Fix It

The air filter in the 2003 Ford Focus PZEV 2.3L is different from a standard filter. A standard filter is a small paper cartridge that is placed inside an air filter assembly. The Focus PZEV -- which stands for "partial zero emissions vehicle" -- uses an air filter box with a special nonserviceable foam element inside. In order to replace this filter, you have to replace the entire box, which is fairly expensive. But you should only have to replace the filter every 150,000 miles.

Instructions

1

Lift the hood of the Focus and prop it open.

2

Locate the air filter box. It is the large black box just behind the left headlight.

3

Unbolt the air filter box from the air intake hose using the socket wrench and socket.

4

Remove the air filter box from the engine bay and place the new one in its place.

5

Connect the new air filter box to the air intake hose and bolt it into place.

Oil filters have come a long way over the years. Engines were originally designed without an oil filter, but filters were needed when pressure lubrication was developed for the engine. On its surface, the design of an oil filter looks simple, but the development of manmade materials such as glass and synthetic fiber have made oil filter designs more efficient. The design of the oil filter is determined by the type of engine, the size of the engine and the automobile manufacturer.

Mechanical Oil Filter Design

The mechanical oil filter uses fiber material that is pleated in design. This design traps the contaminants in the oil, preventing the particles from continuing to move into the engine. Over a period of time, the buildup of contaminants causes the oil to stop flowing into the engine so the movable parts can be lubricated. Before this buildup of dirt particles stops the flow of oil into the engine, the oil filter needs to be replaced.

Magnetic Oil Filter Design

The magnetic oil filter design uses small electromagnets to catch the particles as the oil flows through the oil filter. The best part of this type of design is that the oil filter does not have to be replaced. The oil filter does have to be removed periodically and cleaned. The worst part of this design is that it allows dirt to get through the filter and travel with the oil into the engine.

Centrifugal Oil Filter Design

The centrifugal oil filter design spins as the oil flows through the filter inducing centrifugal force and containing the contaminants. As the oil flows through the spinning oil filter the dirt or iron particles are trapped in the walls of the filter preventing them from flowing with the oil. This is a two-part oil filter, which has a housing chamber and a fiber material inserted into the housing that does all the spinning. The fiber material used in the oil filter needs to be replaced as contaminants build up, which can cause the filter to quite spinning and clog the flow of oil. The housing chamber does not need to be replaced.

Priming a diesel fuel system--including a water separator--removes air from your vehicles fuel lines. When air enters your fuel lines, the fuel system becomes air bound and fuel will not travel from the fuel tank to the fuel delivery system of your vehicle. After cleaning or installing a new water separator, you will need to remove the air from the system to allow your vehicle to perform correctly.

Instructions

1

Turn the petcock located on the bottom of the fuel filter/water separator counterclockwise.

2

Crank the engine by inserting the key into the ignition. Allow the engine to crank for 30 seconds. Check the fuel filter/water separator for air. If no air remains, turn the petcock clockwise to close the air way. Close the petcock and continue if air remains in the fuel line after cranking the engine.

3

Locate the hand priming bulb in the vehicles engine compartment. Repeatedly press and release the priming bulb until you see air bubbles moving toward the air release valve.

4

Press in on the priming bulb. Turn the air release valve counterclockwise. Keep your hand on the valve handle until fuel flows from the valve. Close the valve quickly while maintaining pressure on the priming bulb.

5

Wipe spilled fuel from the engine compartment with a clean rag.

The cabin air filter in your Volvo removes dust, pollen and odors from your passenger cabin. In the late 1990s, Volvo started installing cabin air filters at the factory. Volvo recommends replacing the filter every 15,000 miles or sooner, depending on the driving environment. The filter is located under the glove box on the passenger side. Replacing your Volvos cabin air filter is a fairly simple job, and once youre finished you can breathe a little easier.

Instructions

1

Find the cabin air filter panel. The panel is located under the glove box on the passenger side. Using your Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws to the panel cover.

2

Remove the face plate to the cabin filter housing. Slide the old filter out, keeping it level to avoid spilling any debris that may be in the filter.

3

Install a new Volvo cabin air filter. Slide the new filter into place. Make sure that the arrows on the filter are facing up. Attach the face plate to the cabin filter housing. Reattach the cabin air filters panel with the Phillips screws.