HOW TO: change air filter (pictures).
Let me start by saying I am not a mechanic, but I do like to get my hands dirty and do my own mechanical work if possible. Up until now I was able to find any info I need on maintenance or repair of my other cars/motorcycles. Qvale is another story so I decided to start and write up a little howto. Hopefully it'll become a good tradition.
Disclaimer: if you follow any of this you do it at your own risk, I am not responsible for any damages... blah blah blah (why do people always put this i have no idea)
Here is the procedure I used to change the engine air filter in my Mangusta (#69).
What you need before you start:
New Air filter. The one currently installed is Motorcraft FA1632. I am a big fan of K&N so I will be using K&N E-0945 -
http://www.knfilters.com/search/kn_cros ... art=E-0945 4mm Hex wrench
12 mm socket
Car jack
1. Jack up front passenger side of the car and remove the tire.
2. in the the wheel well you'll see 2 plastic covers. Remove 5 4mm hex screws from the front side plastic cover.
In the opening you'll see plastic filter enclosure with a metal clam with a buckle. The enclosure is also attached with a 12mm bolt.
3. Loosen the bolt, no need to remove, and unbuckle the clam. If it is stuck, wiggle the enclosure a little to loosen.
4. Take the enclosure out and take the old filter out. It is not attached so just pull it out.
5. Place the new filter into the enclosure.
6. Reattach the enclosure with the 12mm bolt but do not tighten it yet.
7. Place the clam over the edge of the enclosure ensuring that the new filter's edge is properly set, and the edge of the air duct. Also there are guides on the air duct, make sure they are aligned properly with guide openings on the filter enclosure. Close the buckle. Run your finger over the clam to make sure everything is aligned properly.
NOTE: If you are using K&N, it came with a sticker. Place the sticker on the filter enclosure. K&N are reusable and can be washed. This way anyone else who works on the car knows that there is K&N product inside and there is no need to buy a new one.
8. Tighten the bolt.
9. Reattach the plastic cover with 5 hex screws.
10. (Optional) At this point it's a good idea to check your battery. On the back side plastic cover, there is a plastic panel attached with 4 bolts. Remove it. Behind it you'll find your battery. Inspect it. Ensure there is no acid on the battery. It is also a good idea to inspect your break pads and rotors at this time.
11. Put the tire back, jack down you car.
13. IMPORTANT: The following was my experience and not necessary will apply to you. After I replaced the filter, on my way to work the car behaved strangely: engine was not decelerating properly, i.e. I pushed the gas to say 3000 RPMs and it stayed there even after I released the gas pedal (it was a bit scary/strange). I parked in the garage at work and the problem disappeared on my way home, never seeing or heard this ever again. I consulted with a few people, the best idea is that the computer needed to re-adjust itself for the new airflow. I have no idea how long it takes, I drove 44 miles to work, took about 1 hr. Again this is just a guess.
14. That is it. Do this and your engine, horse power and gas mileage will love you for it
))))
Feel free to correct me if you feel like I missed something or if you feel something I wrote is wrong. Also, english is not my native tong so feel free to correct any spelling or grammar mistakes you find.
Sorry if any of the pictures are not rotated properly, I swear the are fine on on my laptop, photobucket is playing tricks on me.
Thank you John (179) for all your help.
. I found a few more "Euro" headlamp switches 
, they allow for adjustment on the fly since the Mangusta does have electric motors in the headlamps.!!!.