Where Is the Intake Manifold Located?

Reviewed by

Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on November 20th, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes
Summary
  • The intake manifold is high up in the engine bay on the cylinder head.
  • The exact location of the intake manifold still depends on vehicle specifications, but in most cases, it’s near the cylinders because of its role in the fuel combustion process.
  • The intake manifold is usually covered with a plastic housing, and you might need to remove a lot of parts before you can access it.

Q: Where Is the Intake Manifold Typically Located?

A: The intake manifold is pretty easy to spot on most vehicles. You can typically find it high up in the engine bay on the cylinder head. On V-engines, it’s usually installed in between the cylinder heads.

Its exact location can vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model, but you’ll almost always find it near the cylinders because of its key role in the internal combustion process. On 2011 to 2015 Chevy Cruze models, you can find the intake manifold beside the fuel rail, which you’ll have to remove to access the intake manifold.

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Pro Tip: Intake manifolds on modern engines are usually plastic but can be aluminum.

Diagram showing the location of the intake manifold | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

Also known as the inlet manifold, the intake manifold is one of the most important parts of an internal combustion engine. It helps the engine breathe by making sure that the air coming into the engine is evenly distributed to all the cylinders.

A Ford 4.0L SOHC with the intake manifold removed and set aside during a repair. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

Tips on How to Access the Intake Manifold

Before everything else, you might have to take off a plastic cover sitting on top of the engine to see what you’re working with. Accessing the intake manifold can be a long and complicated process, mostly because you usually have to remove a lot of parts before you can even access the intake manifold.

On some General Motors (GM) trucks, you’ll have to remove the air horn hose, alternator, wiring harness, and other parts first before you can even get to the intake manifold. To save yourself some trouble, go ahead and prepare all of your tools in advance, such as a flat-blade screwdriver, a 10mm wrench, and a 10mm socket.

About The Authors
Reviewed By Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.

Written By CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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Published by
CarParts.com Research Team and Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician