Ford Ka II

Tracing and fixing faults in electronic engine management systems

Kim Henson and Edward Haggar take a close diagnostic look at a 1.2-litre Ford Ka with the Fiat-developed FIRE engine.

Ford’s boldly-styled Ka three-door hatchback arrived in 1996 as the smallest car in the company’s line-up. Second-generation models were introduced in 2008, with more a conventional appearance and produced in Poland by Fiat for Ford. For this feature, we are looking closely at a second-generation Ka, first registered in November 2012, fitted with Fiat’s 1.2-litre FIRE engine, but with the power unit badged as a Ford Duratec.

FIRE stands for Fully Integrated Robotised Engine and Fiat developed it in the mid-1980s to provide a conventional, reliable and efficient overhead camshaft unit. Since then, they have been produced in a variety of capacities, with early uses including powering contemporary Uno and Panda models. They are reliable engines that have stood the test of time and are especially easy to maintain.

Our guide to the diagnostic aspects of our Ka and its Magneti Marelli IAW 5SF8 management system is Edward Haggar.

NOTES: All references in our text and captions to ‘left’ and right’ sides are from the point of view of someone sitting in the car and looking ahead.