Installing an air filter on a Ford Focus 2. Testing air filters for a Ford Focus

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

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

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.

The importance of timely replacement of the air filter

The air filter element in the engine must be changed regularly; if the air filter becomes clogged, various problems arise with the engine:

air does not pass through the filter well, so the proportion of the fuel-air mixture is disrupted, the engine loses power and does not develop speed;
dust and dirt from the filter penetrate into the internal combustion engine cylinder, premature wear of the piston group occurs, and the life of the engine is noticeably reduced.

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 the VF Focus-2 restyling is extremely simple; we carry out the work as follows.

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.

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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.

New filter element for the restyled Ford Focus 2

As for the restyled version of the “second” Focuses, in them the air purification is carried out by a cylindrical element. Such cleaning components have been installed on manufactured cars since 2007. In the period from 2004 to 2007, pre-restyling version cars were equipped with a flat paper filter in a rectangular housing.

Subsequently, the manufacturing company decided to install purifiers in their vehicles in this particular housing and shape. Cylindrical elements were considered more inconvenient due to their excessively large filter surface and considerable size.

Below is the average cost of an air component depending on engine type:

1.4 liter engine - 600 rubles (200 hryvnia);
1.6l and 1.8l engines - from 500 to 900 rubles (150 - 250 hryvnia);
1.8 liter diesel engine - from 350 to 700 rubles (100 - 200 hryvnia);
2l engine - from 400 to 1000 rubles (120 - 270 hryvnia).

One way or another, it is better to replace the element with the original one. The manufacturer recommends that owners of restyled Ford Focus 2 cars change the air filter element every 20 thousand km. But the resource of the work item is significantly reduced if vehicle used on roads with high dust levels. Therefore the air filter ( hereinafter – VF) it is better to change every 10-15 thousand km.

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.

Self-replacement of the element

First you need to open the hood and find the air cleaning component housing cover.
Then you need to unscrew the 4 bolts to remove this cover.
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.
Now you need to unscrew the two mounting bolts of the air duct and move the pipe aside. 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.
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.
Next, pull the cover up and remove it. It can be installed firmly, so you will need to apply a little force to dismantle it.
This is what the VF looks like after 15 thousand km. You, as the driver of the vehicle, must make a visual assessment of the condition of the element. If, after a mileage of 15 thousand km, the element looks deplorable, then the replacement interval must be reduced. Then you yourself will know how often you need to change the VF.
Now you need to dismantle the cleaning component and wipe its body from settled dust.
We take a new VF and install it in the connector. Before doing this, take VD-40 fluid and lubricate the inner ring of the filter. In order for the rear part to fit neatly into the guides, it will need to be compressed a little.
Now you can put the cover back in place and tighten the bolts back. Be sure to check that the back of the element fits correctly into the housing.
Screw the pipe into place.

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.

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.

Video “Removing the air filter in a Ford Focus 2”

This video shows the process of dismantling the air cleaning element in the restyled version of the Ford Focus 2 car.

Did you find this material useful? Maybe you have something to add? Tell us about it - leave your comment!

These filter elements are as important to your car as the . The flat rectangular cabin filter Ford Focus 2 is easy to find in stores. But you can’t call it cheap. The cost of a filter starts from 500 to 1000 rubles. Looking for a replacement.

Air filter Ford Focus 2

Air purification in Ford Focus 2 is carried out using a cylindrical air filter in the restyled version since 2007

and a flat rectangular paper filter in the pre-restyling version from 2004 to 2007.

Air filter Ford Focus 2 (Dorestayl)

Ford designers subsequently installed a filter of this exact shape, since cylindrical filters have a larger filter surface shape compared to their size.

Replacing the filter itself is not particularly difficult, but it is necessary to take into account some circumstances related to operation. After all, it is a mistake to believe that the work of the air filter is only to clean the air entering the engine. A properly working filter also provides the following results:

Increased motor life.
Delivery of the intended power in full.
Ensuring complete fuel combustion and bringing emissions back to normal.
Fuel economy.

