical connections.
Note: If your Challenger has a aftermarket cold-air intake or a modified air path, the housing location or ducting may differ. Always consult the owner’s manual or a dealership service manual for model-specific guidance.
How to locate and access the air filter (steps)
The following steps outline the typical process for locating and opening the air box on a Dodge Challenger.
- Identify the air box: Find the rectangular plastic enclosure with an intake hose leading toward the front of the vehicle and a shorter hose or duct to the throttle body.
- Check the fasteners: The box is secured with clips or screws. Have a flathead screwdriver or a small socket handy if screws are used.
- Prepare to remove the lid: Unclip or unscrew the top cover to access the filter inside.
To locate the air filter housing, begin by opening the hood and visually scanning the engine bay for a rectangular black plastic box with a removable top. It is usually easy to spot due to its size and the surrounding intake ductwork.
The following paragraph concludes the identification process and confirms readiness for filter replacement if needed.
How to inspect and replace the air filter
The air filter should be replaced at intervals recommended by Dodge and your driving conditions. A visual check can help you decide if replacement is due sooner (e.g., heavy dust, reduced engine performance, or poor fuel economy).
- Remove the air box lid: Release all clips or remove screws and lift the lid away from the box.
- Extract the old filter: Gently lift the filter straight up and out of the box. Do not tilt or bend it excessively to prevent debris from falling into the throttle body or intake path.
- Inspect for debris: Look inside the box for dust, leaves, or moisture. Clean the box with a damp cloth if needed; ensure it is dry before installing a new filter.
- Install the new filter: Place the new filter in the box with the correct orientation. The filter usually has an arrow indicating airflow direction toward the engine; align this arrow accordingly.
- Re-secure the lid: Reattach the air box lid and ensure all clips or screws are fastened securely.
Before you remove the filter, ensure you have a clean workspace and a replacement filter that matches your Challenger’s engine. Check the filter’s orientation markers to avoid installing it backward.
After replacing the air filter, start the engine and listen for any unusual sounds indicating a loose lid or intake D-shaped hose misalignment. A proper seal ensures optimal air flow and engine performance.
Summary
In a Dodge Challenger, the air filter is housed in a rectangular black plastic air box in the engine bay, connected to the intake duct that leads to the throttle body. It is generally accessible from above the engine and is secured with clips or screws. Replacement involves removing the box lid, taking out the old filter, inspecting the housing, and installing a correctly oriented new filter before resecuring the lid. For model-specific details or if you have an aftermarket intake, consult the owner’s manual or a dealer service manual to confirm the exact location and procedure.
Where is the engine air filter located?
Box. Pull the old filter out usually it'll just pull right out. And I mean look at that that definitely needed to be replaced. Get your CarQuest premium air filter.
How many air filters does a Dodge Challenger have?
two
There are two primary air filters in your Dodge Challenger.
Can a bad air filter cause a misfire?
In extreme cases, an engine will run very roughly when its air filter is too dirty. A driver may notice their vehicle's engine misfiring, vibrating excessively, stalling, or a combination of these symptoms when the engine's air filter is clogged.
Where is the air filter in a Challenger?
To access the air filter first open the hood. The air filter is located here pinch this hose in order to release.