2020 Ford Explorer Air Filter

The engine air filter is housed in the engine bay airbox at the front of the vehicle, inside a rectangular or square plastic box connected to the intake snorkel.

On a 2020 Ford Explorer the airbox sits toward the front of the engine compartment and is secured with clips or screws for access. Technicians at Larry H. Miller Ford Lincoln Draper inspect the housing seal and intake snorkel for cracks or loose clamps when replacing the filter.

• Airbox located in the engine bay, front area near intake snorkel
• Accessible by releasing clips or removing a few fasteners
• Techs check housing seal and intake plumbing during service

The cabin air filter is typically located behind the glove box or an access panel in the HVAC plenum behind the dash.

Access usually requires dropping or swinging out the glove box and removing an interior access panel; some trim pieces may need gentle removal. Our service team can replace the cabin filter and inspect the blower intake for leaf or debris buildup, which is common near park and trail areas around Draper.

• Filter accessed from inside the passenger compartment behind the glove box
• Replacement may require glove box trim removal
• Technician inspects HVAC intake for debris when replacing filter

The engine air filter cleans incoming air for combustion; the cabin air filter cleans air entering the HVAC system for passengers.

The engine filter protects the throttle body, fuel system, and engine internals from dust and grit, preserving power and efficiency. The cabin filter traps pollen, dust, and particulates to improve passenger comfort and HVAC performance, especially important during Draper's high-pollen seasons.

• Engine filter serves combustion and protects engine components
• Cabin filter serves HVAC and passenger air quality
• Both filters affect performance: one mechanical, one comfort-focused

Reduced engine power, decreased fuel efficiency, weak HVAC airflow, and musty cabin odors are common signs of clogged engine or cabin filters.

For a 2020 Ford Explorer, an engine-side restriction can feel like sluggish acceleration or reduced towing responsiveness, while a clogged cabin filter usually causes poor blower output and persistent odors. In Draper, seasonal pollen and dusty frontage roads can accelerate buildup, so technicians will inspect both filters during routine service.

• Engine symptoms: reduced power, rough idle, lower fuel economy
• Cabin symptoms: weak HVAC airflow, odors, increased dust in cabin
• Local factors: dust from Lone Peak Parkway and seasonal pollen in Draper

You can often replace the engine air filter yourself with basic tools; the cabin filter may require trim removal and is slightly more complex.

The engine filter is usually held with clips or screws and is a common DIY job; the cabin filter often needs the glove box lowered or an access panel removed. Dealer service provides OEM-spec parts, correct filter orientation, and a brief inspection of intake components and the MAF area, which DIY replacements may overlook.

• Engine filter: typically DIY-friendly with basic tools
• Cabin filter: may require glove box/trim removal and care
• Dealer service includes inspection of intake and MAF sensor areas

Larry H. Miller Ford Lincoln Draper offers Ford OEM-spec air filters for replacement and can install approved equivalent parts on request.

Using OEM-spec filters preserves fit and filtration performance for the 2020 Ford Explorer and helps maintain warranty coverage where applicable. Our technicians verify part numbers and inspect the intake housing and HVAC plenum when installing filters so the replacement meets factory expectations.

• OEM-spec parts available for accurate fit and filtration
• Technician verifies part number and inspects housings
• Approved equivalents can be installed if requested and documented

Refer to your 2020 Ford Explorer owner's manual for the manufacturer-recommended cabin filter interval; replace sooner if you notice weak airflow or odors.

Local conditions in Draper—dust from frontage roads, seasonal pollen, and frequent trail access—can mean more frequent cabin filter changes than standard schedules. If you use the vehicle for family outings to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium or Corner Canyon trails, have the cabin filter inspected during regular service visits.

• Follow the owner’s manual for the factory interval
• Inspect sooner if you notice reduced HVAC airflow or odors
• Local dust and pollen in Draper can accelerate filter loading

Service time varies by lane load and whether both engine and cabin filters are replaced, but most filter-only jobs are completed during a short service appointment.

Because labor times depend on technician schedule and any additional inspections, we recommend using the online scheduler to pick a convenient slot; the team will confirm expected completion time when you book. Replacing both filters typically involves inspecting the intake and HVAC plenum so technicians can report any related findings.

• Actual time depends on shop workload and whether both filters are changed
• Technicians perform intake and HVAC inspections during the job
• Use the online schedule appointment tool to reserve time

Replacement of the engine and cabin air filters includes a step-by-step inspection and service flow. Technicians remove the airbox cover to replace the engine filter, inspect the intake snorkel and MAF sensor area for debris or oil contamination, and reinstall or re-torque fasteners to factory specifications. For the cabin filter, the glove box or access panel is removed, the filter is inspected, and the HVAC intake area is checked for trapped leaves or insect debris that commonly accumulate after parking near trailheads.

Service includes proper disposal of used filters and documentation of part numbers used. Warranty coverage for parts will follow dealership warranty terms; warranty work must be performed by a certified facility. To book, schedule service or review current service specials before your visit.

We service vehicles from neighborhoods across the valley—South Mountain, Suncrest, Draper Historic District, Belleview, and Steeplechase—and understand local commute patterns that increase dust and pollen exposure for your filters. Draper's access to Lone Peak Parkway and nearby trailheads means intake and cabin filters can load faster than in other regions; our inspections account for that when advising replacements. The team at Larry H. Miller Ford Lincoln Draper focuses on factual checks: housing seals, MAF sensor cleanliness, and HVAC intake condition.

To set an appointment, schedule service online. We also post rotating service specials you can apply to routine maintenance visits.

The 2020 Ford Explorer uses an engine air filter sized to fit the factory airbox and a cabin filter that fits the HVAC plenum behind the glove box. OEM filters are engineered to match the vehicle's intake flow and filtration efficiency for this V6 3.3L application. During replacement, technicians confirm the correct part numbers and inspect common issue points—rubber seals on the airbox, intake snorkel connections, and the blower intake for debris—so the filters perform as designed.

Bring your 2020 Ford Explorer to Larry H. Miller Ford Lincoln Draper in Draper for OEM-spec filter service — schedule service.