r/FocusST • u/Recent-Inevitable-50 • 4h ago
r/FocusST • u/Cory-FocusST • Apr 24 '26
No Sales
Sales posts/comments are not allowed on r/FocusST.
If you see anything related to sales, please report the post immediately for removal.
r/FocusST • u/LoganTheGuitarist • Jun 15 '24
EVAP Issues/F.U.F.F. Purge Assembly
The evap systems on these cars cause lots and lots of headaches, so let's dive into the issues it can cause.
First off, if you had the recall done on your FoST, chances are you're sending your purge valve to the grave worlds quicker than had you not had it done at all. Reason being, if you got the recall done, it was a Trojan horse to get Ford's CAFE requirements down, as the recalled software makes the car activate the purge valve more liberally, putting it under quite a bit more strain than the software before the recall. That grave gets further hastened by the next few things.
On the above thread, you can see the purge valve exploded and how it functions. Functionally, the canister purge valve was installed on many different vehicles, so you can find it by itself from other manufacturers that are significantly more available. These valves are designed terribly, and the solenoid functions by sending fuel vapors through and around a coil of wire that actuates a plate which stalls the fuel vapors in the assembly. The solenoid fails when liquid fuel enters into it (via overfilling) or by condensation which also eventually happens, leaving the plate at the mercy to the engine's vacuum/boost pressure.
What symptoms does this cause? First off, when it's just starting to go out, you'll get a rough idle after filling up. Then, as it progresses, your fuel trims will go wild, and you'll have AFRs in the 30s when DFC is supposed to be kicking in. It also leads to your car having a pop & bang tune with no map set for it, and occasionally will make your car shoot flames (when it's not supposed to) as well on decel. At that point, you have enough vacuum on the gas tank to cause it to collapse as you're driving, and your fuel gauge will fill as you're driving home from work (like it happened to me). That can be reflected in P1450, P0442, P0456, P2196, and P0420, with P1450 being the culprit of most of those codes when the purge valve fails.
To fix it, most people throw purge valves at the problem, which works for some time, but it doesn't address what causes the failures (besides the purge valve itself). Firstly, the assembly Ford provides has a check valve that is only rated for a measley 20psi (including the RS assemblies), and as the check valve wears out and gets dirty that rating is no longer accurate. They have been tested to leak at as little as 10psi after sustained use, and once boost leaks past the check valve and makes its way to the purge valve you'll start seeing the symptoms listed above since it's only designed to see vacuum, not boost. Additionally, debris can make its way past the charcoal canister, and that debris will get stuck in the purge valve, forcing it to get stuck open. If that's the cause of your purge valve failure, it's likely time to replace the charcoal canister in addition to the purge valve, but usually failure number 1 is the culprit (especially on all of your tuned cars).
The reason Ford won't sell you the canister purge valve by itself is they know that your check valve is likely totalled, and that replacing the purge valve by itself will be a money pit. They'll happily sell you a $100 assembly that's on indefinite backorder, though, and Dorman will sell you an assembly with a check valve that's weaker than the OEM Ford assembly. The only ways to fix the assemblies shortcomings is to make a new assembly for yourself with a higher rated check valve plus a fuel filter, or purchase a pre-made upgraded assembly from me. You can also install an upgraded check valve and fuel filter into the OEM assembly that's already in your car, but the hose is super tough to work with, and the official way to heat it up is to use boiling water.
Lastly, P0456 and P0442 can come up when there's a small leak somewhere else in the system. Should there be a pinprick hole in the purge line, or your capless gas cap doesn't seal all the way, it'll cause one of those two codes.
To rule out the gas cap, take your fuel filler adapter, spray it with carb cleaner, and open the cap around 10 times. Wipe it off, and repeat 2-3 more times, then reset the KAM and clear codes. That should fix it if it's the gas cap, if it comes back, try the gas cap one more time then do a smoke test on the purge system.