Air filtration value

Filtration of the air entering the internal combustion engine is simply necessary. When passing through the filter, a large number of small inclusions are removed from the air - grains of sand, fluff, which, if they enter the cylinders, can cause certain damage to the internal surfaces of cylinder liners, compression rings, and rotating parts

During long-term operation of the air filter, contaminants accumulate, which not only leads to a deterioration in filtering ability, but also impedes the passage of clean air. Although not significantly, in this case the engine power is somewhat lost. After all, low air flow can affect the combustion of the fuel-air mixture, and in some modes, for example, during acceleration, a lot of air is required. Otherwise, you can waste fuel that will not work efficiently, and acceleration will be sluggish. In some cases, if the driver is overtaking, such a delay will already be very dangerous.

For information, it can be noted that a modern engine consumes up to 13 liters of air during the combustion of 1 liter of fuel. It is not difficult to calculate the possible volumes that pass through the filter during one period of its operation. Therefore, you should not be surprised when significant carbon deposits are found in a disassembled engine. And this is not always due to low-quality fuel, as is commonly believed. All particles that enter the combustion chamber can degrade the fuel, and the appearance of deposits on the cylinder walls will not take long to appear.

How often to change the air filter

The car air filter must be changed strictly at specified intervals. For the Ford Focus 2 air filter, this frequency is 20 thousand km or every three years. But when taking into account the replacement interval, it is necessary to take into account the conditions in which the car is operated. If the machine constantly operates in a polluted metropolis or in a dusty area, then the replacement interval must be reduced. Moreover, the price of an air filter is not excessively high, and in no case does it affect how often to change the cabin filter.

The price of an air filter depends on the type of engine. Below is estimated cost for Ford Focus air filters of 2 different engines:

1.4 liter petrol engine - about 10 USD. e.
1.6 and 1.8 liter gasoline engine - from 9 to 14 cu. e.
1.8 liter diesel engine - from 7 to 12 cu. e.
2.0 petrol engine – from 8 to 15 cu. e.

It should be noted that when independently choosing when to change the Ford Focus 2 air filter, for example, through an online store, you should opt for well-known companies that produce products of guaranteed quality. At the same time, when viewing catalogs, you can find a very significant difference in price. However, there is no need for unnecessary savings, because buying the cheapest analogue for 4-5 USD. That is, on the contrary, you cause even more harm to your engine. And such a replacement of the air filter can result in subsequent expensive repairs of the engine itself.

If we choose an air filter, then we need to take into account the following circumstance. Original Ford air filters not only cost slightly more than high-quality analogues, on average the price varies around 20 USD. That is, but the waiting time for delivery of original spare parts can reach up to 3 weeks, which is not entirely convenient.

Using a zero resistance air filter

In car maintenance practice, more advanced filters have recently been used. As noted earlier, a conventional filter, as it becomes dirty, can somewhat impede the passage of air flow. To avoid this effect, air filters that have less (or zero) resistance to air flow have been developed and are successfully used for cars.

This group of filters includes some varieties:

A conventional zero-resistance filter for installation in a standard box.
Zero resistance filters installed separately.
The cold air intake filter is not from under the hood (remote).

The peculiarity of the zero resistance filter is that it is made of higher quality material than a regular filter. The main material is cotton, which does not change its properties under any conditions, including if it is wet or dirty. Contaminants are not absorbed into the material, but remain on the surface. Therefore, one of the features of using a zero-resistance filter is that it requires periodic washing and lubrication.

Zero resistance filter (cleaning)

In the intake manifold

There is more air after passing through the filter. Accordingly, the amount of fuel supplied increases, which ultimately makes it possible to burn the fuel efficiently, and the engine power also increases. As measurements show, you can expect an increase in power by 5%, and at the same time, without forcing the engine, or without resorting to installing a turbine that pumps air.

