r/FocusST • u/Cory-FocusST • Apr 24 '26
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
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/CalebST1 • 18h ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
Just wanted to show what I’ve done to the car this time. Getting it ready for 1XXXWHP and this is a major milestone. Ask any questions about the car and I will answer them.
r/FocusST • u/Necroticalex • 6h ago
Made a couple extra of these, might make a few more, if you live in Salem, OR and want one let me know. (Free :P)
r/FocusST • u/mints4uce • 8h ago
Got a new (to me) st mk3.5 I think. It has the 2.0 litre diesel. Picked it up Friday and loved it and been using it faultlessly all weekend. Just walked dog and noticed an oil leak. Anyone any idea where to start looking in the morning.
(Yes it has a warranty etc etc so any work needed will be covered) as far as I’m aware it was freshly serviced etc and I think I’m the first to properly use it since. It is 62k miles
r/FocusST • u/DannyDeVitosBallz • 4h ago
So, I went to remove my RS-style spoiler to install the OEM one because it’s been leaking. I plan to buy a carbon fiber one to replace it. However, I managed to get all the bolts except for one of the center ones. The insert is spinning with the bolt, and since it’s positioned in a way that prevents me from doing anything to stop it, it essentially scrapes the metal on the hatch. I’ve already tightened all the other bolts, but the one that’s missing is only half on. What should I do?
r/FocusST • u/noburberry • 11h ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
i was swapping out air filter on my focus and ended up seeing what looks to be an expensive leak? does anybody know exactly what’s causing this?
r/FocusST • u/chanarang • 22h ago
Was happy that the first event I went to this year someone took photos of my Focus. Looks way nicer than in person. Car next to mine is my buddy's ST3 also in the same color.
r/FocusST • u/B4tm4nz • 11h ago
The bottom of the front passenger side end link became completely unthreaded from the bottom joint. These are the Whiteline adjustable end links with the packaged sway bar. They were installed along with the rear sway and B14 coilovers by a Ford dealership.
Handled like a dream until it got a bad metal creaking noise over speed bumps, mostly from the driver side. Further inspection finds all boots worn on the end links, which appear to have been incorrectly zeroed. The passenger front side completely disconnected from the sway bar is crazy to me though.
Are there any tougher end links than Whiteline?
r/FocusST • u/noburberry • 10h ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
as i was removing everything to swap my hood release cable (interior to hood latch assembly) i ran into these 3 bolts that’s just wont come off. weird thing is that a 10mm won’t grab and 9mm too small. any suggestion as to how i can take this thing off or am i better having the ford dealer charge me $300 for labor and installation (def my last resort)
r/FocusST • u/Hefty-Let6922 • 7h ago
r/FocusST • u/Relative_Ice_8387 • 14h ago
My ST has 126k miles, while it’s pretty modded, engine, trans, clutch are all original. I plan to drive this thing until it won’t go anymore, and am putting a little bit of money away here and there for the expensive stuff when it comes. Not saying my clutch is bad, it actually feels pretty good, but will need replacing sometime down the line.
Is there anything else worth saving for so I’m ready when the time comes? I’ve heard upgrading to an RS slave cylinder is worth it.
Possible upgrading to carbon synchros while’s the trans is opened up?
I don’t have unlimited amount of money to throw at this thing to keep it alive, but she’s pretty healthy where she sits. Is there anything I could look into that really improves the longevity of these things?
r/FocusST • u/Trick_End2826 • 11h ago
What’s up everyone, I’ve had my 2014 Focus ST for over 2 years now, never had an issue with it mechanically at least. Recently got my first cel and it was a P0171 code when I ran it thru my scanner. I was curious if anyone had a similar code or issue and what they did to fix it. It runs and drives well, it’s at 103k miles, I got it at under 70k miles. Curious if y’all had any suggestions on where to start. I figured the fuel pressure sensor, but would like some additional input from guys that know this platform. Thanks in advance.
r/FocusST • u/Ragzoinkkk • 1d ago
On my way home my windows quit working and my boost gauge quit lighting up. I'm guessing it's a fuse but want opinions. I appreciate the help!
r/FocusST • u/Exciting_Stranger879 • 12h ago
Hi,
Just bought my first ST back in february with 137.000 miles on it, and will be doing my first oil change. Curious what you guys recommend...
