Help with replacing air filter for 2005 T-Bird

[George]

There is a difference. - K&N did not offer a system for '02's but did for '03-05's.

There is a guy that has made one for '02's though

[shovino]

The manual is basically correct in the procedure. Loosen the flex hose that runs from the engine intake to the filter housing. Once loose, it is mandatory to get complete seperation of the flex tube and the airfilter housing. Release the two plastic snaps on the top of the filter housing and tip the housing up. As you are leaning over the front of the car, force the filter housing towards the front of the car and it will separate. Clean the housing and replace the filter. Align the tabs on the front of the housing and then tip the back of the housing back into place and get the plastic snaps to seat closed. Hook the flex hose back up to the filter housing and then tighten the hose clamp. You are done. The key to the change is separting the flex hose from the filter housing and it is not necessary to remove the flex hose from the engine intake end.
Hope this helps!

[05bird]

I changed my air cleaner last year on my o5, had to use brute force, got the job done. I think Ford could have done a better design job on the replacement requirements.