Here's what you should do:
1. Locate the battery: It's usually positioned near the front of the engine compartment, on the passenger side (right side in the US).
2. Disconnect the battery terminals: Before doing anything else, disconnect the negative (-) terminal first (it's usually marked with a minus sign or black). Then disconnect the positive (+) terminal. Use a wrench appropriate for the terminal size. It's a good idea to have a rag handy to prevent accidental shorts.
3. Remove the battery hold-down: There's usually a clamp or bracket holding the battery in place. This might be a simple clamp that needs to be loosened with a wrench or a more complex system. Consult your owner's manual for specifics.
4. Lift out the battery: Once the hold-down is removed, carefully lift the battery out of its tray.
If you're having trouble accessing the battery, double-check your owner's manual. It's the definitive guide for your specific vehicle and will have precise instructions and diagrams. The air filter might be *near* the battery, but in most cases, it shouldn't need to be removed. If you still can't access the battery after following the above and checking your manual, there might be something unusual about your specific car's configuration. In that case, a photo would help someone provide more specific guidance.
