2017 Honda Civic Air Filter: A Complete Guide to Replacement, Maintenance, and Benefits
The air filter in your 2017 Honda Civic is a critical, yet often overlooked, component that directly impacts your vehicle's performance, engine health, and the air quality inside the cabin. Replacing a dirty or clogged engine air filter and cabin air filter is one of the most cost-effective and simple maintenance tasks you can perform. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information, from identifying when a change is needed to providing a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough of the replacement process for both filters. By understanding the importance of this component and performing regular maintenance, you can ensure your Civic runs efficiently, saves you money on fuel, and protects its engine for the long term.
Understanding the Two Types of Air Filters in Your 2017 Honda Civic
Your 2017 Honda Civic utilizes two separate air filters, each with a distinct purpose. It is important to know the difference between them.
The Engine Air Filter is typically a rectangular panel made of pleated paper or fabric, housed within a black plastic box located under the hood. Its primary job is to clean the air entering your car's engine. The engine requires a precise mixture of air and fuel for combustion. If the air is dirty, contaminated with dust, pollen, or debris, it can cause premature wear on internal engine components like cylinders and pistons. A clean engine air filter ensures optimal airflow, which is essential for power, efficiency, and engine longevity.
The Cabin Air Filter is usually a smaller, rectangular filter often containing activated charcoal. It is situated behind the glove compartment. This filter is responsible for cleaning 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 significantly improves the air quality inside the vehicle, which is especially important for drivers and passengers with allergies or respiratory issues.
Why Replacing Your 2017 Honda Civic Air Filter is Crucial
Neglecting air filter maintenance leads to a range of problems that affect your car's performance, your wallet, and your comfort.
For the Engine Air Filter:
- Reduced Fuel Economy: A clogged engine air filter restricts the airflow to the engine. This forces the engine to work harder to draw in air, consuming more fuel in the process. Replacing a dirty filter can improve gas mileage by up to 10%.
- Loss of Performance and Power: You may notice a lack of acceleration, hesitation, or a general feeling of the car being sluggish. This is due to the engine running with a "rich" fuel mixture (too much fuel, not enough air), which hinders combustion efficiency.
- Potential Engine Damage: In severe cases, dirt particles can bypass a severely clogged filter and enter the engine. This abrasive contamination can cause scoring on cylinder walls and damage to engine sensors, leading to very expensive repairs.
- Increased Emissions: An improperly running engine produces higher levels of harmful exhaust emissions, contributing to pollution and potentially causing your vehicle to fail an emissions test.
For the Cabin Air Filter:
- Poor Interior Air Quality: A saturated cabin filter can no longer trap pollutants. This means dust, exhaust fumes, and allergens are blown directly into the cabin.
- Reduced HVAC System Efficiency: A dirty filter restricts airflow through the vents. You will notice a significant decrease in the volume of air coming from the heating and air conditioning system, making it harder to heat or cool the interior effectively.
- Unpleasant Odors: Moisture trapped in a dirty filter can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. This often results in a musty or sour smell emanating from the vents whenever the HVAC system is turned on.
- Strain on the Blower Motor: The HVAC system's blower motor has to work harder to push air through a clogged filter, which could potentially lead to premature failure of the motor.
When to Replace Your 2017 Honda Civic Air Filters
Following the manufacturer's recommended service intervals is the best practice. Honda typically recommends inspecting the engine air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles and replacing it as necessary. The cabin air filter service interval is generally around 15,000 to 30,000 miles as well. However, these intervals are suggestions and the actual need for replacement can vary dramatically based on your driving environment.
You should inspect and potentially replace your filters more frequently if you regularly drive in conditions such as:
- Heavy stop-and-go traffic with high pollution levels.
- Dusty, sandy, or unpaved rural roads.
- Areas with high pollen counts or frequent smog.
- Regions that use road salt during winter.
Beyond the mileage interval, be alert for these symptoms of a dirty air filter:
Engine Air Filter Symptoms:
- The engine hesitates or stumbles during acceleration.
- A noticeable decrease in fuel mileage.
- The engine idles roughly.
- The service engine light may illuminate, often for issues related to the mass airflow sensor.
- A visibly black or grey filter caked with dirt and debris.
Cabin Air Filter Symptoms:
- Weak airflow from the dashboard vents, even at the highest fan speed.
- Whistling or unusual noises coming from the dashboard.
- Persistent dusty or musty odors from the HVAC system.
- Increased allergy symptoms (sneezing, watery eyes) while inside the car.
- Fogging or poor defrosting of the windows due to reduced airflow.
A simple visual inspection is the most reliable method. If the filter looks dirty, it is time for a replacement.
Choosing the Right Replacement Air Filter for Your 2017 Honda Civic
Not all air filters are created equal. You will find a wide range of brands, types, and prices. The main choices are between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket filters.
OEM (Genuine Honda) Filters: These are made to Honda's exact specifications. Choosing an OEM filter guarantees a perfect fit and performance that matches the original part installed at the factory. You can purchase these from any Honda dealership parts department.
Aftermarket Filters: These are produced by third-party companies and are widely available at auto parts stores and online retailers. They often cost less than OEM filters. Reputable aftermarket brands include FRAM, Bosch, Purolator, and K&N. When selecting an aftermarket filter, consider the following types:
- Standard Particulate Filters: These are basic, paper-based filters that do an adequate job of trapping dust and pollen. They are the most affordable option.
- Activated Carbon Cabin Filters: This is the recommended upgrade for the cabin air filter. The activated charcoal layer is highly effective at absorbing odors and trapping gaseous pollutants like ozone and exhaust fumes that a standard filter cannot catch.
