Understanding Air Filter Replacement & Reset
Understanding Air Filter Replacement & Reset
The air filter in your vehicle plays a critical role in protecting the engine by trapping dust, dirt, and debris. Over time, the filter gets clogged, which can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency.
When to Replace the Air Filter
Typically, it's recommended to replace your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or as indicated by your vehicle manufacturer. However, if you frequently drive in dusty or off-road conditions, you may need to change it more often.
What Does "Reset Air Filter Life" Mean?
Many modern vehicles and diagnostic tools, such as the Autel MP900 or Autel MX808S, allow you to reset the air filter life indicator after replacement. This ensures the system accurately tracks the condition of the new filter.
This reset function doesn't physically clean the filter—it simply clears the internal counter that estimates the filter's lifespan, similar to resetting the oil life monitor after an oil change.
How to Reset the Air Filter Life
Using a diagnostic scanner that supports maintenance functions:
- Connect the scanner to your vehicle's OBD2 port
- Navigate to the Maintenance or Service menu
- Select Reset Air Filter Life or similar option
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the reset
That's it! Your vehicle will now properly monitor the new air filter's usage moving forward.
