If I'm not mistaken the whole thing has to be changed

 

There should be three of four metal clips you flip up and the lid will come off with the maf. I replaced mine with a kn drop in and am happy, a lot of people do the fswerks cai though and are peachy.

 

If you see a restriction gauge on the side of that (toward the center of the car) you've got the "lifetime" filter used on PZEV cars (CA emissions) from '03-?.

Clear plastic cylinder with green & red lines at each end, how for the yellow telltale disc inside is toward the red shows how much restriction.

Supposed to last at LEAST 100k in regular use, they can last much longer.

Actual filter box is quite large & hidden under the fender, what you see under the hood if you've got that type is just a resonator and the MAF tube leading to the filter. Large assy. to replace to stay stock if the sensor gets to the red zone, it's been mentioned that you even get a new MAF sensor/tube with it for a complete maint. update with the stock replacement. Can't be sure of that now, old info. as we seldom hear of factory replacements being done.

Cars without that are fairly easy to replace the filter on as Bobby95 mentioned just now.

 

Dear members: re location of air filter on 2008 focus. I do not have the gauge showing filter condition. Where exactly is the filter located ? Under fender? the air box is sealed and im completely lost. any help appreciated. Any refernce to sticky or forum? regards,,Abe G

 

Any chance you can take a picture of it? That would help a great deal in the process of helping..

 

Look at this Stickie for a start:http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/general-technical-chat/337457-engine-does-my-focus-have.html

The airbox showing for the duratec engine there is the "PZEV" type that's only a resonator inside the engine compartment. Filter box would look different.

The gauge mentioned is too far down on the left side of that box/tube assy. to show in the picture.

 

Abe, do you know if your car is a PZEV or not?
As mentioned earlier, please post a pic of your engine.


Tempted to guess, but no need to. Here are a few pics of what might be inside the OP car.

Pic below shows the gauge Sailor mentioned earlier (inside red box).

 

2008 filter location ford focus location

To Sailor and others: Your pictures hep me to identify engine as exactly Duratec (same plumbing) there is no match to pictures shown of other types. There is no gauge on side as mentioned. It appears to be "sealed" type . ?what next? regards, Abe G

 

....It appears to be "sealed" type . ?what next? regards, Abe G

You have not completed the first step. You need to identify what type of air filter your car has...
(1) serviceable: filter is located within the engine area
(2) non-serviceable: filter is buried inside the drivers-side wheel well

You can post a picture of your car engine here and someone will likely be able to identify which type of filter you have -or- you can bring your car to any professional shop and/or to Ford and ask for a price quote (parts & labor) to replace your air filter-> this should be totally $free and will get you the info you want. After you have this info, people here can help you answer your other question "what next?"

 

filter location 2008 focus

Dear members: Finally confirmed that my filter is located under fender area (non serviceable ?) Supposed to be only 2007 (carried over to my 2008) Can it be opened up and filter placed in same? No gauge for condition? regards,Abe G

 

Dear members: Finally confirmed that my filter is located under fender area (non serviceable ?)

Yes. It is non-serviceable.

Supposed to be only 2007 (carried over to my 2008)

Not sure what you mean. That type of non-serviceable filter has been in some Foci since 2004. Maybe your 2008 type is also found in 2007...??... ok.

Can it be opened up and filter placed in same? No gauge for condition?

Can NOT open it and install new filter in the same filter-box.
I have never seen one of these non-serviceable filters WITHOUT a filter gauge.

Here are some options:
* Remove filter-box and replace with Ford same item (expensive)
* Remove filter-box and replace with either of these (if compatible)->
Amazon.com: Dorman 258-519 Air Filter Box: Automotive

Add Power to Partial Zero Emissions 2007-2009 Ford Focus with K&N Performance Air Intake System

* Remove filter-box and modify system with new CAI system or Stealth CAI
* Do NOT replace filter: it is supposed to last 150,000 miles (more or less).

Some States have vehicle emissions inspections that might prevent your car from "passing" if they see a (non-CARB compliant) modified air intake system.

 

filter location 2008 focus update

Dear Members: Fiinally confirmed, non serviceable type cool air intake under fender (drivers side) Leftover from 2007 to my 2008. Can a filter be inserted into housing at fender? I assume that there is kit that members prefer to install to replace this "rube goldberg" monstrosity. Your advice very helpful! regards, Abe G

 

http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t459/michael-48/DSCN0909_zpsvwbmz2wp.jpg

There's a current picture from another thread that happens to show the air filter sensor.

(red/yellow/green item)

 

off-topic-ish

Sailor, do you guys (NY-ers & OP) get emission tests that include visual checks for EVAP non-compliance, (which could include engine intake like CA CARB does) or only OBD & gas cap Code check?

btw AZ does not do visuals (only OBD & gas cap), and only non-OBD gets sniffed -that I know of-

 

It's a yes & no, OBD cars get plugged right in to a computer that actually talks right to the Capitol - so the code check can't be bypassed by a compliant inspector.

Visual check can get you for items like CAT removal, but aftermarket air intakes/filters generally pass as not making an appreciable effect.

Registrations/inspection stickers get scanned into the system, and Albany can refuse an inspection for non-inspection reasons - like if they're after you for back child support/unpaid tickets/anything they decide to put in the system to catch up with someone.

 

It's a yes & no,......

Wow!

That whole subject (State to State) should be its' own thread <prolly already is> and could be discussed forever. Thx for the insight Sailor.

Guessing other States like AZ ain't so smart with those kinda emissions->to-> background checks, but maybe they are and I just don't know about it. Good for me that I ain't Wanted.... yet.

Wait! Maybe this is why we got so many thugs here!? They ain't checkin' it!! Oh wait, most thugs do not register a car so nvm.

@OP Abe G - replace that filter with whatever filter you want... and I am hoping your not a criminal or have other legal issues going on?

 

filter for 2008 (nonserviceable)

Dear Members: Thank you all for your patience. I have really looked over the entire engine and can not find the gauge for above. I guess I'l go to 100m plus miles before I worry about it. (unless check engine light comes on) Meawhile as a newbie on this 2008 can someone tell me if it has a "pass thru"from trunk to rear seat compartment? This for long objects, etc. If so how to? again thanks for your help. Regards, Abe G

 

AFAIK they continued the Split "Flip - Fold" rear seating for the MkII's.

Releases for the rear seat sides at either side of the trunk at the top front, pull cable knobs.

You can fold either side partially down, or flip the seat bottom forward first to get both sides down flatter.

 

Woah.. Woah wait.. Nono.. If you do NOT have the PZEV type intake then you definitely DO want to change or clean the air filter before 100k miles.. If that's what you were saying.. Also, yes, there are pull strings on either side of the back seats to fold them down.

 

Woah.. Woah wait..

Nah, he should be good, and should have a PZEV air filter config because:

#1 - OP is in NY and it was flooded with PZEV's.
#2 - After repeated requests to check, OP claims filter is tucked inside the fender well.

So that's good nuf right? [scratch]