Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Ford Focus
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)
| Estimated time | 0h30–4h00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~50–400£ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Vehicles |
Focus Mk I 1998-2009 6
Focus Mk II 2004-2012 18
Focus Mk III 2011-2019 10
Focus Mk III 2013-2020 16
Focus MK IV 2019-2025 5
|
| Check the catalytic converter | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter | 1h30–5h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter | 1h30–5h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter | 0h45–7h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter | 0h45–7h00 |
| Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* | 0h45 |
| Check the diesel particulate filter | 0h30 |
| Reset the diesel particulate filter fuel additive warning light | 0h30 |
| Check/top up the diesel particulate filter fuel additive | 0h30–1h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 1h30–3h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 1h30–3h00 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter EURO 3 | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter EURO 4 | 2h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter EURO 3 | 1h30 |
| Renew the catalytic converter EURO 4 | 2h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 2h00–3h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 2h00–3h00 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank | 1h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter EURO 4, With diesel particulate filter | 1h30 |
| Renew the catalytic converter EURO 4, With diesel particulate filter | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the fuel vaporisation assembly | 0h45 |
| Renew the fuel vaporisation assembly | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the fuel vaporisation fuel pump | 1h00 |
| Renew the fuel vaporisation fuel pump | 1h00 |
| Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the rear catalytic converter | 1h30 |
| Renew the rear catalytic converter | 1h30 |
| Carry out the diesel particulate filter regeneration procedure | 1h30 |
| Drain/refill the AdBlue tank | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue injector | 0h45 |
| Renew the AdBlue injector | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector | 0h45 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector | 0h45 |
What is a Ford Focus particulate filter?
Diesel engines and direct-injection petrol engines produce soot particles. The particulate filter (DPF/GPF) traps these harmful particles as exhaust gases pass through its honeycomb structure. It is placed on the exhaust line after the catalytic converter.
How does the Ford Focus particulate filter work?
As soot accumulates, the filter periodically burns off (regenerates) the trapped particles. Active regeneration raises exhaust temperatures to 550–600°C, burning soot to ash. This occurs every 300–500 km during normal motorway driving. Vehicles driven only on short urban trips may not regenerate properly, leading to blockage.
When should you change the Ford Focus particulate filter?
The DPF is designed to last 150,000–250,000 km but depends on driving patterns. Signs of needed replacement: DPF warning light, engine in limp mode, excessive exhaust smoke, or diagnostic scan showing excessive back-pressure or failed regeneration cycles.
Can the Ford Focus particulate filter be cleaned instead of replaced?
Yes, professional DPF cleaning can restore a blocked filter at a fraction of replacement cost. However, if the filter substrate is cracked, melted, or structurally damaged, replacement is the only option. Never use a DPF removal/delete service — it is illegal and will fail the MOT/emissions test.
Is it difficult to change the Ford Focus particulate filter?
Difficulty level 2/5: technically straightforward but physically demanding due to the filter's location and weight. Key steps: raise the vehicle, disconnect pressure sensors, remove exhaust clamps/bolts, lower the old DPF, fit the new one with new gaskets, reconnect sensors, clear fault codes, perform a forced regeneration cycle.
5 models covered
| Model | Year Range | Engines covered | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Mk I 1998-2009 | 1998-2009 | 1.4 (Zetec-SE) Petrol (FXDA), 1.4 (Zetec-SE) Petrol (FXDB), 1.4 (Zetec-SE) Petrol (FXDC), 1.4 (Zetec-SE) Petrol (FXDD), 1.6 (Zetec-SE) Petrol (FYDA), 1.6 (Zetec-SE) Petrol (FYDB), 1.6 (Zetec-SE) Petrol (FYDC), 1.6 (Zetec-SE) Petrol (FYDD), 1.6 FFV (Zetec-SE) Bioethanol (E85),Pet… | Bioethanol (E85), Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
| Focus Mk II 2004-2012 | 2004-2012 | 1.4 (Duratec) Petrol (ASDA), 1.4 (Duratec) Petrol (ASDB), 1.6 (Duratec) Petrol (HWDA), 1.6 (Duratec) Petrol (HWDB), 1.6 (Duratec) Petrol (SHDA), 1.6 (Duratec) Petrol (SHDB), 1.6 (Duratec) Petrol (SHDC), 1.6 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (G8DA), 1.6 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (G8DB), 1.6 TD… | Bioethanol (E85), Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
| Focus Mk III 2011-2019 | 2011-2019 | 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M1DA), 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M2DA), 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (SFDA), 1.6 SCTi (EcoBoost) Petrol (JQDA), 1.6 SCTi (EcoBoost) Petrol (JQDB), 1.6 SCTi (EcoBoost) Petrol (JTDA), 1.6 SCTi (EcoBoost) Petrol (JTDB), 1.6 SCTI FFV (EcoBoost) Bioethanol (E85),Petrol (… | Bioethanol (E85), Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
| Focus Mk III 2013-2020 | 2013-2020 | 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M1DA), 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M1DC), 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M1DD), 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M1DH), 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M2DB), 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M2DC), 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (SFDB), 1.5 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M8DA), 1.5 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M8DB), 1.5 (EcoB… | Diesel, Electricity, Petrol |
| Focus MK IV 2019-2025 | 2019-2025 | 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (B3DA), 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (B7DA), 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (SFDC), 1.0 mHEV (EcoBoost) 48V (MHEV),Petrol (B7DC), 1.0 mHEV (EcoBoost) 48V (MHEV),Petrol (M0DC), 1.0 mHEV (EcoBoost) 48V (MHEV),Petrol (R0DB), 1.0 mHEV Flex (EcoBoost) 48V (MHEV),Ethanol (E85),P… | 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Ethanol (E85), Petrol |