Air Filter Honda Civic 2017: The Complete Owner's Guide
The air filter in your 2017 Honda Civic is a critical, yet often overlooked, component that directly impacts your car's performance, fuel economy, and the air quality inside the cabin. For the 2017 model year, which includes both the sedan and coupe, there are two main air filters to be aware of: the engine air filter and the cabin air filter. Replacing these filters at the recommended intervals is one of the simplest and most cost-effective forms of preventative maintenance you can perform. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information about the 2017 Honda Civic air filter, including its functions, replacement intervals, step-by-step DIY instructions, and how to choose the right replacement part.
Understanding the Two Air Filters in Your 2017 Honda Civic
Your 2017 Civic relies on two separate air filtration systems. It is essential to understand the difference between them, as they serve very distinct purposes.
The engine air filter is responsible for cleaning the air that enters your engine's combustion chambers. The engine requires a precise mixture of air and fuel to operate efficiently. The filter's job is to prevent dust, dirt, pollen, and other airborne contaminants from being sucked into the engine. A clean filter ensures optimal airflow, which is necessary for efficient combustion, leading to better horsepower, good fuel economy, and reduced emissions. A clogged or dirty engine air filter restricts airflow, forcing the engine to work harder, which can result in sluggish acceleration, decreased gas mileage, and in severe cases, potential engine damage over time.
The cabin air filter, sometimes referred to as the pollen filter or climate control filter, is dedicated to the comfort and health of the vehicle's occupants. This filter cleans the air that enters the interior of your car through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It traps pollutants such as dust, smog, pollen, mold spores, and other allergens. A fresh cabin air filter is vital for maintaining good air quality inside the car, preventing unpleasant odors, ensuring the efficiency of your defroster and air conditioner, and protecting the HVAC system's components from debris buildup.
When to Replace Your 2017 Honda Civic Air Filters
Adhering to a regular replacement schedule is key to maintaining your Civic's performance. Honda provides official recommendations, but your driving conditions play a significant role in determining the actual replacement frequency.
For the engine air filter, Honda's maintenance minder system typically indicates a replacement is due. As a general rule of thumb, most mechanics and the owner's manual suggest inspecting the filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. However, if you frequently drive in severe conditions, you should check and potentially replace it more often. Severe conditions include:
- Dusty or Sandy Areas: Driving on dirt, gravel, or unpaved roads regularly.
- Heavy Traffic: Frequent stop-and-go driving in urban areas with high pollution levels.
- Extreme Environments: Areas with high pollen counts or following major events like wildfires or dust storms.
For the cabin air filter, Honda often recommends replacement every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Again, this can vary. Signs that your cabin air filter needs immediate attention include:
- Reduced Airflow: Weak airflow from the HVAC vents, even when set to the highest fan speed.
- Persistent Odors: A musty or mildew smell emanating from the vents when the air conditioner or heater is running.
- Increased Window Fogging: Difficulty keeping the windshield and windows clear of condensation.
- Allergy Symptoms: An increase in sneezing or allergy symptoms while driving.
A visual inspection is the best way to confirm. A new filter is typically white or off-white. If your filter appears dark, clogged with debris, or has visible contaminants, it is time for a replacement.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the 2017 Honda Civic Engine Air Filter
Replacing the engine air filter is a straightforward task that requires no special tools and can be completed in about 10 minutes. This can save you a significant amount of money compared to a dealership or mechanic service.
What You'll Need:
- A new, correct engine air filter for a 2017 Honda Civic.
- A flat-head screwdriver or a Phillips-head screwdriver (depending on the airbox clamp type).
Procedure:
- Ensure Safety: Park your Civic on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Pop the hood and locate the hood release inside the cabin, then find the secondary safety latch under the hood to open it fully.
- Locate the Airbox: The engine air filter is housed in a black plastic airbox located on the driver's side of the engine bay. It is a large, rectangular box with a large hose connected to it.
- Open the Airbox: The airbox is sealed by metal or plastic clamps. You will need to release these clamps. Some models use a simple metal clamp that can be loosened by squeezing the ends together and sliding it open. Others may have a Phillips-head screw holding a plastic clamp. Use the appropriate tool to loosen the clamps.
- Separate the Halves: Once the clamps are released, you can lift the top half of the airbox. It may be snug; you can gently wiggle it to separate it from the bottom half.
- Remove the Old Filter: Lift the old engine air filter straight out of the bottom half of the airbox. Take a moment to wipe out any loose debris from the bottom of the airbox with a clean, dry cloth.
- Install the New Filter: Place the new filter into the bottom half of the airbox. Ensure it is seated properly and that the rubber gasket around the edge is flush with the airbox base. The filter is designed to fit only one way.
- Close the Airbox: Carefully lower the top half of the airbox back onto the bottom half. Make sure the alignment tabs are properly seated. Secure the airbox by re-tightening the clamps you loosened earlier.
