I have had the same problem with my 2003 Focus. I have heard from a couple garages that this is a common issue with the Ford Focus air filter box and cannot simply be fixed. The air box will have to be replaced. I have been quoted around $400.00 for the work, but I'm pretty sure there are better deals out there. The part is just molded plastic and I'm sure it's not that difficult to swap out. For the meantime I drilled out the bad screws and have the box secured with Duct Tape.
Its in the airbox. To get to it you need to remove the glove box (4 or 6 torx screws) and its basically in the airbox. There are about 8 screws on the side holding a cover down before you can get to the actual filter
There is a 5"x12" rectangular airbox on the right side middle of the engine that has 4 Phillips screws, one on each corner. Use a little bit of elbox grease and an appropriate sized screw driver to loosen screws until they rotate freely. There's no need to remove them completely. Carefully slide air intake tube from the left side of the airbox (e.g using a flathead screwdriver). Remove airbox top cover taking care not to tear any of rubber hoses around. Pull out the old air filter noting the positioning of the filter and replace with compatible filter (Fram CA9564 Heavy Duty Air Filter works) available at walmart or amazon. Also be sure to clear out debris caught in the bottom of the airbox before adding new filter. Replace the airbox cover and tighten the screws. Re-attach air intake making sure the rubber tab from the air intake fits into the notch in the airbox. You are done.
remove clips or screws on airbox on drivers side of engine compartment and lift up and pull out the filter, install new filter in reverse order.
You don't even need to move any hoses. There are 4 screws on the airbox. Just unscrew them and replace the filter. Hope that heps! =)
The air filter box is located on driver side in the engine bay. Unscrew both screws on top of the airbox and push and tilt the airbox upwards. Slide out air filter and drop in the new one. Install in reverse of removal.
Its under seat the big black box in the center. That is air box take out the 2 screws & air filter is in side the airbox.
take the screws loose on the air box cover and you might have to take the large hose off that goes between the airbox and the trhrottle body to be able to get the lid of the airbox off to get the old filter out, the filter just pulls out and then you can install the new one.
Under the gas tank. Remove seat, raise tank, remove 5 screws on top of airbox to expose air fiter..
remove clips or screws on airbox on drivers side of engine compartment and lift up and pull out the filter, install new filter in reverse order.
For a 2002 MDX, there are four screws to remove the cover. Then remove the spring ring holding the intake hose. Remove the cover and replace the air filter. Replace the cover and screws and then reconnect the intake hose and spring ring.
In the left front corner of the engine compartment (or the near right side if you're standing in front of the car looking at it). The airbox is a black square plastic thing, about 15x25cm, with a thick black tube leading to the engine. Take out the four screws in the corner of the airbox and lift the top off. Inside you will find a square air filter.
Open the glove box, remove the 2 sides screws and let the box hang down. You are now looking at the filter holder. Pull out and replace the filter.