2003 Ford Focus

Maintenance & specsVERIFIED Jun 15, 2026
Engine Oil
5W-20
Conventional
Capacity
4.5qt
with filter
4.2 qt without filter
Oil Filter
FL-820-S
Motorcraft (OEM)

The 2003 Ford Focus takes 5W-20 Conventional with a total capacity of 4.5 quarts (filter included). You’ll need a 15mm socket for the drain plug, torqued to 25 Nm. The OEM oil filter is the Motorcraft FL-820-S. Note: this vehicle has 7 active recalls — check the recalls section below. Below you’ll find complete maintenance specs, fluid capacities, parts, and links to buy what you need.

⚑ QUICK DIY TIPS FOR THE 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • Torque your drain plug to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) to avoid leaks or stripped threads.
  • Using the OEM filter (Motorcraft FL-820-S) is recommended for warranty compliance.
  • Always use 5W-20 Conventional as specified by Ford — using the wrong viscosity can void your powertrain warranty.
  • Check the maintenance schedule below for your next service interval.
01

Oil & Filter

OilBuy
Viscosity5W-20
Oil typeConventional
Capacity (with filter)4.5 qt
Capacity (w/o filter)4.2 qt
Filter Options
MotorcraftFL-820-SOEM
Buy
OEM oil filter
Drain Bolt & Hardware
Socket size15 mm
Torque spec25 Nm
GasketRubber O-ring (reusable)
02

Fluid Specifications

Transmission FluidBuy
TypeMercon LV
Capacity4 qt
Change interval60,000 mi
Brake FluidBuy
DOT typeDOT 3
Change interval45,000 mi
CoolantBuy
TypeMotorcraft Gold
ColorYellow
Capacity7 qt
Change interval100,000 mi
Power Steering FluidBuy
TypeMercon LV
03

Parts & Specifications

Spark Plugs
TypeIridium
Gap0.052
Quantity4
Change interval100,000 mi
MotorcraftSP-534OEM
Buy
NGKITR4A15
Buy
Battery
Group size65
CCA650
MotorcraftBXT-65-650OEM
Buy
DieHard65-2
Buy
Tires
Size215/55R17
Front pressure33 PSI
Rear pressure33 PSI
Air Filter
MotorcraftFA-1927OEM
Buy
K&N33-5000
Buy
FramCA11114
Buy
Cabin Air Filter
MotorcraftFP-79OEM
Buy
FramCF11920
Buy
Brake Pads
MotorcraftBR1551BOEMfront
Buy
WagnerQC1818front
Buy
Wiper Blades
Bosch26Adriver, 26"
Buy
Rain-X26-1driver, 26"
Buy
Bosch18Apassenger, 18"
Buy
Rain-X18-1passenger, 18"
Buy
04

Maintenance Schedule

≈ every 6 months
  • Change Engine Oil & Filter
05

Torque Specifications

lug nut
100ft-lb·135.6Nm
spark plug
14mm thread, aluminum head
18ft-lb·24.4Nm
06

Safety Recalls

7
07

Technical Service Bulletins

104

Estimated Current Value

Original MSRP
$30,000
Private Party
$2,565–$2,835
Dealer Retail
$2,970–$3,375
Trade-In
$2,295–$2,565
Depreciation
91%

Estimated values assume average condition and mileage for vehicle age.

Source: estimated

Save by doing it yourself
A shop typically charges $70–$140 for this service. Buy the parts and save.
Shop oil & filters ↗
08

Tools & Supplies

Oil Drain Pan
Catch the old oil cleanly
Shop on Amazon
Funnel
Spill-free refill
Shop on Amazon
15mm Socket
For the drain plug
Shop on Amazon
5W-20 Oil
4.5+ quarts
Shop on Amazon
Shop parts for the Ford Focus
Find oil, filters, and maintenance parts for the 2003 Ford Focus on Amazon.
Shop parts ↗
Step-by-step guide
Detailed walkthrough with tips for first-timers.
Read guide
How often to change oil
Intervals, severe service, and what your car needs.
Read guide
Synthetic vs. conventional
Which oil type is right for your engine and budget.
Read guide
Other 2003 Ford models
Other Ford Focus years
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