DIY Servicing: Ford Transit Connect TDCI
Full step-by-step DIY service guide.
After years of dominating the larger van market in Europe with the Transit, Ford extended the use of the name to encompass its smaller vans from 2002. However, while the Blue Oval’s previous compact commercial load-luggers had been based on saloons like the Escort and Fiesta, the new Transit Connect was a fresh body design that didn’t share panels with its car range. This gave the advantage of a bigger cargo area and sliding side doors.
The Connect was successful from the start, stealing sales from rivals like the Citroën Berlingo and even infringing on the territory of larger panel vans. Although the outer shell may have been individual, the underpinnings were familiar, being based on the contemporary Focus and its C170 front-wheel drive platform. As a whole, the type has been very reliable, especially in 1.8-litre diesel form (a 2.0-litre petrol unit was also part of the line-up). Production continued until 2013, with a 2009 refresh. The secondgeneration version was launched in 2012.
Our version here is a first-generation 2006 T220 long-wheelbase version, featuring the 74bhp 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCI engine. With a mileage of 190,000, it has obviously been used hard, yet still gives the impression of having plenty of life left. Conscientious servicing should mean it stays that way. The good news is that there’s very little complication when it comes to servicing – basic tools and skills should suffice. Go for it!
1 CHANGE AIR FILTER The air filter is on the left-hand side of the engine bay, next to the battery. The cover is held in place by four 8mm bolts. Undo these, then pull off the top – there’s no need to remove any associated pipework. Remove the filter element, clean out the box – see how dirty ours is – and insert a new one. 4 CHECK COOLANT The coolant expansion tank is on the righthand side of the engine bay, with level indicators on the outside of the transparent casing. Coolant should be up to the ‘MAX’ mark. Check the mixture using a hydrometer – they’re pretty cheap to buy – to ensure it is still of adequate strength. 7 CHECK SCREENWASH The screenwash reservoir is against the left-hand wing, covered by a yellow cap. It’s surprising how quickly it can get used up, as the tank capacity isn’t large – it was completely empty on this van – so refill with the correct ratio of water and screenwash until the liquid reaches the top of the neck. 2 REMOVE FUEL FILTER The fuel filter is over on the right-hand side, up against the bulkhead. There are three pipes on top – make a note of where they go (a mobile phone snapshot is helpful) then detach them from the filter. The filter itself can then be pulled out of the aperture where it sits. 5 CHECK BRAKE FLUID The brake/clutch fluid reservoir is against the bulkhead. Although the casing is transparent, it was so grimy that it was easier to take off the top to make sure the level was up to the ‘MAX’ indicator. We also suggest using an electronic fluid checker to make sure not too much water has been absorbed. 8 CHECK PAS FLUID Just visible underneath the coolant expansion tank is the power steering fluid reservoir. It is marked on the outside with ‘MIN’ and ‘MAX’ levels, although as with much else in an engine bay like this, dirt won’t make it easy to see the fluid line. Taking off the top will give you a more thorough idea of things. 3 CHANGE FUEL FILTER With the filter away from the car, undo the plastic bracket and put the new filter in its place. Prime the new filter with some diesel fuel or additive – note the arrow that will point to the inlet pipe. Now put it back on the van and try the engine to make sure it starts OK and there are no leaks. 6 CHECK BATTERY The battery is held in place by a simple strap – make sure it’s still tight and strong. There’s one peephole on this battery (others may have more) through which you can check the acid level, to ensure the plates inside are adequately covered. Make sure the terminals are secure and give them a coating of protective grease. 9 CHECK UNDERBODY Underneath the van, check everywhere for rust or damage. Look particularly at any exposed metal brake and fuel lines, and also investigate the exhaust system’s security. Are its mountings secure (here, a rubber has come apart), is it blowing or is corrosion on the verge of making it fall apart?