Common faults
Most ST220 faults are niggles, rather than major problems, and many are common to all Mk3 Mondeos.
Rusty doors and poor door seals are a regular problem, as are seized back brakes ( especially on pre-2004 cars); it’s usually the handbrake mechanism but sometimes faulty cables or footbrake. Wheel bearings are equally weak, and rumble when rolling along. They’re standard Jaguar X-Type parts, so don’t cost the earth. The same can be said for front wishbones, ball joints and suspension links. Rear bearings are regular Mondeo kit.
If your ST220’s original 16-spoke alloys are in good condition, you’re either incredibly lucky or a liar – the diamond- cut/lacquered finish is extremely prone to corrosion.
Fuel pump failure is common, often around the 100,00-mile mark, resulting in the car not starting. The proper fix means dropping the tank, but bodgers cut a hole beneath the back seat to gain access. Renew the filter while you’re at it.
Much like most modern cars, Mk3s have their share of electrical problems. Reversing sensors are prone to playing up ( or occasionally in need of cleaning), as are headlamp washer jets. Heated seat pads often fail, and the costly heated windscreens can have dodgy elements. Six- disc headunits are occasionally problematic, and central locking motors are fragile.
The ST220 alternator is a unique component, and sits perilously close to the rear exhaust manifold/cat; needless to say, it doesn’t last forever, and costs a shedload to replace; stop the car if the battery light comes on, because it will run for mere seconds without a fullyfunctioning alternator. Even the wiring loom contains a fuse that isn’t on the Ford parts diagram – if it blows, your smart- charging system will go tits up.
The V6 is squeezed tightly into the Mondeo’s bay, producing a tendency for wires, pipes and hoses to chafe; catching problems early can save your bank balance.
Replace tired coolant hoses – yours wouldn’t be the first ST220 to suffer complete engine meltdown due to one tiny pinhole. Likewise, keep an eye on all the vacuum, PAS and induction hoses – rubbedthrough wiring can lead to havoc, and ST220s are prone to air leaks from perished pipes.
Rough idling, misfires, high fuel consumption and poor performance may also be blamed on the TPS, airflow meter, coil pack, plugs, or even the ECU. If you’re experiencing issues, it may work out cheaper to get the car coupled up to Ford diagnostic gear than chasing faults by replacing components.
Official service intervals are every 12,500 miles, while the timing chain should last the life of the engine; if it rattles, it’s big bucks to replace. Change the oil more frequently if the car’s used hard on a regular basis.
It’s essential to check both cooling fans work (they should run when you turn on the air conditioning); fans seize up from time to time – and you don’t want an overheating V6!
Hatch and saloon back bumpers can sag. So replace the foam supports that may be either missing or broken. Non- estates are also susceptible to fast-wearing rear subframe bushes – polyurethane replacements are the answer.
Poor handling may be a sign of suspension failure ( front anti-roll bar bushes are weak, in particular) or simply a dry steering column bush, but Mondeos are sensitive to wheel alignment – get the geometry set to ensure you’re not killing the tyres.