Replacing the air filter in a 2.0 l gasoline engine (for use on Ford Focus models)

The air filter on a car has many important functions and its main purpose is to clean the air entering the engine. It reduces noise, creates a continuous supply of air masses, and prevents the formation of liquid. There is no need to convince every driver of the need to replace it in case of contamination, because the least amount of fuel begins to flow into the cylinders, which causes interruptions in engine operation, a loss of power and an increase in its consumption. Replacing the Ford Focus air filter does not require special knowledge, so every driver can do it independently. The whole operation happens quite quickly, but there are some differences regarding the 2nd and 3rd models, which we will talk about today.

How to change the Ford Focus 2 air filter

Ford Focus car engines are highly reliable, but only if the car is regularly serviced.

The Ford Focus 2 air filter must be replaced in a timely manner - when the filter element and the engine become clogged, various problems arise. In this article we will look at how to change the air filter and how often it should be replaced.

Why is it important to replace?

Foreign-made cars require regular maintenance. Replacing the air filter element is an integral part of maintenance, so it is better to adhere to the timing of replacement of this component.

Ford Focus 3 car

Replacing the air filter is important for any car, because this component affects not only the cleanliness of the air inside the vehicle, but also its overall performance. If the VF is not replaced for a long time, the following problems may occur:

• abnormal operation of the vehicle’s engine (the engine operates in increased mode, very intensely, at high speeds);
• unpleasant and humid air in the Ford Focus cabin;
• regular fogging of windows even in the summer.

How often should the air filter be replaced? This question is often asked by owners of Ford Focus 3. The manufacturer in the car's operating manual recommends that Focus owners change the element at least every 50 thousand kilometers. This is provided that the dust content of the environment is minimal and the operating conditions of the car are standard.

VF for Focus 3, which has expired its service life

However, if you live in Russia or Ukraine, where air purity leaves much to be desired, then the period for replacing the air filter should be reduced. In addition, if your car is used in regular traffic jams or in rural areas, where the air dust level is even higher, then it is better to replace the VF every 20-30 thousand kilometers.

Ford Focus 2nd generation cars

The Ford Focus brand itself has been produced since 1998, and in 2004 the production of Ford Focus 2 started. Dorestayl is a model that was produced in 2004-2008, Focus was restyled in 2008, the car underwent changes:

• front bumper;
• optics;
• front wings;
• radiator grille.

The Ford Focus-2 car for Russia was equipped with various engines, both gasoline and diesel; in total, seven types of power units were installed on the Focus. Gasoline internal combustion engines are Duratec, with a chain drive of the gas distribution mechanism, and Zetec, with a timing belt drive, with a volume of 1400 to 2000 cm³. Also in the range of engines there is a Duratorq 1.8 liter diesel engine and a 2.5 liter turbocharged diesel engine produced by Volvo.

Replacing the air filter Ford Focus 2

On second-generation Focus vehicles, the engine air filter (AF) is changed during maintenance; the cost of replacement is included in the general list of maintenance services. According to the regulations for replacing the filter element, many sources indicate different data; in general, it is recommended to change the VF on Ford cars through one service. If each maintenance is carried out every 20 thousand km, it turns out that the air filter needs to be updated once every 40 thousand km.

This replacement frequency is suitable for an environmentally friendly environment; perhaps the regulation is observed in Europe or America. In Russian conditions, the air filter becomes dirty much faster, so the Ford Focus 2 air filter should be replaced more often, after 20 thousand, and in conditions of heavy dust - after 15 thousand km.

Replacing the cabin filter on a Ford Focus 2: photos and videos

To ensure that the driver and passengers do not breathe dust and exhaust gases, an air filter is installed in the vehicle interior ventilation system.

Sometimes we don’t even imagine what we have to inhale when driving around the city - dust from worn brake pads, benzene, sulfur, nitrogen, rubber dust, organic particles and many other not very useful substances.

All this should remain on the cabin filter, and purified air should enter the cabin. We’ll find out right now how to change it correctly and how to choose a good filter for Ford Focus 2.

Video about replacing the cabin filter on a Ford Focus 2:

Types of cabin filters

Carbon cabin filter close up

Cabin filters for the second Focus are produced in two types - regular and carbon. Due to the properties of coal to adsorb harmful substances, the efficiency of a carbon filter is much higher. But the price is higher.

