I looked in the FSM and it says that the air filter doesn't need to be replaced. I tried to take it out but I only see 2 snap tabs at the top and the "moving" door on top of the filter box assembly. Am I missing something when I am trying to take it out.

 

There is no way that the FSM says that the air filter doesn't need to be replaced. It is a regular maintenance item.

Undo the two snap tabs, pull the filter housing towards you and then up through the hole. The filter is inside the housing. I am not sure I understand the problem.

 

Once you "unsnap" it, a plastic housing just slides up an out. The air filter is in that plastic housing. Should be really easy, I just put a K&N in a couple of days ago with no trouble at all. It may be differant for cars older than 2003, I have no idea.

 

I perhaps read something wrong then. I undid the two tabs and the filter doesn't seem to want to come out. I wonder if it is the right filter for the unit. There is nothing to grab other then the sides. I know how to change an air filter but this one is giving me grief.

 

Looks like you beat me to it.

 

Wow! I just figured it out. I needed to step away and come back to it I guess. I just looked at the FSM on page 17 in the MA.pdf. Noe sure what a "viscous" paper type filter is other then the stock one.