Engine Air Filter replacement

[rosco]

So the ford dealership did a multi point inspection on my 2011 FFH.

They told me that my air filter is looking dirty and they recommend replacing it (I'm currently at 127k miles) 

I ordered the part online from Wholesale Ford Parts Fast and even put in my vin to verify correct part.

The part that was supposed to be sent (even listed in the order confirmation) was BH6Z-9600-B

The part I received was BH6Z-9600-AA

Comparing them side by side they look identical other than the intake tube looks different.

 

I would have returned it and had them send me correct part but I am going to be driving this car 11 hours to CA this weekend and I'll be there working for the next 10 weeks.

I was able to easily swap out the intake tube from my old air cleaner so now everything appears identical as far as I can tell.

 

Everything bolted up and went together just fine and MAF sensor connector matched the new MAF sensor. Car still runs fine after install.

 

My question is, when I look up the part number they sent me it states it's for 3.5L

Should I keep the part because everything fits and it's running fine or should I switch back to my old air cleaner (pain in the butt to get to btw) and request an exchange?

If I request an exchange that means I will be driving with my dirty filter for the next 10 weeks until I return back home.

 

I'm wondering if the only difference between the two really is JUST the intake tube (one points straight up and the other turns 90 degrees at the top)

Hard to tell if there are other differences inside the unit.

 

Should I just keep it and run with it?

[lolder]

There is no readily serviceable air filter on the 2010-12 FFH. It's buried in the compartment and it's supposed to be lifetime anyway. It's not clear what you replaced. I doubt that Ford looked at the filter. You were scammed.

[rosco]

On 8/7/2021 at 12:35 PM, lolder said:

There is no readily serviceable air filter on the 2010-12 FFH. It's buried in the compartment and it's supposed to be lifetime anyway. It's not clear what you replaced. I doubt that Ford looked at the filter. You were scammed.

Lol yes I’m aware that Ford calls it a lifetime air filter but at the same time the service manual says replace at 150k miles (apparently lifetime=150k)

I have occasionally driven some dusty roads which is why they are recommending replacing it early. 

You actually CAN see the condition of the filter as there is a port for this very purpose and I saw this for myself. 

I know you can’t replace just the air filter which is why I replaced the whole air cleaner box.

 

It was somewhat of a pain to get to as I had to pull the wheel liner and partially remove the bumper but I was able to get it swapped out in about 1.5 hours

 

If you’re still confused as to what I replaced just do a Google search for the part numbers listed above in my original post.

[rosco]

Below is a screenshot of the maintenance schedule for 150k miles

[lolder]

Despite the heading for Ford fusion Hybrid the list is a generic one. For instance it refers to an automatic transmission which the FFH does not have. Was the filter dirty?

[Mark J]

BH6Z-9600-AA is for some Sport models and Lincoln MKZ.  BH6Z-9600-B fits 2010, 11 and 12 Hybrids. Checked on Levittown Ford site where I generally buy my oem parts. Sometimes the prefixes and suffixes change in the part numbers, but are still correct parts, whatever reason, engineering, etc.

[Mark J]

I have a post on here about changing this part, mine was done due to the maf sensor acting up. Not much more to buy the entire unit v just the sensor.

[pnwguy22]

Still running the AA? It looks to be a serviceable filter, which would be nice, as I could pull one at a junk yard and toss a new filter in. The dealership just told me the B was obsolete in my 2010 and suggested AE5Z-9600-A as the replacement assembly.