Im new to car maintenance and I have a used 2009 ford focus that comes with this life time air filter. Theres suppose to be a gauge that tells when it needs to be replaced but its no where to be found and will cost to get a new air filter or the whole system from 500 to 800 dollars. I posted this on a different forum but I havent got a response if this cool air intake system will work on my car. I know couple stores online say it fits but i will like to hear some peoples experiences. Also the sterring wheel fluid is dirty. Theres no indicator to tell how much fluid is in there. The reservoir is black. I looked at a couple of videos on how to flush, but the second hose is really hard to reach and thereās a small leak. I was thinking to flush just the reservoir for now and add new fluid plus that lucas bottle that stops sterring wheel fluid leaks. If it stops, will the new fluid help with an air noise my steering wheel makes when turning the wheel all the way to the right and left? Just trying to see if I can fix this stuff by my self to prevent spending alot of cash on a mechanic.
Is the air filter a K&N?
Tester
Hi, yes I just finished posting the link. I will post pics of the filter box too.
If you go with the KN air filterā¦make sure youāre doing it because the filter is reusable. NOT because the air filter is going to āadd horsepowerā or any other āupgradesā.
No air filter is going to āenhanceā a 2009 Ford Focus. And Iād wager that if you total up conventional air filters over the next 5-10 years vs the cost of a KN and cleaning kitā¦you may come out about even.
Good luck.
Whoever installed that K&N filter kit doesnāt know a damn thing about air filtration, and installed a piece of junk.
The filter company I worked for tested these K&N filters, and the tech who ran the tests stated that if you want to keep birds and chipmunks out of your engine, thatās the filter to use.
Install an OEM air filter.
Tester
Since it is already installed, use it, but it has to be cleanedā¦
Sounds like someone installed the cold air system eliminating the gauge that tells you when it is time to replace itā¦
But you could source the factory parts used from a junk yard and install a normal air filterā¦ much cheaper than new from the dealerā¦
EDIT to say, OP and myself were posting at the same time, I had not seen the pictures yetā¦
I think @Georgefocus2 has a Focus with the Ford original equipment ālifetimeā air filter, not an aftermarket filter. I would take Ford at its word and keep the original air filter in there. My 2011 MKZ also has one of those.
Not one of Fordās better ideas.
Theres no way to clean it. The whole thing is attached with glue. The box is long, going down next to the bumper and wheel.
I donāt know why people install these cold air intake kits when the vehicle comes from the factory with one already installed, and with a more efficient air filter?
Tester
Repeat, not a cold air kit, it came this way from the factory. Hereās more:
Fordās āLifetimeā Air Filters Were An Engineering Solution To A Non-Existent Problem
Appears that the air cleaner for the PZEV Focus is no longer available.
You might be able to retro fit a non-PZEV air cleaner assembly from an auto salvage yard w/replaceable filter.
PZEV is a government project, I donāt think anyone asked for PZEV automobiles.
Does yours come with the gauge? And how many miles? Mine is missing and the car has 130,000 miles. I heard once it reaches 150,000 or the gaure goes red, to replace it. But again its 500 to 800 dollars. Also, I just read now that our cars have a system called PZEV. So now, idk if adding an aftermarket air filter box or air intake system will cause any electronic to fail or cause engine issues.
Always remember the awesome power of being able to brag to your buddies about the āupgradesā youāve done on your vehicle. Sometimes itās a cold air intake on a 4 cylinder econoboxā¦other times itās a un-used metal rooftop cargo basket or intake snorkel.
Iād go as far as saying thereās an entire aftermarket car parts industry built on this tendency.
My 2011 is only at 100,000 miles. Iāll check it out, havenāt worried about it up to now. I plan to replace the car in the next year, so itāll be the next guyās problem.
But other makers did PZEV without lifetime filters, I think.
Isnāt that what OP is asking about? The car came from the factory with a lifetime air filter.
Not looking for performance or anything relating with that. Just a simple solution so I dont spend allot of money on a new " lifetime air filter system". But as mentioned, idk if installing an aftermarket air system will cause anything in the car to fail because the engine or whatever has this system called PZEV.