How to Replace Ford Fiesta Cabin Air Filter (Update)
I went back through this today and I really should have more detail.
Note: I would not try this unless the temperature is at least 60F or so; it seems to me that the clips in step 1 might break.
New cabin air filter: Motorcraft FP-69; Ford BE8Z-19N619-A (As of 7/14/2011 Fram and Purolator don't have a number for the Fiesta; I would guess they will have something by the end of 2011.
http://www.tousleyfordparts.com/ has it for $13 + shipping)
Tools:
1/4" ratchet
T-20 socket, 1/4" drive
#2 phillips screw driver
2 straight screwdrivers or push pin removal tool
mirror (if you don't have one now is the time to get one)
flashlight
1. Remove the side cover from the center console on the passenger side by removing the phillips head push pin and pulling the cover straight out. There are 4 or 5 plastic clips holding the cover on. You can now see the cabin air filter cover. It is held on with 5 silver T-20 screws. When you put the cover back on note that it goes under the parts of the console that you don't pull off. The plastic is really flexible so after putting the cover on you can use a putty knife or screw driver to pry to edges back into the proper orientation.
2. Get the temperature sensor wire out of the way by unscrewing the blue temp sensor or unplugging the wire. Don't forget to put this back or you'll be sorry.
3. Remove the glove box by 1) open the box; 2) push in the sides to let the box open further than normal; 3) pull the box straight out from the hinge and the hinge will unsnap.
4. Remove the lower part of the heater duct by pulling down while rotating the outlet end toward the rear of the car. Note the orientation of the lower duct. It took me forever to get it back on. I kept fiddling with it and it looked like it was aligned but it just wouldn't go on. Then it magically got aligned and it just clicked into place.
5. Remove the black fuzzy trim panel from under the glove box by removing the 2 push pins. You can probably just bend this down but I don't like bending that stuff.
6. Now you can remove the filter cover by removing the 5 silver T-20 torx head screws. You will need a 1/4" drive T-20 socket (and a mirror and flashlight) to get the top two (they didn't give ANY extra room
).
7. You can now get the filter out but you will have to squish and bend it some to get around some piping and wiring. Depending on how mch crap is in the old filter you might have to vacuum out the slot where the filter goes. You would need to put a foot or two of 1/2" OD hose on your vacuum cleaner to get in there.
8. Make sure the air flow arrows on the new filter are pointing to the rear of the car and put everything back where it came from.
9. Get in the drivers seat, start the car, turn on the fan and marvel at the gush of fresh filtered air.
10. Depending on your location go to the store and get the following:
East coast: Yuengling Lager
MT/WY/ID: Moose Drool Amber Ale
(boy do I wish I was there)
Everywhere else: Magic Hat #9
OR Fosters Ale
(that's the green can not the blue one)
11. Drive home and celebrate your new cabin air filter.
(Don't cheat and take a taste test before you get home; I've been told that jail ain't that nice.
)