How to replace the air filter in a 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport

Removing the air filter in a 2012 Chevy Captiva Sport is fairly easy to do.  It takes a little more work than it does on some other models, but it can easily be done with just a few tools.  All you'll need is a pair of Phillips and slotted screwdrivers (or one multi-bit screwdriver), a short or flex-head 10mm combination wrench, and of course the new air filter.

With the vehicle turned off, pull the hood lever located below and to the left of the steering wheel (near the driver's left leg).  It is a black lever with a picture of a car with a raised hood on it.  You may have to bend down to see it.  Pull this lever toward you to pop the hood.

To raise the hood, stand in front of the vehicle and feel under the opening in the hood, near the center.  You should feel a metal latch; lift this latch up to release it, and then raise the hood.

The air filter is located in the black plastic box on the left side of the engine compartment (as you're standing in front of it).  There are two ways to get the air filter out -- remove the entire box that the air filter sits in, then remove the cover, or just remove the cover and leave the box in place.  The second method is quicker, and it is the method described here.

There are three screws (probably with black heads) securing the top of the air filter box to the bottom.  Remove these three screws with your Phillips screwdriver -- one on the front right side, one on the front left side, and one on the rear left side.

Once those screws are out, disconnect the large black hose on the rear side of the box by loosening the slotted screw that holds the clamp in place.  With the screw loosened, the clamp will also loosen, allowing you to pull the hose off of the air filter cover.

With the hose removed, you can see a 10mm bolt on the rear right side of the air filter cover.  You won't have direct access to this bolt, but you can remove it from the side with a 10mm combination wrench or crescent wrench.

After you've removed that bolt, lift the top of the air filter box up.  Be careful not to yank it, because the air filter sensor is still attached.  Set the cover out of the way so you can remove the air filter itself.

You can remove the air filter by lifting it straight out.  A new air filter is installed simply by placing it into the now-vacant cavity (pleated side down).  Then set the cover back on top, secure the bolt and the three screws, place the hose back onto the round opening on the back of the air filter cover, and clamp it back down with the slotted screw.

Close the hood and start the vehicle.  If the check engine light comes on (and it didn't come on before) check the air filter and sensor -- the sensor may have become disconnected, or something may be out of place.