The air filter sits inside a rectangular plastic housing on the passenger side of the engine bay. You access it by unfastening the lid with clips or screws and swapping in a new filter.
In 2001 Camrys, there were two common engine options: a 2.2L four-cylinder (5S-FE) and a 3.0L V6 (1MZ-FE). Regardless of engine, the air box occupies the same general area—toward the front-right (passenger side) of the engine bay—with a large intake hose running to the throttle body. Exact ducting can vary slightly, but the basic access method is the same.
Locating the air filter by engine type
Here’s how to identify the air filter box for the two main 2001 Camry engines:
- 2.2L 4-cylinder (5S-FE): The air box sits on the passenger side near the front, just behind the right headlight. The large intake hose runs toward the throttle body on top of the engine. The lid is secured with metal clips that you pry up to open.
- 3.0L V6 (1MZ-FE): The air box is larger but located in the same general area—on the passenger side of the engine bay. It is still a rectangular plastic box with a sizeable intake hose connecting to the throttle body. Clips or screws hold the lid in place.
Regardless of engine, you’ll find the box in the same neighborhood: front-right side of the engine bay, with the hose feeding the throttle body.
Steps to replace the air filter
Replacing the filter is a quick, do-it-yourself job. Before you begin, make sure the engine is off and cool, and have the correct replacement filter on hand.
- Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and open the hood.
- Locate the air filter housing on the passenger side of the engine bay—the rectangular black plastic box with a large-diameter intake hose attached to the throttle body.
- Unclip or unscrew the housing lid. Depending on the model, you may need to pry up clips with a flat screwdriver or remove a few screws.
- Remove the old filter and inspect the inside of the box for debris. Wipe it clean with a dry cloth if needed.
- Insert the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing toward the throttle body (as indicated on the filter itself or in the owner's manual).
- Reposition the lid, reseal the housing, and reattach any clips or screws. Reconnect the intake hose if you detached it, then start the engine to check for proper operation and ensure there are no unseated seals.
Tip: If the fit feels loose or the seal looks worn, replace the box seal or the housing as needed to prevent unmetered air from entering the engine.
Summary
For a 2001 Toyota Camry, the air filter is housed in a rectangular plastic box on the passenger side of the engine bay, connected to a large intake hose. Access it by removing the lid’s clips or screws, replace the filter, and reseal. This approach applies to both the 2.2L four-cylinder and the 3.0L V6, with only minor variations in box size and plumbing.