2000-2008 Ford Focus Air Filter

How to find the air filter on a Ford Focus, and check to see if it is in need of replacing.

[@puremaledark8305]

“Life time filter” as a mechanic i laughed my ass off at that. I cant wait to tear one open and see that its completely clogged up

[@mcmxcvi6798]

My thoughts exactly!

[@WoLFSkYBLuE69]

Exactly

[@williamvaughan1218]

It has a restriction guage.

[@balloonedraccoon2503]

If it stays sealed though won't it be clean?

[@stephengreen3566]

It uses open cell foam of different gauges. The first layer to see dirt has really big holes and the holes get smaller as you go. There are at least 8 layers and you can only get to the filter by destroying the housing located in the driver side wheel well. you have to remove the tire and fender well to get to it. A replacement housing with a replaceable filter element is around $250 online. If your car is running fine, don't worry about it.

[@balloonedraccoon2503]

I just got my oil changed and I've always wondered why they never offered to change the air filter, now I know, I've had the car for about 7 years. Over 200,000 miles and the filter is still all in the green. Thank you for the straight to the point and easy video

[@sorryimtakein]

You are the only one that I have found who actually explains how to read it. Thanks

[@JASONXMARIELA]

He also tells you wrong information. The air filter is in the wheel well

[@delavalmilker]

"Lifetime" is a very uncertain term. From some other mechanics I've talked to, the advice is NOT trust that restriction gauge. Replace at 100,000 miles is the best advice.

[@davidk1579]

Price check at auto parts store the air filter replacement is a little over $400 I seen on KZbin one guy took his out cut it completely around the box and pulled five foam filters out wash them then let them dry put it back together drilled holes around the box use zip ties to hold it shut and silicone the seam to make it air tight,works great.

[@SpicyRok7482]

Lifetime of a fruit fly?!?

[@BuddyTheWolfYT]

$13 K&N cone filter and a Spectre silicone hose adapter, works great

[@rodneyprice8895]

Thanks, Matt. I bought a 2007 Focus last month. Mine looks just like yours and your video answered the exact question I had.

[@MattStephensRich]

Rodney Price Glad I could be of help!

[@IsabellaHale]

Thank you. That was very informative I have 2008 Ford Focus and wondered the very same thing when my son took my car in for an oil change; he told me it didn't need to be changed now I know how he knew that. :)

[@MattStephensRich]

Glad it helped!

[@IsabellaHale]

@@MattStephensRich you are very welcome: He may not be so happy :) kidding. I hope: he is loves working on Fords.. he owns two Ford Trucks and is building a garage w/ a lift.. he is actually Brick Mason but learned about Cars from a good friend who owns a garage.. and we all have own Ford's of all kinds. Trucks, cars, I had a Taurus wagon.. etc. BUT the NEWER cars are a real challenge since they are designed to force people to go to the DEALER.. :) Thanks again!

[@JamJells]

Thanks! it's difficult to find 2.3L Ford Focus videos. Mostly 2.0 so this helps me track down my bogging issue with my 2003 car. Still looking. Comments welcome till I find the answer. MAF is located under that expensive AIR box which you can remove from the top and then the tube which holds it. NOTE MAF part is different for 2.0 engines.

[@Engelbird]

Lifetime air filter. This is why the guys at the local oil change place told me my air filter compartment was mysteriously "glued shut".

[@MattStephensRich]

Gotta love it 🤦‍♀️

[@bbsal4031]

We have a 2006 Ford focus as an extra car, we've never had any issues with it it has 141,000 miles. We have never changed the air filter, it's always run fine but I will definitely look at that little green and red thing

[@MattStephensRich]

Glad to hear it!

[@drowntone4986]

My 07 focus is at 196,000 miles, mostly CITY miles and I still have the original filter. It was dyno'd the other day and made around 130 hp by 130 torque (not far off from the factory numbers). I still want to get it replaced eventually though.

[@MattStephensRich]

Appreciate the insight! Glad to hear the air filter is still working well... and the engine still producing factory numbers!

[@jternesto1981]

I have the exact same year/car with 170,000. Let me tell ya I took off the original filter and put on the K@N typhoon Sri along with a magnaflow exhaust/ cat. The car is completely changed, better gas mileage, better acceleration, more hp/tq, no bogging with a.c. on...etc. I'd advise you to get rid of the stock filter.

[@toddclark23]

I have an 06 zx5 with almost 300,000 miles it's still run that factory box unmolested.

[@MattStephensRich]

Nice!

[@SingerUnkn0wn]

That air box is not where the filter is. the filter is acually in the lower front fender bumper area.

[@djosephbenedict2244]

Pictures / video, please?

