The assembly of components responsible for filtering, measuring, and directing air into the engine. It typically includes the air filter box, mass airflow sensor, intake tubing, throttle body, and intake manifold. A restriction or leak anywhere in this system will severely impact engine performance, fuel economy, and emissions.
Heard on the job
Check the entire intake system for cracks, especially the rubber boot between the airbox and the throttle body.
Related terms
Intake manifold
The engine component that distributes incoming air or air-fuel mixture evenly to each cylinder.
Throttle body
A housing containing a pivoting valve that controls the amount of air entering a fuel-injected engine.
Induction
The process of drawing air or an air-fuel mixture into an engine's cylinders.