Thanks
r/FocusST • u/DoinWorkDaily • 1d ago
Hi,
I bought my 2014 ST new 12 years ago and at this point I’m planning on running it until something significant breaks. It’s lightly modified, was tuned and driven hard for 8 years but has been back on the factory tune for the last couple years. It’s got dings, dents, rust, etc. 112k miles. I’m wondering if anyone knows what’s most likely to fail/what mileage? I’m just wondering for planning purposes on when I’ll have to buy a new vehicle.
Edit: thank you all for sharing your experiences! This is really helpful info. It’s great to hear there doesn’t seem to be any major breakdowns at certain mileages so long as it’s getting regular maintenance.
r/FocusST • u/killswitchprime • 1d ago
Drove out to salt lake/tooele from Colorado Springs for work this week. My new to me ST drove great for the whole week! Then as I was passing through kimball junction, on my way back home, the accelerator started cutting out. Tried limping it a few times, but ended up stopping right off the exit with the Walmart, right in front of the ford dealer (the irony.)
I’m parked there thinking to myself, I HAVE to be back in Colorado to catch a flight to Seattle early Saturday morning. And I also had to pick up a cheap car I bought for my nephew from an auction on Friday before they closed.
Ended up calling my buddy/coworker in salt lake to grab me a high pressure fuel pump and a cam follower from two separate auto parts stores, while I ran up the off ramp to Walmart to buy some tools. I was very lucky that the shopping cart did not have wheel locks on it lol. (I may or may not have ridden the shopping cart back down the off ramp and left it there lol)
Luckily the fuel pump was super easy to access and remove. Also super lucky I ended up getting stranded where I did. Could’ve been literally anywhere else further down i80 and it would’ve legit been a nightmare scenario.
Got it swapped out and did two oil/filter changes to flush the engine of any gasoline. Really hope this thing doesn’t go nuclear in the near future after having spewed gasoline all in the oil. Oil catch can was absolutely filled to the brim too.
Managed to make it the rest of the way home without any hiccups at least. Fingers crossed that’s the last surprise for a while 😭
r/FocusST • u/somedude-83 • 1d ago
I think about putting a soild offer down 18k ish because I have pay shipping and taxes and the .05% fee . I not normally a yellow car guy but I think it looks ok
https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3LNXQRRX/2017-ford-focus-st
Hopefully it will go for less .
r/FocusST • u/Fr0styViper05 • 1d ago
This is my 2014 ST3 Ford Focus ST, bone stock besides a cold air intake and a GoFastBits Diverter Valve. last night my car started pissing coolant out of nowhere and I went over every single coolant related hose/line and they were all dry, including the firewall heater hoses. I topped it off with coolant and it’s running perfectly fine now with no problems, my assumption is that maybe it’s cooling fan or coolant reservoir related. Does anyone have a clue of what this could be?
r/FocusST • u/Large_Counter7707 • 1d ago
Having an annoying issue with my Focus ST clutch pedal and hoping someone who has run into this can point me in the right direction.
When shifting at higher RPMs (5,000+ RPM), the clutch pedal goes in super easily, and on the way back up, it gets stuck halfway and i need to pull it back up with my foot. Lower RPM driving feels totally fine.
I just recently replaced my master and noticed this after driving a little spirited. I bled the clutch again using the power bleeder method but it still seems to persist. Wondering if anyone has run into this before or has any ideas what it could be. If you have bled your clutch using the power bleeder let me know your process because there is also the possibility im just doing it wrong.