Replacing the filter yourself

Maintenance at a car service center is not very cheap, so many car owners, in order to reduce costs, carry out maintenance themselves. It’s not difficult to replace the filter with your own hands; let’s look at how the engine filter element is changed on a pre-restyling Focus-2 car with a 1600 cm³ ZETEC engine. We carry out the work as follows:

• turn off the engine, open the hood;
• pull off the plug from the air flow sensor;
• unscrew the clamps of the injector pipe, disconnect the corrugation from the VF housing;
• unscrew the screws of the top cover of the VF housing, there are six of them in total, remove the cover;
• remove the filter element itself from the housing;
• if dirt and dust have accumulated in the lower part of the case, the plastic box should be removed in order to wash it;
• There is a sponge inside the lower housing at the bottom left; if it is dirty, it also needs to be changed;
• Having cleaned the body of dirt, install a sponge filter, secure the plastic box in its place;
• install a new filter element;
• fasten the top plastic cover with self-tapping screws;
• We put the pipe (corrugation) in place and connect the mass air flow sensor plug.

Replacing the filter element Focus-2 restyling

On the restyled version of Focus 2 with a 2.0 Duratec engine, a cylindrical filter element is installed, and it is mounted differently than on the 1600 cm³ Zetec pre-restayl internal combustion engine. Replacing VF Focus-2 restyling is extremely simple; we carry out the work as follows:

• unscrew the 4 self-tapping bolts securing the VF housing cover, they can be unscrewed with a 7 mm wrench;
• remove the top cover;
• bend the part of the lower housing with the pipe by hand and remove the filter element;
• We wipe the lower part of the body from dirt if it has accumulated there;
• We put another filter element in place, close the top cover, and tighten the screws.

Replacing the air filter Ford Focus 2 restyling

Replacing the air filter Ford Focus 2 (Restyle)

It’s easier to work here than when replacing the Focus 2 dorestyle air filter. As already mentioned, replacing the air filter yourself is not difficult for any car owner. You need to prepare the necessary tools and the filter itself in advance. If we change the air filter, the following tools will be required:

• Small ratchet.
• Socket head 7.
• New air filter
• New crankcase filter

So how do you replace the air filter? First, use a 7mm head to unscrew all 4 mounting bolts. Make sure that the bolts remain in their fastening places, otherwise it will be difficult to put them in place when reinstalling.

Then, unscrew the two mounting bolts of the air duct and disconnect the pipe so that it does not interfere with the removal of the old filter and installation of the new one.

We will also replace the crankcase ventilation filter in one go.

Now, install the new filter, make sure that it sits exactly in place in the neck.

After dismantling the filter, assess its condition. If you have followed the recommended interval, and it looks quite dirty on the outside, then you should change the replacement interval. And then the question of how long to change the air filter at the focus will disappear.

Now all that remains is to screw on the pipe and the air filter cover.

An important note is that the driver should not be tempted to blow out the old filter using a compressor and continue to use it. Such purging is practically used in cases of temporary operation of a car in difficult conditions, but if the filter has not yet exhausted its service life.

Before reinstallation, it is necessary to lubricate the seat, the inner ring of the cylinder, using WD-40 lubricant to avoid the application of excessive physical force and not damage the filter. You should put the filter on, turning it slightly, and make sure that the housing fits neatly into the required grooves. You should tighten the mounting bolts only after you are sure that the cover is firmly in place. A little trick for an experienced driver is to mark the installation site with a special label where you can record the date and mileage at which the replacement occurred. It's no secret that if you don't do this, in a year you will only have vague memories of the replacement date.

If you have any questions, ask them in the comments.

Replacement instructions

Replacing this element of the air system is not difficult. It will be suitable for inexperienced car enthusiasts and even beginners, especially if you have the replacement manual provided below. The main thing is to strictly adhere to all the actions specified in the instructions, and replacing the VF will not take you much time and effort.

What tools will you need?

Of course, in order to quickly replace the VF, it is necessary to prepare in advance everything that may be useful. In particular, we are talking about:

• new air filter for Ford Focus 3;
• socket wrench at “7”;
• a small piece of foam rubber.

New filter element for Ford Focus 3

Head wrench "7" for unscrewing the screws securing the VF casing

A small piece of foam rubber to replace the seal
It should also be noted that it is better to install original production parts in your Ford Focus 3. If you have read the operating manual for your car, then you most likely know about this, since the manufacturer warns motorists about the need to install original elements. If you purchased a low-quality VF, be prepared for it to fail at any moment.

