r/FocusST Apr 24 '26

No Sales

10 Upvotes

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 Jun 15 '24

EVAP Issues/F.U.F.F. Purge Assembly

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81 Upvotes

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.

https://www.focusst.org/threads/k-pop-purge-valves-just-how-similar-are-they-to-the-ford-valves.173313/

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 3h ago

Learned about swollen nuts yesterday 😔

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21 Upvotes

And the socket and the lug lived happily ever after...


r/FocusST 9h ago

you in here? cruising down 74 this afternoon.

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61 Upvotes

r/FocusST 18h ago

👋 HI, I'M NEW! Makes my soul happy

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148 Upvotes

r/FocusST 1h ago

Question Good daily driver?

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Upvotes

I’m thinking about getting a 2015 focus ST as a daily driver soon. Are they reliable? Are parts hard to find or fix yourself? I’m mixed between the FoST and FRS and if it isn’t reliable I’m probably gonna lean toward the FRS. The 4 seats, hatch, decent power, and good looks make me like it a lot. Just wanna hear from a couple owners since it’s a 10 year old car.


r/FocusST 8h ago

Ok guys here we go again with a little game I like to call: WHERE IS MY FOCUS PISSING COOLANT?!

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15 Upvotes

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 4h ago

Question Help finding parts

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5 Upvotes

Hey all, as some of you may recall, I went to colorado a few weeks ago and was in a car show at PPIR. On my way back, I hit a road gator and now the passenger foglight, housing, and bumper mount are broken. I prefer the pre-facelift bumper, but I am open to getting a facelift bumper. Does anyone know the best way to go about getting one?

Note: there are only base model focuses in the junk yards near me


r/FocusST 4h ago

Question 2013 Ford Focus ST front driver suspension makes creaking noise when bouncing and turning

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2 Upvotes

First post: Sooo basically my driver front suspension has been making a creaking noise recently any time it bounces (bump, general change in height, etc) and its also been doing it when I turn most of the time. I have BC racing coilovers and megan racing sway bars and links. I replaced the control arm at least a year ago and I forgot what else, but the only aftermarket parts there are the coilovers and the sway bars. I'm fairly well versed in mechanics I just dont want to spend hours looking at the wrong part this weekend if its something I can easily fix. The video is mostly from me turning since I can only upload one video at a time but you get the idea. Turn it up a bit to hear the creaking. Thanks yall!


r/FocusST 4h ago

Sunny 110

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2 Upvotes

No intercooler is saving me😂 Heat-soak is bad enough with a cvf intercooler I can’t imagine how bad it is with the stock one.

Can’t wait for winter and my big turbo🥶🤙


r/FocusST 8h ago

Not bad….

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4 Upvotes

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 22h ago

Autocrossing in the ST

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47 Upvotes

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 3h ago

Looking for OEM air filter inlet size

1 Upvotes

My ST came with a busted up CPE intake; the whole front box is broken and I've been temporarily running a specter air filter on it because the one that came on the car was completely trashed, with holes, letting dirt in for who knows how long.

I'm not a fan of oiled filters or aftermarket filters in general because they are substantially less effective at cleaning air. I don't really want to get into any debates on this topic though.

My goal is to build a new air filter box from sheet metal, and to rig up an OEM paper media air filter to the CPE pipe, as I have been unable to find any aftermarket paper media conical filters anywhere.

The CPE pipe is 3" but the box mount that comes with them requires a filter with a 4" inlet.

Does anybody know the inlet size for a stock air filter? I can't find the spec listed anywhere. And it looks like you should be able to fit a hose clamp on the flange.

Basically, I want to order whatever reducers and couplers I need to be able to mount a stock filter on the end of this pipe. I'm thinking the stock filter is around 2.5 or 2.75" but I need to know which one. There are plenty of 45 degree silicone reducers for 3" to 2.75 or 2.5" pipes, then I could get a 2.75" coupler to put on the end so the filter can mount on.


r/FocusST 9h ago

Question St3 bi xenon headlights

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3 Upvotes

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 9h ago

Transmission sealant?

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3 Upvotes

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 4h ago

What is this wire? On back of intercooler I think.

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1 Upvotes

Really not sure, just noticed it was worn down, never noticed a problem with anything in the car


r/FocusST 8h 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?

2 Upvotes

r/FocusST 8h ago

Question PCV / PCM recall.

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2 Upvotes

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 21h ago

👋 HI, I'M NEW! The journey continues…

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10 Upvotes

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 10h ago

Coil over recommendations for track. AutoX and HPDE

1 Upvotes

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 1d ago

First 50 miles since head replacement

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38 Upvotes

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 1d ago

Trailer hitch recommendations

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13 Upvotes

Anyone got trailer hitch recommendations? Looking to get one installed for my move back east. PFA


r/FocusST 1d ago

New tire time!

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19 Upvotes

Went up a size. Feel great. Kinda want alil bit of spacer now 🤷‍♂️🤨


r/FocusST 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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11 Upvotes

This only started happening within the last few days and it's driving me nuts.


r/FocusST 1d ago

Question Anyone ever change one of these hangers?

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8 Upvotes

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?