American filter - K&N zero filter from China.

Zero resistance filter price slightly higher than the standard filter. Depending on the car engine, it ranges from 55 to 60 cu. e. At the same time, the service life for which the filter is designed is very long. We can say that one filter will be enough for its entire service life. Some companies that produce filters provide a 1.5 million mileage guarantee. Depending on operating conditions, periodic flushing is required after a mileage of 50-150 thousand km.

One of the most significant companies on the market is the Green filter company, which has patented technological solutions in the field of zero-resistance filters.

Among other products, including those for use in Ford Focus 2, there are filters that are not installed in the standard housing. Thus, the air that is pumped through the filter has even greater performance, and the efficiency of the motor increases.

Among the new products from the category of zero-resistance filters, we can name another variety - remote filters. The peculiarity of such a filter is that it is installed in a special housing, which is located outside the engine compartment. This provides certain advantages, since the air is taken in not only cold from the external environment, but also the air pollution itself with oil vapor is reduced. Yes, and the air supply is ensured due to natural pressure.

Zero resistance filter. Consequences.

Air filter selection

It has been mentioned more than once how large the number of air filters of traditional design are, which vary not only in price range, but also in quality. So, when choosing a filter element, pay attention to the following points:

Filter element used. As a rule, special cardboard or non-woven material is used in filters. Keep in mind that the degree of purification with such materials is very high - up to 99.5%, while the filtration of cheap counterfeits can be 70-80%, and at the same time quickly deteriorate.
Quality of the filter element. The main indicators for an air filter are density, strength, and elasticity. Even if you do not have the ability to visually inspect the filter material, you can use the results of examinations that are periodically carried out by automotive experts and specialized centers. In the future, try to be consistent without changing the manufacturer, and purchase a new filter from a trusted seller.
Diameter seat air filter and geometric dimensions of the installation housing. This data can be used by you if you select a filter different from the previously installed sample. Some companies offer filters with different body lengths for the same mounting size, as well as with different capacities. Also possible option is the selection by car model, year of manufacture, engine type, which every driver should know.

One of the possible ways to purify air

If we consider which air filter is better for Ford Focus 2, then we should name another method of air purification.

In mechanical engineering practice, there are known cases of using “wet” air purification filters, when air is pumped through a layer of machine oil, which is located in a formed volume. Of course, the cleaning in this case is quite subtle, but the disadvantage of such a filter is its low productivity. Modern forced engines operate at high speeds, and a large volume of air is required. Older cars, for example some Volga passenger car models, used such filters. Ease of use also lies in the collapsible, reusable design, which, however, requires an oil change. In addition, when planning the installation of a wet filter, it is difficult to take into account on your own how such a replacement can affect the operation of the entire motor. Therefore, when choosing an installation - oil (wet), air filter
paper (dry air filter), we must proceed from the position that we cannot harm the engine.

UK Ford Focus Mk3 1.0 EcoBoost Service - Air Filter

Of the possible varieties of wet-type filters, there is one in which an air flow passes through a continuously vibrating mesh. By changing direction, the flow is directed towards the oil bath, and air polluting particles are deposited there. This method, however, is relevant for powerful motors in agricultural machinery, where air pollution can be significant, as well as for industrial motors on ships and railway locomotives.

What's the output?

Thus, it was difficult to imagine that the simple operation of choosing a cleaning method and in the case of replacing the filter is associated with such numerous factors. This includes engine power, proper clean operation of the engine, and the durability of the unit itself. This is all connected with the material costs of maintaining your car, and here, as it turns out, there are no trifles.

Air filtration is of great importance because as it passes through the filter, it is cleared of small grains of sand and dust. However, if the air filter has worked for a long enough time, it becomes so dirty that it can no longer
fully perform its main function.

It is believed that the process of replacing some elements of a car, at first glance, seems labor-intensive, however, if you look into this in detail, there will be nothing difficult in carrying out such an operation. “Air” also belongs to this element.

