Can't get damaged screw out of air filter box.

[Bas]

Mine is an '04. Plastic box, philips head screws. I don't recall seeing a metal thread when I took the other screws out, so I think the plastic is threaded, but I'm not sure. I'll try the vice grip, but I fear there's still enough thread on the screw to prevent it from being pulled out directly, yet not enough to make it come out when you turn it. As a last resort, I wonder if cutting off the head and then trying to turn the protruding end clockwise would make it come out of the bottom.

I'm guessing I'm going to look at a very dirty filter too, once I finally get it open. I doubt anyone has gotten that thing open to replace a filter for a long time. Debating wether I should just order the filter in advance, just so I can replace it immediately once I do get the box open.

One thing I do know: I'm replacing all the screws in this thing.

[Thymeclock]

Mine is an '04. Plastic box, philips head screws. I don't recall seeing a metal thread when I took the other screws out, so I think the plastic is threaded, but I'm not sure. I'll try the vice grip, but I fear there's still enough thread on the screw to prevent it from being pulled out directly, yet not enough to make it come out when you turn it.

If it is threaded into plastic (as I think it is) the metal screw will thread itself out as you turn it. If not, at worst with enough pressure exerted upon it, it will strip the threads out of the plastic. Under force, steel trumps plastic...

As a last resort, I wonder if cutting off the head and then trying to turn the protruding end clockwise would make it come out of the bottom.

That might be the harder route to take.