Hope this write up helps you guys in solving future EVAP issues, and if you'd like to get an upgraded assembly, fill out the Google form in the forum thread linked below.
https://www.focusst.org/threads/f-u-f-f-2-5-group-buy.173074
r/FocusST • u/Snake3yz • 3h ago
Ok guys here we go again with a little game I like to call: WHERE IS MY FOCUS PISSING COOLANT?!
I have replaced reservoir and cap because of hairline cracks, the notorious heater core hoses which weren't leaking, The water pump which was weeping, changed the thermostat housing to a metal one, and my car is still losing coolant. Im guessing its a high heat and pressure coolant loss as it was pressure tested by a shop that works on ecoboosts specifically and to no avail I still am losing coolant. No visual dripage so my next guess would be the radiator return line or the radiator or maybe I'm wrong. But the shop basically said that they couldn't find any problems, my car doesnt spew white smoke that would lean toward a cracked head... so not sure what to do at this point.
r/FocusST • u/MilkChugChamp • 3h ago
Not bad….
786 mile trip later! Pretty pleased with the MPG but surely could be higher as it started at about 16 MPG. No issues so far (knock on wood) and I am loving every minute spent in this beauty. Cobb port soon and then let the real fun begin. Also any suggestions on an aftermarket stereo? I have the Sync 1 so I’d like to get a head unit with apple carplay. OEM is a bit too pricy for me. Any trustworthy amazon units out there? Thanks!!
r/FocusST • u/Fragrant_Ostrich_696 • 17h ago
Autocrossing in the ST
These photos are from my first event, since then I’ve got 2 wins and a 3rd place in class the car handles amazing and autocross has made me appreciate it so much more. here’s some footage from one of my events https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr-CeK4atqY
r/FocusST • u/Chance-Cheetah6579 • 4h ago
Question St3 bi xenon headlights
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Lights used to show an error when set to auto resulting in the left headlight pointing down to the left. They would work fine beforehand for a few minutes following the steering etc. now the error is happening when they’re just set to on. Sounds like a stuck motor?? Any ideas. All wires inside look intact
r/FocusST • u/ImaginaryPiece3528 • 4h ago
Transmission sealant?
What sealant should I use to mate the two halves of the transmission. Had to drop it again for a failed slaved cylinder and might as well seal it again because it has been leaking.
r/FocusST • u/imaguitarhero24 • 3h ago
There's not really a miles limit on our full size spare right? Of course I get a flat right before a road trip. Is there any issue driving a couple hundred miles on it?
r/FocusST • u/suuthebaru • 4h ago
Question PCV / PCM recall.
I'm being asked to go back in after having the pcv replaced under a Ford customer satisfaction claim to have the PCM reset I believe. This all revolves around the tank deformation issue. Anyone know if having a tune will be an issue ? And has anyone else had these recalls covered that can tell me what they got for parts and service from it?
r/FocusST • u/RemappedRemedial • 16h ago
👋 HI, I'M NEW! The journey continues…
3 months after joining the community, my FoST journey was cut short after my petrol MP275 ST was stolen (picture 2). It was a financial hit and a tough first experience of theft, especially given the car was so new to me.
I had to leave this subReddit because it was too painful to see you all modding, driving and enjoying your cars.
😈😈 I had an opportunity to pick up this top spec ST3 and I’m proud to say I’m back in the club.
Sadly, it is the TDCI - it’s still a heap of fun, but it’s crying out for a remap and feels like it’s got plenty more to give.
18 inch wheels drive SO much more comfortably than the 19, sync 3 / car play / cruise control is game changing, heated seats / screen / steering wheel makes me feel fancy, and I’m disappointed in the Sony sound system.
I’ve got some boost hoses and an intake on the way, a stage 1 ecu map and I think she’ll be just fine for me.
Any other TDCI modders willing to share their 2 cents?
r/FocusST • u/clinker22 • 5h ago
Coil over recommendations for track. AutoX and HPDE
Trying to figure out what my best TRACK FOCUSED coilover option is for around $2000.
