I checked on my 03's filter today just to confirm my memory that "it's easy" and found that the clearance between the filter cover and the bracket above it is quite tight. A bit of flexing on the cover get's it off quite easily.
However, it takes some very good alignment and properly applied force to pop it over the metal lip when putting it back in. This was a challenge, albeit and mild one...no need to remove anything, just a bit of patience.
I think I thought it was so easy because all my past vehicles were cars where the hose between the cleaner box and throttle body was compressed and snaked among other wires and parts and you had to have tiny girly hands to reach into the gap of the hose and box to fish for the filter.
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'03 pewter base H2
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