Procedure for replacing the Ford Focus 3 fuel filter

The fuel filter Ford Focus 1, 2, 3 modifications is the most important part of the fuel system. The operating instructions recommend replacing the fuel filter every 30 thousand km. However, given the quality of our domestic gasoline and the dustiness of the roads, it is better to replace it after 15–20 thousand kilometers.

In this article, we will give you the most detailed information on replacing the Ford Focus 1, 2, 3 fuel filter, so that you can change the cleaning element yourself at home. Following our guide exactly will allow you to successfully complete this operation in 15–20 minutes.

Tools for replacing the fuel filter Ford Focus 1

Before you begin work on replacing the fuel filter on a Ford Focus 1, you should prepare the necessary tools. Therefore, stock up in advance:

• socket heads for “8” and “7”;
• wrench with extension;
• new fine filter
• container for draining gasoline

The fuel filter in a car of this modification is located in a recess in the gas tank under the rear seat, so to carry out the work you will need an inspection hole, overpass or lift.

Replacement frequency

Mostly, the cleaning process in modern cars includes several stages. Manufacturers pay special attention to filters for diesel cars. Such engines are more vulnerable than gasoline engines, so increased demands are placed on the quality and purity of diesel fuel. In addition, fuel filters in diesel cars perform another important function - preventing water from entering the combustion chamber. The more complex structure, importance and functionality explains the fact that filters of such a system can cost significantly more than their counterparts for gasoline cars. Devices can be prefabricated or non-demountable. The latter, as a rule, must be replaced entirely. In the first, only the filter element itself is replaced.

As a rule, the manufacturer recommends following a certain filter replacement cycle, however, when remembering these numbers, it is worth taking into account Russian reality. It is no secret that the quality and purity of fuel on the domestic market do not meet the standards adopted in most countries that produce high-quality cars. It’s the same with FordFocus 3, it’s difficult to rely on the manufacturer’s recommendation; you should rather trust experienced car owners.

The manufacturer of Ford Focus 3 recommends replacing the fuel filter at least once every 30 thousand kilometers. However, experts advise, given the poor quality and contamination of the fuel, to subtract 10 thousand from the recommended mileage.

Experienced technicians and owners of Ford Focus 3 advise changing the fuel cleaning device every 20–25 thousand kilometers.

Instructions for replacing the fuel filter on a Ford Focus 1

1. Using special pliers, remove the fuse (No. 12) from the fuse box, which is responsible for the operation of the fuel pump.

2. After removing the fuse, start the engine and let it run until it stops on its own. After this, crank the starter again to make sure that the remaining gasoline in the fuel line is consumed.

3. Now you must go down into the pit or, if you have a lift, raise the car. As mentioned above, the fuel filter is located in the gas tank area, on the right side of the rear of the car, you won’t have much difficulty finding it.

4. Now disconnect the connectors on the filter. Do not touch only the thick green connector, which is responsible for the return flow of gasoline into the tank. The connections are quick-release, so they can be easily disconnected by bringing the hooks together and pushing the stopper to the side. It’s easier to press out the stoppers one at a time, and to simplify the process, initially clean the connectors of oil deposits and dirt.

5. Before disconnecting the gas tank pipes, be sure to place a container under the filter so that it can drain there.

6. Now take an “8” socket or a wrench and use it to unscrew the gas filter mounting bolt.

7. Remove the cleaning filter together with the holder.

8. Next, you should remove the old filter and install a new one in its place. To do this, you need to loosen the self-tapping screw with a socket wrench set to “7”.

9. Be careful when replacing the filter. The new cleaning element should be installed in accordance with the direction of the arrow on the filter housing. The arrow indicates the direction of fuel movement. Keep in mind that the folded edges should be facing outwards.

10. Reinstall the filter holder and connect the fuel hoses. The successful installation of the fuel pipes is indicated by a characteristic click.

11. Now you can replace the fuse and start the engine to check its operation. During this, at the same time check the mounting points and the filter itself for fuel leaks. If any, tighten the clamps and fastenings.

Replacing the fuel filter in Ford Focus 2 and 3

In Ford Focus 2 and 3 gasoline modifications, the fuel filter is installed in the fuel pump module, which is located in the tank. Replacing the cleaning element yourself is not as easy as it might seem at first glance, since the fuel pump cannot be disassembled. The filter (mesh) in the pump is installed by the manufacturer for the entire life of the vehicle, which in Russian conditions is fraught with bad consequences for the fuel system and engine of the vehicle.

Therefore, replacing the fuel filter also entails changing the fuel pump. In addition, the fuel pump can only be replaced by removing the fuel tank, since the Ford Focus 2 does not have a hatch at the base of the body above the fuel module, therefore access is not possible with the tank installed.

Fuel filter for Focus 3 petrol

On the Ford Focus 3, a fuel module or fuel filters are used to purify gasoline: 1465324 and 1465018. Both filters are the same, with one difference - 1465324 is assembled with a bracket.

Fuel filter with bracket for gasoline version of Ford Focus 3 article number 1465324

Fuel filter article FORD 1465018 for Focus 3 petrol

The price of original filters is quite high (RUB 1,400), so analogues are very popular here:

Purflux and Mahle/Knecht are good replacement options. Structurally, they fully correspond to the original ones, have a good service life, and their characteristics are almost no different from the original. The main advantage is the price.

BOSCH F026403009 priced at RUB 640. — the name of the company speaks for itself. Good fuel filter for gasoline engines. These models have excellent quality and a decent service life. You can choose one of the options recommended by car owners listed in the table to suit your budget.

Prices are current for Moscow and Moscow Region for the winter of 2022.

