Got a new air filter for my 2012 Odyssey I am not strong enough to snap the 2 side clips that hold the filter in I thought I might break my thumb . The dealer changed the filter last time
and the Honda dealer did not fasten all the clips only the end one ! they fastened only the one end clip . How do you guys snap those hard to snap side clips
or are there a lot of Odysseys running around with only one clip holding the air filter in . ? Note Close examination with a magnifing glass shows the filter cover is all the way on and contacts the filter housing there is no gap . B0B

 

I think one can use a flat blade screwdriver to put the clips on and take them off.
Put the screwdriver into the clip so that it is snug then use the screwdriver as a lever to pull the clips off
Or lift the clips to put them on the air filter housing.

 

Thank You I am working on the ODY today 11/22/2019 and will try that looks like a good method Bob

 

I tried using a screwdriver as you showed with your drawing and found that there just is not enough room to get a screwdriver in there However I was able to snap the clips ! on the 2012 Odyssey air filter by using both thumbs one thumb on top of the other on the front clip and then using both forefingers one on top of the other to snap the back clip it took all the force I could muster to do them I am 77 years old and have done mechanic work . When the clips snapped it was quite a shock to my fingers . Interesting to note here that I bought the car used at a Honda dealer less than a month ago and it had a dirty air filter and only the one end snap clip on the air filter cover was snapped .
B0B

 

What i do is put pressure on the curve in the clip, that pressure makes the clip longer in a way and snaps in easier.

 

77 years old?? You should just have someone else do the work??
Yeah, the screwdriver bit is to try to get enough leverage to make the clips do what you want.
Sorry it didn't work for you.