Engine aIr intake filter replacement interval and location

[muzzin]

I don't know how to find the engine air intake filter location, change interval and filter model for my Fusion Hybrid. I've reviewed the owner's manual and asked engineers where I work (GM) if they're familiar with this filtration system. I've even asked the local dealer service manager to help me find it. No one seems to have a real idea about the air intake filter and how to check it's effectiveness or need for replacement. Our local dealer recommended checking the filter at 100.000 miles. That would be fine if I didn't have to spend 2 hours rooting around the fender wall figuring out if I need to remove a bunch of parts to get at it.

I do know however that the cost to replace the filter (and evidently the housing as well) at the dealer is $210. That's only slightly cheaper than the tires which cost $225+$10 install and $2.50 disposal cost.

 

There have been some internet posts recommending an air filter check at 150,000 miles.

 

Being a car/truck OEM engineer myself I'm pretty disappointed in the documentation. I am however impressed that Ford is so confident in their filtration that it doesn't get a real write up in the owner's manual.

 

As someone who drives their vehicles well past 200,000 miles before considering trading in, 150,000 mile replacement interval still isn't enough for me to let the air filter go unchecked.

 

On a positive maintenance note: I've converted my vehicle to use a bypass oil filter system and extended the oil filter and drain interval to 25000 miles. That is working fine. If anyone wants to know how that is done let me know. The bypass system filters down to 2 microns.

Edited November 18, 2012 by muzzin

[terryb]

I find the 2013 info on page 260 for the physical removal and the schedule at page 430.

All of this in the pdf file available from "motorcraftservice.com"

 

TrryB

 

[lolder]

Page 297 of the Owners Guide says the first generation FFH is equipped with a long life air filter good for the life of the car. It can be checked ( by a DTC ? ) by the dealer for an excessively clogged filter.

[hermans]

A picture of the locayion can be found in the owners manual - page 253 (It sits on top of the engine.) The cover for the air filter is "C".

Edited November 17, 2012 by hermans

[lolder]

A picture of the locayion can be found in the owners manual - page 253 (It sits on top of the engine.) The cover for the air filter is "C".

This is not true for the first generation FFH. The FFH "air filter" is buried somewhere near the left front fender and is not serviceable.

Edited November 17, 2012 by lolder

[jeff_h]

This is not true for the first generation FFH. The FFH "air filter" is buried somewhere near the left front fender and is not serviceable.

 

And I think this is what the original poster was interested in since his vehicle is noted as a 2012 Hybrid. The 2013 has an air filter that is easily accessible, I was ready to replace mine at 15k miles and it still was as clean as the new replacement so I put it back in and decided to change when it gets to 20k. I am going to start a new topic with some DIY pics as anyone who pays their dealer $50 to do this may want to think twice after seeing how easy it is.