Honda Accord Forum - Honda Accord Enthusiast Forums

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimBlake (Post 344794)

Unfiltered air comes in the bottom of the lower (bolt-on) part of the box. Flows upwards through the filter & clean air is above the filter. If you can reach into the box & touch the top of the filter, that means unfiltered air can get in through that same hole.

The clips are to the front of the box, while at the back there's some kinda hooks that you have to put together like a hinge of sorts. If those hooks aren't together properly at the back, maybe that's the opening??

Quote:

Originally Posted by redbull-1 (Post 344800)

If you can touch the filter, you've didn't install the cover back on correctly. There are two guides on the air cleaning housing cover that have to slide into two slots before you engage the metal housing clips. See attached image from a Honda service news article excerpt.

Thanks for the help guys. I feel like an idiot, seeing as I've been driving for about 5000 miles with the two guide tabs not even in the proper spot. They were on top of where they were supposed to be inserted, which gave that open area enough room for air to enter and exit and for me to put my finger through.

Additionally, that was culprit of the obnoxiously loud sound. After putting the air box back in properly (with the guide tabs inserted into the slots), the car sounds normal again.

Should I unscrew the MAF sensor and give it a good cleaning? God knows what could've happen in those 5000 miles of the filter not being engaged properly.