I am trying to change 2001 Acura TL-P air filter with a K&N air filter but it does not fit entirely into the filter box. I can only put 2 of the screws in on one side. Part of the air filter is sticking out at the other end and the screws are too short to go all the way in.
I have the correct part number 332133 for the air filter.

The fit seems to be tight so I assume this should work. Is this correct way to install the filters ?

 

I don't remember having any problems when I dropped in my K&N on my TL-P, and I had the same part number that you do.

It is going to fit a bit tight to create a seal, but no tighter than the stock air filter. And it shouldn't be sticking out of the side. I would really check to make sure you have it seated in the air box correctly. Otherwise I don't know what that could be.

 

The rubber that runs around the filter is stiff. Once it compresses a bit, it will seem like it fits better. Thats why your original one seems to fit better. Like the previous post says, make sure it is seated correctly in the box (there is a groov in which the rubber seal sits in. The seal on the new K&N may actually seem curved a bit from shipping or storage. Make sure it is straight in the box and sits in the groove). Then when you get one of the cover to catch, try catch the other side so that the cover sits flat.

 

Mine fit on my car w/o any problems.

 

Do you have the filter in upside-down??

 

This might be irrelevant, but I had to trim the the edge seal off my K&N. It was for an S, though.