I’m currently looking at fortune auto 500s, silvers Neomax w/swift springs, bc racing RM series w/ swift springs, or red shift competition coilovers
This car is NOT a daily, at most my girlfriend will take it to work once a month so it doesn’t ever sit for too long. The entire purpose of this car will be for AutoX and HPDE events at a local road course. Planning on doing at least 1 event a month
No I do not want bilsteins and springs, I’ll be choosing a custom spring rate for whichever coilover I go with.
Info from anyone who heavily tracks their focus would be awesome. Thanks!
r/FocusST • u/Ok_Replacement_3672 • 1d ago
First 50 miles since head replacement
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Running good solid healthy numbers on my Cobb and sounds pretty good if you hear anything that I can’t lmk just trying to make sure everything is working good after extensive repairs
r/FocusST • u/cart3rs1mmons • 20h ago
Trailer hitch recommendations
Anyone got trailer hitch recommendations? Looking to get one installed for my move back east. PFA
r/FocusST • u/Previous_Pain8715 • 1d ago
New tire time!
Went up a size. Feel great. Kinda want alil bit of spacer now 🤷♂️🤨
r/FocusST • u/Dj_S3RL • 1d ago
Question Anyone else ever have the issue where the revs hang too long and makes it annoyingly hard to shift smoothly? (Ignore the dusty dashboard)
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This only started happening within the last few days and it's driving me nuts.
r/FocusST • u/Styleyriley • 1d ago
Question Anyone ever change one of these hangers?
I'm sure it's not hard to actually change, but all I have are ramps and it's kind of in a hard location to get to. Any tips, or should I just go to an exhaust place?
r/FocusST • u/adw1011 • 23h ago
Weird popping during gear changes
I have been noticing some weird popping from the exhaust immediately after clutching in to shift, usually around 3k+ RPM
I checked the fuel trims with a buddy's scanner and the long term trim was at a +9% while the short term trim was bouncing between -5% and -18% depending on RPM
I figure I might swap the CPV just because I purchased the car at 13x,xxx and it is now around 150,000 and I have no idea whether its been done at all.
Outside of that, I'm not sure what else to look out for.
Any advice or tips would be great.
r/FocusST • u/Rare-Pudding-1414 • 20h ago
Question Downpipe to exhaust gasket
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I am curious is this fine like this? Both the downpipe and exhaust are 3 inches but the flanges where they meet are different sizes.
r/FocusST • u/JCRooster2016 • 1d ago
Ignoring the owners manual
I was recently gifted a small boat, and since the only car I own is a 2015 Focus ST. I think it worked well. I probably won't be able to use every boat ramp, but it still allows me to get on the water.
r/FocusST • u/Rare-Pudding-1414 • 1d ago
Question O2 sensor replacement
Hello all, are these and okay replacement for the O2 sensors in a 2014 Focus ST?
r/FocusST • u/Viento_Oscuro • 23h ago
Question MK2 Focus ST, how have they aged?
Flirting with the idea of replacing my 2010 Outback 3.6 with a similar aged MK2 Focus ST. Pretty much all for experience reasons, 5cyl noise, manual transmission, "slow" car, fast fun.
There are none in my area I can go check out so just want to know how the cars have aged, with particular interest to the interior. How's the fit and finish, have the plastics held up. Has it become a rattly shit box or is it good enough - I recognize this is going to be a step down in comfort and fit and finish over the outback but just trying to get a gauge of how much, if that makes sense.
Anything else a prospective owner should be aware of apart from the cylinder walls cracking?
r/FocusST • u/Good-Secret-8055 • 1d ago
Tunnel Audio
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Figured I'd share a little tunnel Audio I got a while ago. Little traction loss at the beginning. Noise mods are Boomba bov, mbrp cat back, depo catless downpipe, and a resonator delete.
r/FocusST • u/ResistBoth3320 • 1d ago
Question Should I replace the Master Cylinder while doing a brake fluid change?
Im planning on doing the fluid change sometime next month but want to get ahead of the inevitable master cylinder leak if I can. What all goes into replacing it, and is it worth my time doing so? Or just waiting until it gives out. Lmk!