Step-by-step instruction

Having prepared everything stated above, you can begin changing the component. As stated above, this process is not labor intensive. If you do everything correctly, replace the VF in 10 minutes. So let's get started:

1. Open the hood of your Ford Focus 3 and find the location of the filter element. It is located on the right side of the engine when facing the engine. In the photo, the installation location of the VF is highlighted in red.
2. Take a 7" socket wrench and unscrew the four bolts that secure the protective casing of the VF housing. Having done this, try not to lose the cover bolts, otherwise you will have to say goodbye to them.
3. Having done this, remove the casing. If you haven't replaced the element in a while, you may have to make some effort to remove the cover. Use a screwdriver if necessary.
4. Opening the casing, you will see an old VF which, apparently, has already exhausted its service life and is covered with dust and dirt. Please note that under no circumstances should the VF be removed by force from its installation location! The place where the element is attached is plastic, so it won’t be difficult for a strong man to make a crack in it. To carefully and safely remove the element, you need to lift it on one side and begin to scroll, while simultaneously moving away the air duct pipe that fits the component. Then it will be much easier to remove the VF from the pipe. After removing the filter, you need to wipe its housing from dust.
5. When the filter is removed, you can see that there is also a foam seal in the housing underneath. Since you are changing the VF, it is also better to replace this element. Take a prepared piece of foam rubber and, following the example of the old sealant, cut a piece out of it.
6. Now we take a new air filter and install it in place of the old one, after putting the foam seal in place. It is worth noting here that when replacing the VF, the element must be held carefully - experts do not recommend holding the filter by the paper part.
7. We put the cover in place and use a wrench set to “7” to tighten the four bolts on which it is attached.

1. In front of you is the engine compartment of a Ford Focus 3. The installation location of the element that needs to be replaced is highlighted in red

2. The screws that secure the protective casing are highlighted in red dots—they need to be unscrewed

3. Unscrewing the bolts securing the protective casing

4. Scroll the VF at the installation site, while simultaneously moving the air duct pipe away from it

5. The location of the foam rubber seal is marked in green in the photo.

6. New air purification element at the installation site
At this point, the replacement of the VF can be considered complete. When the technical work is completed, make sure that the plastic part of the element fits snugly against the body.

labavto.com

As you know, the Ford Focus 2 air filter serves to filter and clean the air flow from external contaminants and exhaust gases entering the car engine. Therefore, replacing it is a priority during car maintenance or when the filter fails. Today you will learn about what kind of air filter is needed in a Focus 2 car, and what types there are, as well as how to change the cleaning element.

What filter is needed?

Filter element housing

A Ford Focus 2 may have one of several types of filters installed, depending on the version of the vehicle, so its choice depends solely on the vehicle.

In particular, the standard air purification element for Ford Focus 2 in a rectangular housing is a traditional filter that is installed on most cars. Its cost is not cheap: 500 - 1000 rubles (150-300 hryvnia), but it is publicly available and is sold in any car store.

Types of air filters

There are three types of filters used in cars. The main criterion is the operating conditions of the vehicle. For trucks, a dry type inertial filter is used. The second type is an oil-inertia filter. They are only found on older cars. Today, passenger vehicles are equipped with an air filter made of porous paper.

Car air filters come in different shapes and sizes.

Externally, the paper filter resembles an “accordion”. The paper is impregnated with resin. It protects the filter from moisture. The interweaving of porous paper fibers traps dust as small as 1 micron.

There are three types based on shape: cylindrical, panel, frameless . Some air filters are equipped with a pre-cleaner. It protects the filter from large dust and fumes. The pre-cleaner increases the service life of the filter element by 30–40%.

Interesting fact. According to ISO standards, car air filters are tested using sand from the Arizona desert. Manufacturers of filter elements are forced to import it from the United States.

Replacement process

Replacing the air cleaning component in the restyled Ford Focus 2 itself is not a labor-intensive task, so even the most inexperienced driver can cope with it. The main thing is to follow the instructions provided and carry out all the steps exactly.

If you replace the cleaning element in a timely manner, you will get the following results:

• the engine's operating life increases;
• the vehicle's power increases while driving;
• normal operation of the exhaust system;
• saving gasoline.

Tools

The manufacturer recommends replacing the air component together with a crankcase gas cleaner. Therefore, we will consider the process together with the change of this part. Before you begin the actual replacement, prepare everything you might need:

• a wrench or a socket wrench with an extension to “7”;
• the air filter itself (the brand of the original element is Mahle LX 1780);
• rags;
• new crankcase gas filter;
• liquid VD-40;
• Phillips screwdriver.