Some gasoline Focuses do not have a standard fuel filter, and the fuel is cleaned by a filter built into the fuel module, its article number is AV61-9H307-AC (1851737) and the price is about 30,000 rubles. For the fuel module, you can choose analogues at reasonable prices:

• LYNXauto CF-3594 — 6240 rub.
• Krauf KR0456M — 7170 rub.
• Magneti marelli 519700000193 — 12120 rub.

Instructions for replacing the fuel filter Ford Focus 2, 3

1. We remove the back seat of the car to get to the fuel pump.

Note: Replacement of the mesh should be carried out with the level light on. This will simplify the procedure for dismantling the tank and installing it in place.

1. We take out the fuel pump block
2. We unscrew several bolts that hold the cover in place.

1. On the inside of the cover, you will see a mesh, which, in fact, is a filter for this car.

1. We remove the coked old mesh and install a new one, having previously twisted it. Before installing a new mesh, expand the place where this mesh fits onto the fuel pump hose by literally 0.5 mm. The photo uses a mesh from Toyota, due to the scarcity of the original Ford Focus mesh.

1. We put all the dismantled elements of the car in place. To make it easier to install the fuel tank, use a rolling jack or a telescopic stand on wheels.

There are a couple more ways to replace the fuel filter on Ford Focus 2 and 3. Some car owners install an auxiliary element for purifying gasoline. But this method can be extremely risky for the fuel system, since the additional part will create another obstacle to the movement of gasoline, which, in turn, will create a greater load on the gas pump. Other Ford enthusiasts buy old fuel filters at car dismantling yards (or gas pumps, where old filters are removed) and install them on their cars. This operation threatens to damage the entire fuel system.

Which filter to choose

When choosing replacement parts and consumables, car owners are faced with the question of whether to buy an original or an analogue? It is worth noting that original spare parts are always certified and have a warranty period. To purchase them, you need to contact an official dealer and trusted service stations.

Among analogues there are also consumables of appropriate quality. In order to choose the right analogue, you need to know the brands that produce such products and their article numbers.

Original

Ford Focus 3 diesel engines often use Ford filter art. 1352443. In gasoline versions, the situation is somewhat different, since they are equipped with two types of fuel filters, which are part of a single system with the fuel pump.

Analogs

The cost of filters from the manufacturer (original) is at least twice as high as that of the originals. If it is not possible to purchase a more expensive option, then for a diesel engine you can buy the following modifications, such as:

• Bosch art. F026402007. An excellent option for those who want to buy value for money. All Bosch products are of good quality and comparable to the originals.
• AD art. 101300013. The quality of such filters is significantly inferior to the original elements, and accordingly, they have a low cost.
• Mann art. PU7002x. A worthy option for American-made cars.

Gasoline cars can use fuel filters from well-known brands such as:

• Era art. 775433 for engines with a volume of 1.6 l and art. 775489 for a 2-liter unit. In terms of technical characteristics, these filters are practically not inferior to the original products.
• Doda art. 1120020005. Designed for 1.6 liter engines. In design, this option corresponds to the original and has a long service life, but the main advantage is its affordable cost.
• Bosch art.0580200064 is designed for 2 liter and EcoBost engines. They are characterized by high quality and long service life.

When choosing an analogue, it is worth studying the list of the most popular products, as well as taking into account the advice of experts.

Instructions for replacing the fuel filter on a Ford Focus 2 diesel modification

1. The fuel filter on this car model is located in the engine compartment, to the right of the engine. It is closed by a lid, which is secured with bolts at “8”. Unscrew them and remove the cover.

1. Now you can see the cleaning element itself, on which rests a screw-off fitting responsible for draining the contaminated liquid.

1. In order for fuel to drain through the lower fitting, you need to slightly unscrew this bolt on top of the filter. First, unscrew it a little, only then will we unscrew the lower fitting.

1. Place a container for draining diesel.

1. Next, remove the fuel filter cover, behind which you will see the filter element itself. Wipe it with a cloth and disconnect it from the body.

1. After this, take the new filter and place it in the existing module. Then pour diesel into it and wait until it fills the entire filter cavity.

1. Next, you need to assemble all the parts in reverse order, not forgetting the fittings.

1. At the last stage, start the engine and press the gas pedal (2 thousand rpm). The engine must be run for one minute to allow all air to escape from the fuel system.

Design and principle of operation

A fuel filter is a device without which the design of almost all modern cars is unthinkable. At its core, this unit is a purifier of fuel entering the engine, which significantly extends its service life. In addition, the presence of a fuel filter has a positive effect on the entire fuel supply system: from small fuel lines to the injector or carburetor.

Regardless of the configuration or year of manufacture, the Ford Focus 3 is equipped with two types of fuel filters:

• A coarse cleaning unit that screens out the largest fractions that enter the fuel tank. These impurities can be seen either with the naked eye or through a magnifying glass.
• A fine cleaning unit that cleans fuel from smaller components of unnatural origin.

Note! In some variations of the Ford Focus 3, the coarse fuel filter is located in the gas tank (or rather, in the gas pump), and the fine filter element is located directly in front of the injector. However, most often both filter elements are built into the design of the fuel pump and, when replaced, require the purchase of this entire part.

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Note that over time, the cellular structure of both filters becomes “clogged” with more and more impurities, as a result of which the parts begin to perform their functions worse. It is how soon this occurs that determines when the fuel filters will have to be repaired. Considering the quality of fuel in our country, unfortunately for many, this moment comes after one year, or at best several years of constant operation of the car. And Ford Focus 3 was no exception in this regard.