2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 399

I Operating the engine with the air cleanedfilter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops it flame if the engine backfires. If isn't there and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Don't drive withit off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner/filter off. Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause a damaging engine fire.And, dirt can easily get into yourengine, which will damage it. Always have the air cleanedfilter in place when you're driving. To replace the engine air cleaner/filter do the following: 1. Loosen the screws on the cover of the housing and lift up the cover. 2. Remove the air cleanedfilter from the housing. Care should be taken to dislodge as little dirt as possible. 3. Clean the filter sealing surface and the housing. 4. Install the new engine air cleaner/filter. 5. Reinstall the cover and tighten the screws. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the engine air cleaner/filter. See Part B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6- 11. 5-24