- High-Performance Engine Air Filters: Brands like K&N offer reusable, washable air filters made of cotton gauze. These are designed to increase airflow for a slight horsepower gain, though the difference in a standard Civic is often minimal. They require a special cleaning kit and are a long-term investment.
For most 2017 Civic owners, a high-quality aftermarket particulate filter for the engine and an activated carbon filter for the cabin provide excellent performance and value. Always double-check that the part number is compatible with the 2017 Honda Civic, noting your specific trim (LX, EX, Touring, etc.) if necessary, as there can be slight variations.
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 under 10 minutes.
Tools Needed:
- New engine air filter (compatible with 2017 Honda Civic).
- A clean rag.
Procedure:
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Park Safely and Open the Hood: Ensure your vehicle is parked on a level surface, the parking brake is engaged, and the engine is completely cool. Pull the hood release lever inside the car, then release the safety latch under the front of the hood to open it fully. Secure the hood with the prop rod.
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Locate the Air Filter Box: The air filter housing is a large, black plastic box located on the driver's side of the engine bay. It has a large intake hose connected to it.
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Open the Air Filter Box: The box is sealed by metal clips or plastic latches on the side. To open it, simply unclip these fasteners by pulling them outward or pressing the release tab. There are typically four clips, two on each side.
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Remove the Old Filter: Once the clips are released, you can lift the top half of the air filter box. The old filter will be sitting inside. Carefully lift it straight out. Take note of its orientation so you can install the new one correctly.
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Clean the Air Filter Housing: Before installing the new filter, use a clean rag or a vacuum cleaner to wipe out any debris, leaves, or dirt that may have accumulated inside the bottom of the air filter box. Be thorough to prevent dirt from being sucked into the new filter.
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Install the New Filter: Place the new engine air filter into the housing, ensuring it is seated properly and the rubber sealing gasket is flush with the rim of the housing. It should fit snugly without any gaps.
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Close the Air Filter Box: Lower the top half of the air filter box back into place. Press down firmly around the edges to ensure it is seated correctly, then re-clamp all the metal or plastic clips. You should hear a distinct "click" when each clip is securely fastened. It is critical that the box is sealed properly to prevent unfiltered air from entering the engine.
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Dispose of the Old Filter: Properly dispose of the old, dirty filter.
You have now successfully replaced your engine air filter. Start the car to confirm everything is running normally.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the 2017 Honda Civic Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter replacement is also a simple DIY job, though it requires a bit more dexterity than the engine air filter. It takes about 15-20 minutes.
Tools Needed:
- New cabin air filter (compatible with 2017 Honda Civic).
- A flashlight can be helpful.
Procedure:
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Prepare the Interior: Sit in the passenger seat of your Civic. Ensure the vehicle is turned off.
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Empty the Glove Compartment: Remove all contents from the glove box.
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Open and Lower the Glove Compartment: Unlatch and open the glove box door. On each side of the glove box, you will see a stopper arm. Gently squeeze the sides of the glove box inward (toward the center) to disengage these stoppers from their slots. This will allow the glove box to swing down further, giving you access to the area behind it.
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Locate the Cabin Air Filter Cover: Behind where the glove box was, you will see a long, rectangular plastic cover. This is the access panel for the cabin air filter.
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Remove the Cover: The cover is held in place by tabs or small clips. Carefully press the tabs or unclip the cover to remove it. Set the cover aside.
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Remove the Old Filter: Slide the old cabin air filter straight out. Note the direction of the airflow arrows printed on the side of the old filter. It is important to install the new filter with the arrows pointing in the same direction (usually arrows pointing down or toward the firewall).
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Install the New Filter: Slide the new cabin air filter into the slot, making sure the airflow arrows are pointing in the correct direction. It should slide in smoothly without forcing it.
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Reinstall the Cover: Snap the plastic cover back into place securely.
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Close the Glove Compartment: Lift the glove box back into its original position, engaging the stopper arms on the sides back into their slots. Close the glove box door.
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Test the HVAC System: Start the car and turn on the fan to ensure airflow is strong and no unusual noises are present.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Honda Civic Air Filter
Can I clean and reuse my Honda Civic air filter?
Standard paper engine air filters and cabin air filters are designed to be replaced, not cleaned. Attempting to clean them with compressed air or vacuuming can damage the delicate filtering material. The only exception is a specific type of aftermarket, high-performance filter (like a K&N filter) that is explicitly marketed as reusable and comes with its own cleaning kit.
What happens if I never change my cabin air filter?
The filter will become completely clogged. This will severely reduce airflow from your vents, making heating and air conditioning ineffective. It will create a musty smell in the car and put excessive strain on the blower motor, which could lead to its failure—a much more expensive repair than a filter replacement.
Will changing the air filter improve my gas mileage?
Replacing a severely clogged engine air filter can restore lost fuel economy. However, if your current filter is only slightly dirty, you may not notice a significant change. The fuel economy benefit is most apparent when upgrading from a filter that is in poor condition.
Is there a difference between filters for different 2017 Civic trims (LX, EX, Touring)?
For the most part, the engine and cabin air filters are the same across all 2017 Honda Civic sedans and coupes. However, it is always best practice to check your owner's manual or use the vehicle selector on an auto parts store website to confirm compatibility, especially if you have a Civic Hatchback or the high-performance Si or Type R models, as these may use different parts.
Conclusion
Maintaining the air filters in your 2017 Honda Civic is a fundamental aspect of responsible vehicle ownership. This simple and inexpensive maintenance task has a profound impact on your car's engine health, performance, fuel efficiency, and the comfort of your drive. By following the detailed instructions provided, any owner can confidently perform this replacement themselves, saving money on mechanic labor costs. Regular inspection and timely replacement of both the engine air filter and cabin air filter will ensure your Civic continues to run smoothly, efficiently, and provide you with clean, fresh air for many miles to come.