Need help with replacing air filter for 05’ Ford Focus ZX5 2.0 (1 Viewer)

[John Pine]

I removed the plastic mud panel in driver side wheel well to get to it air exchanger box. I removed the two rubber connectors from the compartment for the outgoing air duct and unscrewed the clamp for the incoming connection. I also unscrewed the two small mounting bolts. But I still can’t remove the assembly. There seems to be a third screw in the very front that I can’t get to. You can’t get to it from the engine well. It seems to actually be closer to, or inside the bumper assembly. As a last resort, I tried to pry open the intake assembly with a screwdriver to see if I could replace the filter w/o removing the entire unit. But all I did was chew up the apparent opening seam in several places. I must be doing something wrong! Do I have to remove the entire unit just to replace the air filter? If so, how do I remove that front screw?

 

[John Pine]

C'mon...noone? This isn't an exotic import.

 

[Jay H]

Seen this thread?

Jay

 

[John Pine]

Jay, thanks for the link! Had no idea they were making air filters that last that long.

Hmm...I wonder why Advance Auto Parts sold me a replacement filter. Oh!...$$$...nevermind.

Or maybe it's actually for an older model Focus.