[Shtaka]

I've had my 2019 a little over a week. One of the first things I did was replace the air filter with a K&N since OnStar was telling me old one had 5% life left. In the owners manual it says to just loosen 6 screws and the air box cover comes off. However, the way the air box is mounted in the engine bay, two of the screws are inaccessible! To replace the filter, you have to take the airbox out which I saw how to do on a YouTube video for an XT5. Was able to do it with a little struggle.

My question is whether there was some kind of assembly error when the car was built and the engine was somehow not installed correctly thus blocking access to the screws?

 

[Excalibur]

Welcome to Cadillac Forum!

I can't answer your question, but can say the OEM filter is good and I would never change it out for a K&N one as I'm not a fan of oiled filters - too many reported negative issues they can cause. The OEM filter allows in the right amount of air to keep the car running good, without the mess of oil...my 2 cents worth on it.

 

[TX-XT4]

I believe if you lift up on the entire air box it will unclip allowing you to move the air box to the side a few inches and you can get to the remaining screws to undo the filter cover.

 

[LaybackLennie2020Xt4]

I've had my 2019 a little over a week. One of the first things I did was replace the air filter with a K&N since OnStar was telling me old one had 5% life left. In the owners manual it says to just loosen 6 screws and the air box cover comes off. However, the way the air box is mounted in the engine bay, two of the screws are inaccessible! To replace the filter, you have to take the airbox out which I saw how to do on a YouTube video for an XT5. Was able to do it with a little struggle.

My question is whether there was some kind of assembly error when the car was built and the engine was somehow not installed correctly thus blocking access to the screws?

I changed my air filter and it was a pain to do, so i dont think it was an assembly error but more as an engineering design flaw.

 

[Shtaka]

I changed my air filter and it was a pain to do, so i dont think it was an assembly error but more as an engineering design flaw.

I thought assembly error because the owners manual shows pictures with easy access to the screws.

 

[Brewster100]

I just had the ' Air filter' message come up. I looked in owners manual - and the display message does not jive with what is written in owners manual.
"Messages will display based on the engine air filter life and the state of the system. When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE message displays, the engine air filter should be replaced at the time of the next oil change. When the REPLACE NOW message displays, the engine air filter should be replaced as soon as possible. The Air Filter Life display must be reset after the engine air filter replacement. To reset, see Engine Air Filter Life System 0 257".
Video:

How to Change Engine Air Filter: 2019 Cadillac XT4 Sport 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo

Free video that shows you where the engine filter is located on a 2019 Cadillac XT4 Sport 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo and how to change it. Replacing a dirty air filter on your 2019 Cadillac XT4 Sport 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo improves fuel economy!

www.carcarekiosk.com

 

[HughG16]

Can an air filter in need of replacement give you a check engine light?

 

[Excalibur]

Can an air filter in need of replacement give you a check engine light?

If it's SO dirty and clogged to affect air flow to a great degree and fuel trims...I would say it's possible.

 

[Brewster100]

I wonder what the 'algorithm' is based on when the 'Change Air Filter' message comes up? If it is based on 'reduced flow measured by MAF'- I also see it could initiate a 'Check Engine' light. (Just stop into an AutoZone or other parts store to see what code is).

Free services at AutoZone and other auto stores

Engine sputtering? Wiper blades in need of replacement? These are just a few of the things you can get done free at your nearest auto parts store.

www.nbc26.com

 

[Johnel5]

Wonder if the "change air filter" notice starts popping up 4 years after date of manufacturer. I think that's when ours started.

 

[Brewster100]

'Google'd it' and came up with this: (Looks like 'sensor based')

Learn About

Learn About My Vehicle | Chevrolet Canada Owner Centre

my.gm.ca

.

 

[FTSS]

I've had my 2019 a little over a week. One of the first things I did was replace the air filter with a K&N since OnStar was telling me old one had 5% life left. In the owners manual it says to just loosen 6 screws and the air box cover comes off. However, the way the air box is mounted in the engine bay, two of the screws are inaccessible! To replace the filter, you have to take the airbox out which I saw how to do on a YouTube video for an XT5. Was able to do it with a little struggle.

My question is whether there was some kind of assembly error when the car was built and the engine was somehow not installed correctly thus blocking access to the screws?

I'm certain no one wants the thread to morph into a 'Best Air Cleaner Evar' war. I just comment for anyone passing by here in the future that they do a little poking around the numerous measured tests including both oem aftermarket along with the advertised 'high-efficiency' and otherwise self-identified high performance filters. What consistently gets measured with the K&N type and similar is --> slightly <-- greater cfm flow when new, but at the expense of greater micron size filter media and the associated measured increased airborne contaminants ingested into the engine. I've heard rumors some makers as K&N or Spectra may have come out with non-oil designs. But at least those using the oil have been measured to load up earlier than later with debris, and their initial 'freer flow' is soon replaced by reduced efficiency than one of the better quality brands of regular oem element filter of the same age.

Plus, as mentioned, the 'oil film on the MAF sensor messing up stuff' is an actual thing.

 

[Excalibur]

I've had my 2019 a little over a week. One of the first things I did was replace the air filter with a K&N since OnStar was telling me old one had 5% life left. In the owners manual it says to just loosen 6 screws and the air box cover comes off. However, the way the air box is mounted in the engine bay, two of the screws are inaccessible! To replace the filter, you have to take the airbox out which I saw how to do on a YouTube video for an XT5. Was able to do it with a little struggle.

My question is whether there was some kind of assembly error when the car was built and the engine was somehow not installed correctly thus blocking access to the screws?

In this video from a member of CF he says five screws to remove the airbox cover and all being accessible. Video starts at about 5:25 (replacing cabin filter precedes the airbox).

 

[resdoggie]

Plus, as mentioned, the 'oil film on the MAF sensor messing up stuff' is an actual thing.

Not if you follow the K&N's cleaning/oiling instructions which say lightly spray with oil after the filter has dried. "Lightly" to some is "if a little is ok, then saturating the filter with oil must be better!" Anyway, I've used K&N filters for decades and have never had any MAF issues nor any other engine issues because I used minimal oil as directed. And like motor oil, there is no best air filter.

 

[Shtaka]

In this video from a member of CF he says five screws to remove the airbox cover and all being accessible. Video starts at about 5:25 (replacing cabin filter precedes the airbox).

There is a strip of plastic attached to the inner fender that blocks access to some of the screws. It looks like the strip can be removed and then reattached, but it was easier to just remove the whole air box.

 

[phillxt4]

I've had my 2019 a little over a week. One of the first things I did was replace the air filter with a K&N since OnStar was telling me old one had 5% life left. In the owners manual it says to just loosen 6 screws and the air box cover comes off. However, the way the air box is mounted in the engine bay, two of the screws are inaccessible! To replace the filter, you have to take the airbox out which I saw how to do on a YouTube video for an XT5. Was able to do it with a little struggle.

My question is whether there was some kind of assembly error when the car was built and the engine was somehow not installed correctly thus blocking access to the screws?

I always order parts on Rockauto.com they have a lot of brands and they have acdelco original parts for our xt4 for less then the dealer and its delivery at your door Better order like 2 cabin filters 2 air filter to save on shipping cost Rockauto guys