← Iskra

Lada Iskra 1.6 16V 106 hp (2026): Air Filter Element Replacement

The maintenance schedule calls for replacing the filter every 15,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Replace it more often if you drive on dusty roads or unpaved surfaces. The exact procedure for this model is not documented in open service materials, so the general principle is given below. On similar Lada models, the filter housing cover is held by clips or several screws.

Difficulty: Easy Time: 10-15 minutes Steps: 9

Part

№PartAlternatives
01 Air filter element for 1.6 16V (106 hp) engine, panel type Mann, Filtron, Bosch, Nitto

Tools

2
  • Usually none needed
  • if the cover is held by screws, a screwdriver or an 8-10 mm socket will come in handy

Step by step

9 steps
  1. Shut off the engine, let it cool and open the hood. Find the black plastic air filter housing. It sits next to the engine, with an air duct running from it to the throttle body.
  2. Inspect the cover and determine the type of fasteners: spring clips or screws. If there are clips, release them one at a time. If there are screws, remove them and put them in a safe place.
  3. Do not yank on the mass air flow (MAF) sensor or its wiring harness. If the sensor is mounted on the cover or the duct, do not disconnect the connector unless necessary. If you do need to, press the connector lock and pull the plug off without jerking.
  4. Lift the cover just enough to remove the element. If the corrugated duct is in the way, move the cover aside together with it.
  5. Note the position of the old filter, then pull it out. Take a look at it: a heavily clogged, oily or wet element means you should check the crankcase ventilation system and the intake for leaks.
  6. Wipe the inside of the housing and cover with a damp or dry rag, especially the seating area for the seal. Make sure no debris gets into the intake tract toward the throttle body. Do not blow out the housing with compressed air in the direction of the throttle body.
  7. Install the new element in the same position as the old one. The rubber sealing rim must sit evenly around the entire perimeter, with no distortion or folds. If the element has an arrow or lettering, orient it along the airflow direction or according to the manufacturer's marking.
  8. Close the cover and make sure it sits with no gaps. Secure the clips until they click; tighten the screws moderately and evenly, without stripping the threads. Check that the duct and the MAF sensor connector are in place.
  9. Start the engine and check that it idles smoothly and that there is no whistling from an air leak. Check whether the Check Engine light comes on.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • A loosely closed cover or a misaligned filter lets dust into the engine and speeds up cylinder wear
  • Do not install "zero-restriction" filters that lack factory-grade filtration quality, and if air leaks past the element, the engine will run unevenly
  • If you are not sure how the cover comes off, do not use force, so you don't break the clips: look to see where all the fasteners are located