Tools for replacing VF on Ford Focus 2 restyling

Self-replacement of the element

1. First you need to open the hood and find the air cleaning component housing cover.
2. Then you need to unscrew the 4 bolts to remove this cover.
3. Take a socket wrench with an extension to “7” and unscrew this bolt. You can try to do this with a regular key, but using a head will be much more convenient.
4. Now you need to unscrew the two mounting bolts of the air duct and move the pipe. This is done for greater convenience so that the pipe does not interfere with the removal of the old and installation of a new filter element.
5. We will immediately change the crankcase gas cleaning and ventilation component. You just need to pry it off with a screwdriver and pull it out, installing a new one in its place.

Crankcase gas filter for FF2 restyling

VF Focus 2 after a run of 15 thousand km

New VF at installation site

Important! Don't think that you can save money by blowing out the filter with a compressor. It is advisable to blow out the element if the vehicle is temporarily used in difficult conditions and the component itself has not yet exhausted its service life.

A little trick: at the installation site, mark with a marker or on a piece of paper the date and mileage when the VF was changed.

Replacement procedure

Having figured out which air filter to choose for Ford Focus 2, you can move on to the issue of replacing the old part with a new one. This procedure is almost the same for both restyled and traditional versions of the car. The main thing is to strictly follow the procedure and perform them correctly.

Along with the air filter, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, the crankcase gas purifier should be changed. Based on this, we will consider the order of work.

Before starting the procedure, you need to prepare the necessary tools and new auto parts:

• wrench 7 (or socket with extension);
• Phillips screwdriver;
• WD-40 aerosol;
• new filters – air and crankcase gases.

Replacing the Ford Focus 2 air filter is carried out in the following order:

• open the car hood;
• remove the plug from the airflow sensor (air flow sensor);
• Using a wrench or a socket with an extension, unscrew the 4 fastening bolts from the air filter housing cover;
• remove the cover;
• unscrew the 2 bolts that secure the air duct;
• remove and move the injector pipe to the side, having first unscrewed the clamps, otherwise it will interfere with the dismantling of the old cleaner and the installation of a new one;
• pry off with a screwdriver and remove the old crankcase gas filter, install a new part in its place;
• remove the air filter cover by pulling it up (you may have to apply some force);
• inspect the surface of the filter element. If it is very dirty, the part should be changed more often in the future to ensure normal operation of the internal combustion engine;
• remove the old cleaner;
• if the lower part of the housing is very dirty, it must be removed and washed;
• if the sponge in the lower part of the body is heavily soiled, replace it;
• Apply WD-40 to the inner ring of the new air filter. This will make installation easier without using significant effort so as not to damage the part;
• insert the new air filter into the connector. In this case, the rear part of the element needs to be slightly compressed in order to clearly install it in the guides;
• put the housing cover in place;
• tighten the fastening bolts, first making sure that the purifier cover fits tightly to the body part;
• connect the pipe.

Sometimes car enthusiasts try to restore the performance of the Ford Focus air filter by blowing it with compressed air. But this method can be effective only if the contamination occurred due to short-term use of the car in difficult conditions, and the part has not yet reached the end of the service life specified by the manufacturer.

Ford Focus Sedan Ⓕ black eyes ツ › Logbook › Replacing the air filter

As promised, I received a report on replacing the air filter.

Using a 7mm socket, unscrew the 4 screws to remove the air filter housing cover.

Used a ratchet with a small extension

And for the two right screws it was convenient to use a socket + extension + flat screwdriver

Pull the cover towards you and remove it to the side. Here is the old filter

Next, unscrew the 2 screws that secure the air duct pipe, this will make it easier to remove the old one and not break the new one.

To do this you will need a T-25 star wrench or a 8 socket (for some reason I didn’t want to fit a 7, although I checked it several times)

We move the pipe aside

We take out the old filter

The new one is a little higher, but there were no problems during installation

Before installing the new filter in place, let's check the crankcase gas filter

Mine was dirty, so I washed it with liquid soap and dried it

Putting everything back together

Close the hood and go for a ride!

UPD. This entry has been added to the FAQ on the ffclub forum.

How often should I replace it?

If you look at the vehicle’s service book, it is recommended to replace the air filter every 20–30 thousand kilometers. Motor mechanics say to change more often, every 8-10 thousand. Their recommendations are based on practical knowledge, and the car enthusiast knows what kind of roads we have. Russian highways are 5 times more dusty than in Europe. Such vehicle operating conditions are called extreme.

Irregular replacement of the filter element leads to clogging of the engine combustion chamber and subsequent breakdown of the power unit . If the owner forgot to change the air filter during the next maintenance, the car will soon remind you of this.

Signs that the filter needs to be replaced are as follows:

• increased gasoline consumption;
• the appearance of dips during sudden acceleration;
• frequent clogging of the throttle valve;
• increase in toxicity level in exhaust gases.