Kinds:

cabin filter (cleans the ventilation system);
air filter (cleaning the air entering the engine).

Cabin filter

The main purpose is to clean the air entering the ventilation system from various mechanical impurities. Like any filter element, this part needs to be replaced. The manufacturer has established an average service life of 1 year. When operating vehicles in highly polluted air conditions, such a filter element can be replaced more often.

Signs of contamination

During vehicle operation, the filter element in the ventilation air cleaning unit becomes clogged. The main signs that the Ford Focus 2 cabin filter is clogged may include changes such as deterioration in the efficiency of the heating module and air conditioner or the accumulation of condensation on the inner surface of the windshield. In such cases, its replacement is simply necessary. Considering the simplicity of the technical operation and the fact that the price of the filter element is low, it can be replaced more often without expecting obvious signs of contamination.

So how to change the cabin filter of a Ford Focus 2?

Necessary tool

To dismantle the old and install a new filter element, you do not need any special accessories. To do this, it is enough to have two heads with an internal hexagon of 7 and 10, a mechanical or electrical device for unscrewing bolts and nuts. You should also purchase the filter element itself. Since the niche where the Ford Focus 2 cabin filter is located is in a fairly dark place, the presence of a flashlight will greatly facilitate the replacement process. Let's look at the process of replacing the cabin filter of a Ford Focus 2.

Step-by-step instruction

Such a technological operation is not a complex technical process that is associated with any difficulties. To replace the filter element of the cabin ventilation system on a car of this model, you must follow the following sequence:

First you need to remove the gas pedal, which makes access to the cabin filter assembly difficult. To do this, you need to unscrew the fastening nuts that secure the gas pedal, after which you need to remove it and move it to the side. When unscrewing the nuts, you need to use a special wrench with a 10-mm head. The connector should not be disconnected from the gas pedal, as this can lead to a malfunction of the electronic module, the cost of which is much more than the price of the filter element.
After this, using a 7 socket socket, unscrew the screws securing the filter element cover. The cover is located in a dark place, so when unscrewing and installing it, it is better to use a flashlight or a carrying case. Then you need to remove the lid and set it aside. After this, with careful movements you need to remove the old filter element from its installation location.
In practice, replacing a filter involves installing a new element to replace the old one. Next, you need to carefully consider the direction of the arrows on the new filter element. The correct position of the filter in the air duct cavity is considered to be one in which the indicator arrows are directed into the interior of the cabin. Having decided on the position of the element, you need to carefully push it into its installation location.
Then you should install the parts removed during disassembly.

In general, the process of replacing such a filter element is not accompanied by any technical difficulties, so you can replace it yourself.

Air filter

Purification of the air entering the engine is carried out by means of an “air blower”, either in the form of a cylinder, or a paper form, in the form of a flat rectangle. Subsequently, designers began to use the second type, since cylindrical filters have a large filter surface shape in relation to their size. Filters for cleaning the air entering the engine have their own classification.

In practice, car enthusiasts most often use advanced filters that, if the air flow deteriorates, do not interfere with the operation of the engine. Therefore, advanced filters are successfully used, such as:

zero resistance filter, which is subsequently installed in a standard box;
a filter that does not provide resistance, but is installed separately;
remote

What makes these filters different from others is that they are made from high-quality materials, so they continue to work well regardless of the conditions. But in order for them to continue to work effectively, they need to be lubricated periodically.

They also differ in installation, and the choice of one filter or another depends on the preferences of the car owner.

Why change the air filter?

What happens if you remove the air filter and continue to drive the car? If you open the hood of a car, especially during the dry summer period, what do we see? A layer of dust. On everything.

