Is your Cadillac CT5-V not breathing quite like it used to? It might be time to replace the engine air filters—yes, this twin-turbo 3.0L beast uses two filters. In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step how to swap them out quickly and easily at home.
No need for dealership visits, no need to overpay—just a few tools, a bit of patience, and the right parts. Let’s get into it
Tools & Parts You’ll Need
- Air Filters: High-Quality Replacement Air Filters
- Magnetic Screwdriver: Magnetic Screwdriver for Hard-to-Reach Screws
- Magnetic Pickup Kit: Magnetic Pickup Kit for Dropped Screws (just in case)
Before You Begin
You’re going to be removing electrical connectors, air intake hoses, and quite a few screws from the airbox. Take your time and keep everything clean. Especially those hoses—the turbos are right there and they don’t like dirt or dropped tools!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Disconnect the Sensor Connectors
There are two sensors connected to the airbox cover.
Gently unclip them and move the connectors out of the way.
Tip: Take a quick photo before unplugging them so you remember orientation for reassembly.
2. Remove the Intake Hoses
Next, loosen the clamps on the two intake hoses attached to the airbox.
Do not remove the clamps—just loosen them enough to pull the hoses off the airbox.
Be extremely careful that nothing drops into these hoses. The turbos sit just downstream, and even a small screw could be catastrophic.
3. Remove the Airbox Screws
Use your magnetic screwdriver (get one here) to remove the 13 screws holding the airbox cover in place. Note: there is a hidden screw in the center of the airbox
Yes, there are a lot of screws—don’t drop them! If you do, that’s where the magnetic pickup tool comes in handy.
4. Lift the Airbox Cover
Carefully lift the airbox cover. You may need to wiggle it slightly to free it.
Set it aside in a safe place—don’t rest it on the connectors.
5. Replace the Filters
Inside, you’ll find two engine air filters. Remove the old ones and replace them with fresh filters.
Get the correct filters here
Make sure they seat properly—there should be no gaps or warping.
6. Reassemble
Reverse the steps:
- Place the airbox cover back on
- Reinstall all 13 screws
- Reconnect the intake hoses and snug up the clamps
- Plug in both sensor connectors
7. Reset the Air Filter Life Monitor
Don’t forget this step!
Use the infotainment system or driver information display to reset the air filter life monitor, so your CT5-V knows you’re running clean again.
Check your owner’s manual or on-screen prompts for how to access the reset option.
Suggested Add-On Tools & Products
While you’re at it, consider grabbing these for future DIY jobs:
- Rechargeable work light – Get it on Amazon
- Nitrile mechanic gloves – Buy here
- OBD2 scanner – Great for checking/clearing codes: See options
Final Thoughts
Changing the engine air filters on your 2023 Cadillac CT5-V might sound intimidating—but it’s totally doable at home with a few basic tools and some care. Plus, keeping your air filters fresh helps your turbos breathe better and your engine run smoother.
If this guide helped you, let me know in the comments—or share it with fellow CT5-V owners! And if you liked the tools and parts I recommended, purchasing through my links helps support this blog at no extra cost to you.
Happy wrenching!
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