Since the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve is such a cheap part to replace, it's a good idea to put in a new one every so often. The PCV valve is an important part of the vehicle's emissions system and can be hamper fuel economy if it becomes clogged.

There are varying opinions about when a PCV valve should be replaced ranging from every calendar year, or at specific intervals such as every 15,000 to 60k miles.

This Corolla's odometer has just rolled past 65,000 miles so I figured it would be a good idea to replace the old PCV valve with a new Purolator PV1066 or PV1074 PCV valve to keep the fuel economy (MPG) at the optimum level.

Attention: If you have a 10th generation model, check out this 2009-2013 Toyota Corolla PCV Valve Change Guide.

There are two 10mm bolts towards the front of the cover and two plastic snap fasteners on the back of the cover (closest to the windshield).

The two plastic pop fasteners on the rear of the cover need to be pulled up and out with a pair of needle nose pliers.

I found it easiest to remove them by wiggling the pliers around as I pulled up.

Be careful not to smash your hand on the car's hood when the fasteners finally pop out.

In other words, it's on the driver's side of the car and close to the windshield. Click on the 2nd picture in the row above and look for the red arrow labeling the "PCV Valve" location.

The PCV valve location may vary on other model year Toyota Corolla vehicles or those equipped with the more powerful 2ZZ-GE engine.

To remove the clip, hold the two circular ends of the clip together with a pair of pliers and move it further down the rubber hose away from the PCV valve.

Wiggling the hose can help if the hose won't budge.

Again, be careful when pulling off the hose.

It's really easy to cut, scrape or smash your hand against something else in the engine bay if the hose suddenly comes free while you're applying force to it.

I realized after removing the old PCV valve that the Pep Boys employee had given me the incorrect replacement valve.

Some 2005 Toyota Corolla cars use the Purolator PV1066 (3/8 pipe thread) replacement valve, while others need the PV1074 (16mm thread) PCV valve.

I went back, exchanged the PV1066 for the PV1074 PCV valve, installed it back into the engine, and replaced the hose.

I didn't take pictures of these last few steps, which are just the reverse of the first few steps.

If everything went well, your engine should be running smoothly and continue to do so for years to come.

Update - The Fram FV406 PCV valve will work if you can't find a Purolator PV1074 since it also has metric # 16 threads.

Try using a 24mm socket or a 7/8" deep socket wrench to remove the old PCV valve if the 22mm or 3/8" socket does not work.

For more, check out my other 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Repair & Maintenance Guides.

If you have a newer model check out my 2009-2013 Toyota Corolla Repair & Maintenance Guides.

For more of my automotive maintenance instructions, check out the following links: Toyota Corolla Engine Oil Change, Toyota Cabin Air Filter Replacement Guide, K&N Air Filter Cleaning Guide, WeatherTech FloorLiner Interior Mats Review, Tail Light & Headlight Condensation Repair Guide, Garmin Nuvi 260W GPS Review, Buffing Old Faded Headlights, and Interior Carpet Replacement Guide.