1999 Pontiac Montana Owner's Manual - Page 322

yellowblue Checking or Replacing the Air Cleaner/Filter 1. Unlatch the two hooks on top of the air cleaner housing. 2. Turn back the air inlet panel and rest it on top of the housing. The air intake tube is designed to flex back; you do not need to disconnect it. 3. After replacing the air cleaner filter, seat the tabs on the bottom of the panel into the slots at the bottom. 4. Latch the hooks to secure the panel in place. If the panel moves easily, check that the tabs are seated correctly in the slots. NOTICE: If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get into your engine, which will damage it. Always have the air cleaner/filter in place when you're driving. Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement Passenger compartment air, both outside and recirculated air, is routed through a passenger compartment filter, which is part of a two-piece filter system. The filter removes certain contaminants from the air, including pollen and dust particles, as well as odors such as exhaust or fuel fumes. Reductions in airflow, which may occur more quickly in dusty areas, indicate that the filter needs to be replaced early. For how often to change the air filter, see "Maintenance Schedule" in the Index. The access panel for the passenger compartment air filter is located in the back of the glove box. CAUTION: Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. If it isn't there, and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Don't drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner/filter off. 6-16