[@jafo3814]

Video and narration is top shelf...Thanks!!!

[@MattStephensRich]

Ja Fo Glad it was of help!

[@johnjesus971]

My 2007 Focus SE has over 400k miles on it, still running strong, but i have a hard timing believing that little gauge!

[@MattStephensRich]

John Jesus I'll be paying close attention to it as I put more miles on. The good news is with modern fuel injection, air filters matter less, as the computer can compensate for a blocked air filter. At the end of the day, air filters allow for better acceleration, but will not impact MPG as much.

[@elcouz]

+Matt Stephens-Rich yeah until the air filter gets damaged because too much pressure and suck every parts of it.... yes it does happen!!

[@Mutt1961]

I had no idea this was a lifetime filter. Just ordered one off Amazon for normal maintenance and, Jeeeeeeeeeeez, the thing is basically inaccessible down under the wheel well. Man, am I old school........................ Thanks for the vid.

[@MattStephensRich]

+Mutt1961 Glad it could be of help!

[@Twisted86]

Same thing, doing my cleaning of the throttle body and thought "hey lets check the air filter while I have room".....new school that was taught old school :P

[@sixstanger00]

I'm a diehard Ford guy, but holy shit....this has got to be one of the dumbest designs for an air filter in the history of engine design. Why in Sagan's name put the air filter down in the fenderwell near the effing road where it's constantly exposed to dirt, debris, mud, water, etc????? FFS, there's a reason engines normally have the filter up in the engine bay....

[@danfitzmorris8425]

Does the engine need to be running to check the air filter gauge, and should the engine be revved while checking. It seems odd that you would get a valid gauge reading with no air flowing thru the filter.

[@dirtboy123100]

Thx for the help I have an 05 Focus SE .

[@MattStephensRich]

Happy to help!

[@mullarky]

Thanks man I didn't know it was a lifetime filter

[@MattStephensRich]

glad it helped!

[@genarogarcia6719]

mine was never showing on the red and it was always on the greenbut when i remove the original air filter it was clog up like u cant imagine and install an k&n air filter and it works much better . better milage better performance and im happy with it

[@michaelgonzales8807]

Where is the air filter located and how do you replace it?

[@Monenergy88]

I have a 2007 ford focus just like that. I Dont always trust the plastic quick checker. Mine as been in the green for 149k miles. When I finally wanted to check the filter I had to pull my front driver side tire off and remove the wheel well then unbolt the filter box and checked it by looking looking inside it . I found so many things from leaves to rocks and since I live in Arizona a ton of dirt as well.

[@MattStephensRich]

The air filter installed on the Ford Focus is meant to last the lifetime of the car, so it wouldn't be surprising that it is still in the green at 150k miles.

[@bUtMyRiGhTs]

Well it sounds like you did a good job removing all that stuff from going into your engine intake.

[@robertohinojosa304]

How did you open the box

[@duggernawt]

This part is listed as a Crankcase Breather Element; part of exhaust & emissions. I am not sure it is an "Air Cleaner Checker" as described.

[@bobodakat8507]

That was crystal clear. Thank you! 2005 4dr LX 175K and still running great!!

[@MattStephensRich]

Glad it helped!

[@josh-zf6rl]

That is not the lifetime air filter. It is in the driver fender in front of the driver tire.

[@osacarsaldana9773]

Thanks for the video now I know that my focus have this sistem and I can read this gauge one like from Mexico. ..

[@RedEagleWoman]

Thanks for the video.

[@MattStephensRich]

Glad it helped!

[@Dieselmd2008]

This is the most in accurate way to check your air filter needs to be pulled and inspected

[@MattStephensRich]

Very true

[@keeskaas4242]

thanks Matt

[@adelinawarriner6259]

Nope. Its till showing almost brand new. That line has never moved and the car has over 206k miles and the filter was almost completely clogged

[@wolfeadventures]

How did you replace it?

[@bassjunkie6404]

From 2000-2007 mk1 models Im talking se,ses,zx3,zx4 and everything else, what models used this exact filter? I neeed to find a car at the you pull and take it off one of their cars,

[@MattStephensRich]

It should be pretty universal across platforms.

[@qualityreno9689]

Actually the permanent air filter applies only to 2005 through 2007. The 2000-2004 had replaceable air filters.

[@SpicyRok7482]

Not in my experience. 2004 ZTS PZEV 2.3L.

[@MattStephensRich]

Good to know!

[@SpicyRok7482]

@@MattStephensRich That little $19,000 FOCUS, bought for my daughter to drive while in college, was a REALLY good car. MAZDA "L" engine, moonroof, leather, 6-disc changer w/trunk subwoofer & 16" whls. PZEV...METAL fuel tank to minimize evap leakage, CAT attached to exh. manifold to heat up more quickly.

