I have a 2002 TL type S and I am trying to replace the air filter in it. I went to Autozone and O'Reilley's and they both gave me the exact same filter but the problem is that it doesnt fit my air box. This is the first time I have replaced the air filter since I bought it so could it be that the previous owner swapped out airboxes for some reason? Here are pictures of my airbox as well as air filter. Does it all look like it belongs to an 02 type S? Thanks in advance.

 

That filter looks dirty as shit, there are like woodchips and butterflies in it. Does it match up to your new one?

 

Yes I realize it's dirty. Have you read my post?

 

I cant be sure as I have had a CAI for quite a while now, but for some reason that filter that you posted pics of looks like a different shape from what I remember.
IIRC- the filter element is across the entire filter, not L shaped if you will...Also, the outer part of the filter that the filter sits on in the box is different. Again, iirc what you pictured in pic number 3 should be symmetrically diagonal across the filter...Again though, I am not sure as I havent seen it in a while.


I hope this makes sense and is of some assistance...And PS, cool down a little bit- you generally won't get much help around here if you run around with an attitude.

 

wasn't trying to have an attitude. My point was that if he had read my post he would have known that the filter I was given didn't fit and that's the whole purpose of this thread. I looked at it as his only reason for replying was to point out that my filter was dirty.

 

Why not just get the OEM one? It's only 19 bucks, and it'll save you the hassle.

Better yet, get a K&N filter and never worry about replacement.

 

X2 on the OEM. And bring that old filter in to make sure you get the same kind. My '99 is NOT a Type S, and it looks like your pic, maybe the previous owner ran a CAI and put the wrong airbox back in? My air filter is rectangular tho'...


BTW with K&N you DO have to maintain it (clean and apply fresh filter oil).

 

I have no problem with getting an OEM one, but I just want to know what to tell the dealer when I go there. If this air box is out of a say TL type-P then I will just ask for that instead of asking for a type-S filter. It's just odd that both Autozone and OReilly's gave me the same filter but yet it is different than what is in my car which gives me the suspicion the previous owner replaced the air box with one that doesn't belong in this car..

 

So like I said, bring the old filter with you when you visit the dealer parts counter.


It wouldn't hurt to drive a few miles without the filter (long as your route includes only dry, paved roads).