How do I replace the AIR FILTER & OVERHEAD LIGHT in a '95 Avalon?

[LoveMyAvalon]

Hello I have a couple of small things I can't figure out on the 95 avalon I just got that I can't find in the manual. I can't get the cover off of the air filter to replace it.
I unclipped the 4 clips but there's this huge other assembly attached to it that keeps me from getting to the filter. I don't see an easy way to unhook or loosen it -- it won't lift up enough for me to get the filter out.
Is there a way I can replace the air filter without taking that other assembly apart?

The other thing is the overhead interior light cover. How does that come off? I pushed and squeezed it but it won't come off. Should I use screwdriver to pry it off? I don't want to mess it up.

I'm ok with basic maintenance but that's about it so I'd rather ask here instead of wrecking things trying to fix them. Thanks.

[CupCate18]

I don't know about the air filter, but as far as the dome light, yes, use a screw driver to easily pry it off. There should be multiple lip type spots for the dome light, and just put the screw driver in there and gently pry it off. I have pulled mine off about 3 times now just out of curiosity.

[cexsiman]

air filter comes out with just the 4 clips undone. i swear. it seems like it wont fit, but keep lifting up, it will come up, the 'bends' in the intake are there to accommodate it. its tight, but it will come out.

Its got a several hundred dollar sensor on it?! lol, glad i didnt break it, its apparently pretty tought

[Jigg007]

Originally Posted by cexsiman

air filter comes out with just the 4 clips undone. i swear. it seems like it wont fit, but keep lifting up, it will come up, the 'bends' in the intake are there to accommodate it. its tight, but it will come out.

Yes, same here. Makes you feel REAL uneasy when yanking on something with a several hundred dollar sensor, dosent it? :P I was ready to unbolt the intake hosing

[LoveMyAvalon]

Ok thanks y'all I'll try those things!

[LoveMyAvalon]

Ok it took me a while to get back under the hood but I still can't get replace the air filter.
After undoing the 4 clips the air cleaner lifts up a little but not enough to get the filter out. Am i supposed to keep pushing or pulling or what? Also there's a hose or 2 connected that keep it from lifting up too. I disconnected those but still couldn't get it up because of all the other hardware attached.

If someone could take the trouble to take a couple of pictures of how they do it I'd really be greatful. Otherwise I'll have to pay Jiffy Lube to do it.
Thanks!

[Avalon97]

I'm not sure if the 95 and 97 are different, mine is 97. Here's the picture:




It takes me less than 5 min to replace it, less time than travelling to Jiffy Lube. Undo 2 clips 1 and 2. Lift the cover up a little bit and pull toward to you in order to make the cover off the hooks 3 and 4 then lift the cover up to make enough room to take the filter out. It's much easier with a little extra time by removing the ring and the rubber hose (?) as at number 5.

Danny

[KatanaSquirrel]

My airfilter usually can slip out rather easily after I just unclip 1 and 2, you just jiggy it out. I now have a K&N however and those last forever.