[@MattStephensRich]

@@SpicyRok7482 the 2.3L engines especially had some great performance!

[@bez-konteksta]

​@@SpicyRok7482 In fact, "CAT attached to exh" is lack. When the cat begins to collapse ceramic dust destroys the whole engine. Check cat sometimes to prevent this.

[@adeum9i]

Great video I was wondering what the hell that little green nub was LOL

[@MattStephensRich]

Glad it helped!

[@mrfive5sixgaming884]

a Ford Focus engine wash would be awesome??

[@unfundedopportunities7278]

Great video! Thanks! Just bought a 2004 2.3L with this kind of filter. This was news to me. Why seal the air filter at all? Only 2.3Ls, like yours and mine, use this filter. 2.0Ls still use conventional filters. Shouldn't the gauge be read with the engine running? It's really just a vacuum gauge. As the filter clogs, the vacuum in that section will increase and the gauge will be drawn inward.

[@cx650panther]

Chuck's Stuff My 2007 Focus SE 2.0L has one like this.

[@JamJells]

@@cx650panther 2.3L 2003 Focus SE has same as video here shows. Just hard to track down bogging issue. Now looking for vacuum leak.

[@WoLFSkYBLuE69]

I got a 2006 with the 2.0 and it's the same as in this video, so I don't know where you get off saying that the 2.0 has a conventional air Filter? As I'm a mechanic.

[@jsrustad]

It is a recording manometer. That means that it moves from left to right (as shown in the video) to indicate the restriction caused by the filter. When the engine is off, it will not return to the left.

[@GeryonM]

At oil change place right now. Air filter baffled them until I showed them this video.

[@MattStephensRich]

Too funny! Glad it could be of help.

[@geomcc39]

I'm a Ford man . But the two things I don't like about the Ford focus is the alternator location near the exhaust manifold a real pain to replace ! 2nd No trap door for the fuel pump like Toyota has for quick replacement .

[@MattStephensRich]

True that

[@Kenshin60]

Hey Matt if need be would you know how to get into the housing on an air filter like that if indeed the filter does some how get clogged and needs cleaned?

[@justingutapfel2941]

Yeah me as well

[@exposeevil5492]

This is just what I was looking dor

[@MattStephensRich]

Glad it helped!

[@ranger1244]

Not sure if you mentioned it but should the engine be running when checking that gage or does it matter? Thanks.

[@MattStephensRich]

Ideally, yes!

[@HippieDave351]

A lifetime air filter is like never brushing your teeth and expecting to make it a ripe old age!

[@extremegoped]

You forgot to mention to check the gauge while the car is running.......... otherwise it is always green

[@tombrown9687]

thank you

[@MattStephensRich]

You bet!

[@bigmotoxer]

Would have been cool to show us how to remove the air filter

[@MattStephensRich]

Ultimately, removed the car 🤣

[@stevew9563]

on the PZEV models (shown in this vid) you cannot remove the air filter. It is sealed inside a case and is not serviceable. You have to replace the entire case. And of course Ford does not make the cases any more so thats fun!!

[@emmagabriel2997]

@@stevew9563thank you for this comment, I have a 2008 PZEV model with 246k miles on it and everything runs great except that, trying to figure out some option to replace it

[@stevew9563]

@@emmagabriel2997 - Are you in a state that requires emissions testing?

[@Solo-vs2vk]

I have a 2003 focus and the air filer box won’t close all the way so it’s open (I think it’s because the old owner put the wrong size filter) would this make me get bad gas mileage?

[@MattStephensRich]

Imaginatively no - the air filter moreso affects your torque and acceleration, especially if clogged, but well worth getting it looked at and fixed!

[@nunyabuziness8421]

That restriction guage dont work. Mine was completely clogged and was in the green.

[@MattStephensRich]

Ugh boo

[@austinharding9734]

i have a ford focus 2008, and i DO NOT have that gauge ANYWHERE, ive looked EVERYWHERE, i couldn't even find a hole where it might be missing from so im very very confused here, mine needs replacing so i guess ill find out with a new one whats going on

Different Models/Years Focus used many different air intake systems. Get a Haynes or Chilton manual.

[@lette_kelly5205]

I have a 08 and I don’t have that reader on mine 🙄

[@IanOvidBares]

Nice! My exact car! Lol 185k miles in 13 years

[@MattStephensRich]

Nice! I have since parted ways with the car, it’s with a brother-in-law’s girlfriend, but she still drives flawlessly!