- Double-Check: Ensure the airbox is securely closed and that the clamps are tight. This prevents unfiltered air from bypassing the filter.
You have now successfully replaced your engine air filter. Dispose of the old filter responsibly.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the 2017 Honda Civic Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter is located behind the glove compartment. Replacing it is also a simple DIY job that takes approximately 15 minutes.
What You'll Need:
- A new, correct cabin air filter for a 2017 Honda Civic.
- A flashlight can be helpful for visibility.
Procedure:
- Prepare the Interior: Sit in the passenger seat of your Civic. Empty the glove compartment of all contents.
- Remove the Glove Compartment: Open the glove compartment door. On each side of the glove compartment interior, you will see a stopper arm. Squeeze the sides of the glove compartment inward (toward the center) to clear these stoppers, allowing the glove box to swing down further. Continue squeezing and gently pulling down until the glove compartment is fully released from its hinges. Set it aside carefully.
- Locate the Filter Housing: Behind where the glove box was, you will see a long, rectangular, black plastic cover. This is the cabin air filter housing. The cover is held in place by retaining clips or tabs.
- Open the Filter Cover: The cover typically has a tab on one end. Pinch or press the tabs on the sides of the cover to release it. Once the tabs are released, the cover should swing down or come off completely.
- Remove the Old Filter: Slide the old cabin air filter out of the housing. Take note of the airflow direction arrows printed on the edge of the old filter. It is crucial to install the new filter with the arrows pointing in the correct direction, which is usually downward or toward the blower motor.
- Install the New Filter: Insert the new cabin air filter into the housing, making sure the airflow arrows are pointing the correct way. Do not force it; it should slide in smoothly.
- Reattach the Cover: Place the filter cover back onto the housing and press firmly until you hear the retaining clips snap into place.
- Reinstall the Glove Compartment: Lift the glove compartment back into position. Align the hinge arms with the slots in the dashboard. Squeeze the sides slightly to pop the hinges back into place. Release the sides, and the glove compartment should be secure. Test by opening and closing it a few times.
Your cabin air filter is now replaced, and you can expect fresher, cleaner air inside your vehicle.
Choosing the Right Replacement Air Filter for Your 2017 Honda Civic
Selecting a quality replacement filter is essential. There are several types available, each with its own advantages.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Filters: These are Honda Genuine Parts, made to the exact specifications of the factory-installed filter. They offer guaranteed fit and performance but are often the most expensive option.
- Standard Aftermarket Filters: Brands like FRAM, Bosch, Purolator, and STP offer high-quality replacement filters that meet or exceed OEM specifications. These are a popular choice for their balance of performance and value. They are typically made of pleated paper and effectively remove basic contaminants.
- High-Performance Air Filters: Brands like K&N are known for their washable and reusable air filters. These are often made of cotton gauze and are designed to increase airflow for a slight performance boost. They require a special cleaning kit and are a more long-term investment. It is important to note that the performance gains for a standard daily driver are usually minimal.
- Activated Carbon Cabin Filters: For the cabin air filter, an upgrade to an activated carbon filter is highly recommended. These standard filters not trap dust and pollen but also incorporate a layer of activated charcoal that absorbs odors and helps reduce harmful gaseous pollutants from entering the cabin, such as exhaust fumes.
When purchasing a filter, always double-check that it is specifically listed as compatible with the 2017 Honda Civic. The 1.5L turbocharged engine and the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine in the 2017 Civic may use different part numbers, so verify compatibility based on your specific engine.
The Long-Term Benefits of Regular Air Filter Maintenance
Neglecting air filter replacement is a false economy. The small cost and minimal time investment required to change your filters regularly pay significant dividends in the long run.
For the engine, a clean air filter protects your investment. By ensuring only clean air enters the engine, you prevent abrasive particles from causing premature wear on critical components like cylinders, pistons, and piston rings. This helps maintain engine compression and longevity. Consistent fuel efficiency is another major benefit. A clogged filter can reduce gas mileage by up to 10%, meaning you are spending more money on fuel than necessary. Proper maintenance also ensures your Civic passes emissions tests, as an inefficient engine produces higher levels of pollutants.
For the cabin, a new filter protects the blower motor and other components of the HVAC system from debris buildup. A clogged filter forces the blower motor to work harder, which could potentially lead to its premature failure—an expensive repair. Most importantly, it safeguards the health and comfort of you and your passengers by providing clean air, which is especially crucial for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.
Conclusion
Maintaining the air filters in your 2017 Honda Civic is a fundamental aspect of responsible vehicle ownership. Understanding the roles of both the engine and cabin air filters, recognizing the signs that they need replacement, and performing the simple DIY replacement tasks outlined in this guide will keep your Civic running efficiently, save you money on fuel and potential repairs, and ensure a healthier environment inside your car. By choosing a quality replacement filter and adhering to a sensible maintenance schedule tailored to your driving conditions, you are taking a proactive step toward preserving the performance and value of your vehicle for years to come.