Has anybody ever had a problem installing a new Motorcraft FA-1773 filter element in their air box? I just tried and it seemed to fit fine, but I just couldn't get the two fasteners to snap into position. Now it was pretty cold in the garage and maybe the gasket was a bit hard because of the temp. I know this is the right filter element for my '06 GT. I think I'll try to warm the gasket a bit and see if it softens up a bit and allows it to squish down enough for the locks to snap into position. Maybe just another cold weather pain in the a$$.

 

Just make sure the filter is properly all the way down, in place; the outer edges go over the plastic frame inside the box, and you may have to gently push it down into place.

The cover can be a challenge. Just make sure it is properly lined up and going on squarely. make sure the slots are in the tabs for the 'hinge' side, and just get it down and press and hold while you snap the holders into place. Yes those can be stubborn and a little tough.

 

On occasion, I've had to re-position the air filter on my wife's 4.0 for the same reason but I don't recall if it was related to temperature (being in Florida, probably not). I suspected that I had the filter not seated fully.

 

If it is properly seated, the clips should just snap on.
If you are trying to get it on with the snorkel hooked to it, all
bets are off and it is a pain in the **** to get on correctly
with the clips being fully engaged.

Mine shipped from the factory half clipped and I fixed that one
on day two of its life.
Same way on the Challenger. Half clipped and sucking dirty air...

 

Well, I got the bad boy in. Warmed the gasket a bit with a heat gun, wiped a bit of Vaseline on the clips, grunted a lot and got both clips to snap in.

 

It's the little things in life that'll drive you crazy.