[@mikegarippo7815]

Can anyone help to locate the mass-airflow sensor on a 2005 Ford Focus (2.0 engine size)?

[@MattStephensRich]

It is underneath the car by the oil pan. Here's a helpful video to spot! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2qzhWuQg5iHjqs

[@luiztorresnunez]

where I buy this filter? I'm located in Puerto Rico and Pep Boys here don't have it. I check in AutoZone and neither.

[@MattStephensRich]

Best suggestion would be online retail. 😕

[@christinave5156]

Try rockauto.com or autozone.com

[@stealthanimation9713]

this might be a longshot but does anyone know how to change the gauge. mine busted and i need to know how to install it

[@nikmidclayton5933]

Remove it and the grommet then put a piece of black tape over the hole. Its not needed.

[@rhudon12]

HI Matt. I have an '03 Focus that doesn't have a "Lifetime" Air filter. I recently tried to replace the filter and found that the bolts that held the clamshell together had rusted shut. In trying to cut the bolts off I managed to cut through the housing a little. Do you know how to go about replacing the air filter housing?

[@MattStephensRich]

I'm not as studied up, but I would imagine it is a whole unit, and easiest to buy a new one and swap out.

[@meschoooter6027]

thanks

[@MattStephensRich]

You bet!

[@noahmirelest.4342]

no entiendo tu vídeo. ya cambie el filtro de gasolina, pero me se donde esté el filtro de​ aire del motor.

[@MattStephensRich]

Querías decir filtro de gas? Este video es sobre el filtro de aire.

[@rickahlers788]

the car needs to be running when checking also

[@lightningsmokerXx]

Not all focus year models are the same like this. Nor do they have the same filter.

[@JamJells]

The 2.0 engine are common on Focus cars, but the 2.3L is not as popular or Ford charges too much so many just buy the SE with the 2.0.

Correct!

[@noahmirelest.4342]

tengo una duda donde va el filtro de aire del motor??

[@MattStephensRich]

El filtro de aire está a la derecha del motor.

[@spm5532]

And while you're at it get some Gunk and clean that engine!

[@robertjoseph9584]

1) restriction gauges are crap and never work 2) you didn't show where the air filter even was 3) even if you pointed to the correct box you didn't show how to check to see if it's clogged aside from a crap gauge that doesn't work. I usually move on without leaving comments but this video really deserved it. This is not only not helpful but also can mislead people into false beliefs that their filter is fine because you don't k ow what you're talking about.

[@gee1899]

How do I get the air filter out

[@sixstanger00]

I was wondering what that gadget was for. But here's the thing... If you remove the 2 bolts holding the air box down & release the clamp, the air box will come out as one unit and it's not possible to get inside of it. But what's more bizarre is that if you look inside the box, the "duct" for air has no openings inside for the air to circulate down into the box; it's literally just a box with a tube routed through it. So how does the air get filtered?

[@sixstanger00]

@Samuel Dumas Yeah, I found that out after doing a little homework. Genius design, Ford. Genius.

[@cameronbevan4094]

@@sixstanger00 right!?

[@rcracingnation1301]

203,000 miles on my 2006 zx4 st My air filter dinkus said my filter was ok. Car started running like Crappola took the intake off car Runs like a Champ. Mass air flow sensor reads Normal. Dang Ford.

[@carg2528]

I drive a 2010 Focus. It does NOT have the indicator Matt shows on the video.

[@ecko17nc1]

car G use the guess-o-meter , never fails

Focus used many different air intake systems.

[@MattStephensRich]

That is why I labeled the video as 2000-2008, for first gens. :)

[@williamsrussell1]

life time filter , not on the mk1 focus it is not (2002 anyways)

[@MattStephensRich]

good to know!

[@1cleandude]

"Lifetime" how bogus is that!!! Good video though, thanks!

[@MattStephensRich]

Should it be renamed "150,000 mile filter"? :P

[@ecko17nc1]

Guess they set low hopes on these engines ...

[@Mr70Cenzo]

Not applicable to my 2010 ford focus. For 2010 see "replace air filter 2008 ford focus"

[@Exessive-Gaming]

you didn't show the filter at all only the regulator lmao.

[@MattStephensRich]

I mean, the gist of the video was it's a lifetime filter that never really needs replacing. ;)

[@JoeFpoc]

probably the same guy who thought of removing the transmission dipstick and putting the fuel filter in the tank thought of a lifetime air filter you cant service. car designers are weird

[@MattStephensRich]

+JOE FPOC You've got that right. About to do a video for transmission fluid change on my fiance's 2007 Escape, and was surprised to find the filter was non-removable.

