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Common Symptoms of a Restricted Air Filter Element

By R&D
Published on August 16th, 2024

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Clean air is necessary for the best fuel efficiency and engine performance, and for maintaining low emissions. Therefore, loading enough air and keeping the air entering the engine free of impurities are is very important.

The Engine Air Filter screens or traps incoming air impurities in a cotton, paper or foam element, which normally sits inside the air intake box near the front of the engine compartment. When the filter becomes extremely dirty, it may restrict air flow into the engine. This article identifies the common symptoms of a dirty or restricted air filter element.

Common Symptoms of a Restricted Air Filter Element

What Causes Air Filter Element Restrictions?

Physical Damage: Accidental impact or mishandling during installation or maintenance can damage the filter element, compromising its integrity and leading to failure.

Neglecting Regular Maintenance: Failing to perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing the air filter element can cause the filter to clog, forming a restriction and premature air filter element failure.

Age and Wear: As with any other maintenance item, air filters deteriorate over time from engine heat, trapping contaminants as intended, as well as age. In extreme cases, the filter material may break down or become ineffective at trapping contaminants.

Common Symptoms of a Restricted Air Filter Element

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) or Check Engine Light (CEL) Illuminates

A restricted air filter element will affect the flow of air entering the engine. When this occurs, the CEL, MIL, or service engine soon message may display on the vehicle’s dashboard. An OBD2 scan tool can display the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), freeze frame information (such as short-term and long-term fuel trim) and even DTC severity level.

Strange Engine Noises

At idle, a vehicle should be whisper quiet, with minimal compartment vibrations, rattles, or noises. However, if you detect strange sounds such as a “sputtering” noise or a “popping” sound, it’s always a good idea to check for air restrictions in the air filter element first. The more dirt the air filter accumulates, the louder these noises will be.

Decreased Performance

Decreased air flow due to a restricted air filter element will be accompanied by decreased engine performance. A dirty or clogged air filter element is like breathing through a straw, presenting itself as decreased acceleration, possible idling surges, and occasional sputtering.

Reduced Fuel Economy

A faulty or particularly dirty air filter element restricts airflow, reducing the oxygen content in the air-fuel mixture. Consequently, the engine responds by consuming additional fuel to generate sufficient power to maintain the same speed or distance compared to when using a clean filter.

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How Does an OBD2 Scan Tool Help Identify a Clogged Air Filter Element?

The Innova Diagnostic Scan Tool is able to swiftly identify vehicle system issues. Specifically, it excels in diagnosing and resolving problems related to the fuel system by detecting DTCs associated with air-fuel mixture including a severely clogged Air Filter Element. When the Innova Scan Tool retrieves a DTC related to the air-fuel mixture, it can help identify possible cause whether something simple like the air filter element or more complicated like a fuel injector. This tool helps mechanics and car owners in easily pinpointing and resolving issues.

In addition, you can also monitor the air flow rate from MAF sensor value with the Innova Scan Tool (using the Live Data function) to determine if the air flow rate value is low or not. The normal operating value of the air flow rate depends on your vehicle.