If the car were operated without an air filter, then a fair amount of this very dust would be sucked inside the cylinders and, together with the lubricant, would cover its inner walls with a thin layer at each suction stroke. When the piston ran through such a mixture of oil and dust, the effect would be exactly the same as if an abrasive had been poured into the engine. Naturally, with such work, the resource of both the cylinder and the piston will not last long. But before it gets into the cylinder, this sandblasting mixture will also “treat” the intake valves.

Saving on replacement doesn't do any good either. If the replacement filter element is heavily clogged, the engine does not receive the required amount of air and the air-fuel mixture becomes rich, which leads to incomplete combustion of fuel and, as a consequence, to additional fuel consumption and loss of power.

How often do you change the air filter?

The Ford Focus 2 air filter, according to technical regulations, is replaced after every 60 thousand kilometers, but at least once every 3 years. When choosing the frequency of replacement, it is worth considering the area in which the car is operated. If you often drive on dusty roads, experts recommend changing the filter twice as often.

Selection and price

Selecting spare parts is a responsible undertaking. Especially given the diversity that has recently taken place in our trade. In particular, for the car model in question, air filters are produced by companies located all over the world. The price range is as wide as the geography of factories.

However, when choosing an air filter, you need to pay attention to a number of features:

what filter element is used, because the quality of air purification depends on this. They are predominantly chosen with non-woven material, since here the degree of purification is more than 90%, as for analogues, it is much lower there;
quality of the filter element. It must be durable and reliable, in addition, it is recommended to stick to the choice of filters from good, trusted manufacturers and settle on one option;
installation housing dimensions.

It is up to the owner to decide which air filter is best installed on the car. But practice proves that the most acceptable option is the original, the price of which is about 20 dollars - although it is more expensive than the analogue, it is better for your car.

The price of a non-original model ranges from 8 to 15 dollars.

Popular manufacturers:

air filters are more expensive, but with internationally recognized quality: you can buy English PURFLUX from 500 rubles, or, for example, American FRAM for about 450 rubles;
cheaper goods are filters made in Poland KAMOKA, or, say, Turkish PATRON; their cost starts from 250 rubles;
The middle ground in price, but not in quality, not much inferior to the leaders, would be the German BOSH with a price of 400 rubles.

Where is it located?

The job of replacing the Ford Focus 2 air filter is not difficult. In principle, a person with basic technical skills can easily perform it on their own. Where is the air filter located on the vehicle in question? It is visible immediately, you just lift the hood. On the driver's side near the battery in a plastic case.

Replacement process in stages:

The entire replacement process will take no more than half an hour.

Unfortunately, modern fuel itself is not very flammable, so in order to provide the engine with the necessary power, the fuel needs an “assistant” - clean air in sufficient volume. All this in the Ford Focus 2 is provided by an air filter, which has its own strictly defined period of use, after which this element must be replaced.

According to the manufacturer's recommendations, the Ford Focus 2 air filter should be replaced every 20 thousand kilometers, that is, approximately once every 3 years. However, it is worth noting that if the car is used actively or in some difficult conditions, then it is better to halve this period.

What air filters can be installed on the second generation Focus?

Currently, Ford Focus 2 can be found with a rectangular and cylindrical air filter. The first was installed on models released in 2004-2007.

The second - in 2007 and after it.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the Ford Focus 2 air filter.

Restyling.

1. Open the hood of the car. It is worth noting here that all actions can be performed anywhere: a pit or overpass is not needed.

2. To the right of the engine, find a plastic box of the appropriate shape.

3. Unscrew the fixing bolts of the box cover and, pulling it towards you with some force, remove the latter.

4. Remove the old cartridge.

5. Thoroughly clean the inner surface of the casing from dirt, dust and other contaminants present there.

6. Install a new filter element in place of the old one. Close it with the lid, securing the latter with the bolts removed at the initial stage.

7. Air filter replacement is complete. All that remains is to close the hood and enjoy the responsive operation of the engine in motion.

Dorestyle.

1. It is necessary to disconnect the mass air flow sensor and the incoming air sensor; the photo shows how this should be done.