[@JoeFpoc]

Matt Stephens-Rich yeah theres a bunch of cars that do that. i always thought saturn's idea was the best, a lot of their cars have a screw on filter just like the engine does.

[@colonelblimp1021]

I have a 2000 and it doesn't have that gauge.

[@roninscholar4515]

+Billy Dec neither does my 2008

[@MattStephensRich]

+Tim Hurless 2009 are second generation Ford Focus, which had engine bay redesigns. The 2007 Ford Focus was the last year of the first generation Focus.

[@MattStephensRich]

+Billy Dec 2000 would have a different engine design than this 2007, which could be the reason for the difference.

[@jessed6379]

Mine is 2009 and i don't have a gauge i dont think

[@MattStephensRich]

It indeed could be a different spot!

[@jessed6379]

@MattStephensRich mine on the 09 no gauge at all and I called ford and they don't even make my air filter anymore and even the cheaper different brand ones they don't make. So I have to take it all out and a k&n filter on

[@MattStephensRich]

@@jessed6379 wow crazy they don't have it as option! Glad there's the K&N option!

[@jes72875]

Those so called lifetime filters are not true. I have a 2005 Focus ZX4 and had to change it out even though my gauge said it didn't need it.

[@MattStephensRich]

“Life”

[@pfsantos007]

PZEV model shown. Non-PZEV uses replaceable filter.

[@MattStephensRich]

No, this is a non-PZEV. Partial Zero Emission Vehicles were required in CA, MA, ME, NY, VT, and available in AZ, CT, NY, NJ, NV, OR, PA, RI. This Focus has spent its life in Ohio, and is a standard Focus.

[@LordDirus007]

You should disconnect the battery, cover the alternator and spray that engine bay down before you start working under the hood.

[@williamvaughan1218]

Air filter get over serviced and replaced by cheap inferrior products. It has a restriction guage on it. Fhe ford 6.0 diesel had the best air filter of all time. It would hold 8 pounds of dirt and still flow

[@MattStephensRich]

Definite testament to how these things are built!

[@jaggerpanich4798]

Bought a car off a lot and didn’t have one ...

[@MattStephensRich]

welp, might wanna get one!

[@ppett1]

A friend just purchased a 2005 Focus . He was shopping for a conventional air filter and couldn't find one. Now I know why. The indicator shows it to be ok (well into the green). However it is bordering criminal that Ford made something like this. I guess when it does go bad , it will be replaced with an aftermarket solution ( Dorman box with replaceable filter or cold air intake rig $150-250 ). Shame on you F Ford. Only Honda and Toyota for me .

[@MattStephensRich]

+ppett1 You can buy a stock replacement. It is also worth pointing out that this air filter is designed to last the life of the car, and shouldn't need replacement.

[@jjjjanitareed]

Bull, ever pull apart one its no different than anything else. buy a dorman 258-519 and replace it. very easy and then you can replace the filter inside on schedule, get better gas mileage and to top it off better performance. I know I did it, its sooo much better.

[@user-rh2dg3mn3k]

This is incorrect. My daughter's car still showed green and her filter was filthy.

[@SuperRedneck89]

that's not where the air filter is its in the fender but good try

[@djosephbenedict2244]

Pictures / video, please?

[@MattStephensRich]

Pulls from the fender, yes.

[@henryybanez6868]

You might be able to read the gauge better if you were to wipe it clean..🤪😵😆

[@nedoscarsandfishingvideos5500]

Ford did it again 🤦‍♂️

[@jaronpatterson752]

This video shows nothing

[@berrymucuckiner4890]

Way to NOT SHOW US the location of the filter!

[@MattStephensRich]

It’s in the housing.

[@chrisdrzewiecki]

@@MattStephensRich The actual filter housing is mounted to the frame inside the fender and is a sealed unserviceable unit. I just recently bought a used '09 with the PZEV emissions. What you are showing is the air chamber assembly which the indicator is on. My indicator is missing and was looking for a replacement with no luck.

[@desertfox4921]

This is not how you fucking check air filter

[@ZiggyRado]

you know nothing .sir

[@ZiggyRado]

lol

[@jondoe1123]

Dude making this video has no clue there is no such thing as a lifetime air filter.

[@MattStephensRich]

And yet the Ford focus manual still doesn’t have any replacement recommendation for the engine air filter. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@mcmxcvi6798]

Lmfao "life time filter" no wonder fords are so shitty 😂😂😂

[@MattStephensRich]

🤷🏼‍♂️

[@NathanReevesnate808]

Lifetime of ford focus what is that 30k? These cars are shite

[@MattStephensRich]

170k and still going strong. 😊