MONDEO MAN

▶ Thank you for including a service schedule for the Mk5 Mondeo 2.0 TDCI (CM Aug, 2021). I have a 2017 model which is pretty much identical in its requirements.

I would point out that when changing the oil on this car, you need to turn the sump plug through 90° having removed the R-clip – then, the plug may be removed. The O-ring seal as you rightly point out, needs renewing. You can obtain a complete plug plus seal via ebay. The other point to watch is that the canister oil filter can tend to work loose over time – I always like to do my filters up hand-tight, and fill them with fresh oil to ensure the pump circulates the oil readily upon start up. I inherited the car from my dad who, sadly, died in 2020, so I’m looking after it in his memory. It is a lovely car.

When I did the first oil change, I had an awful job removing that canister filter – used a double chain socket type wrench and mutilated the canister, because it was on so tight. I understand why, in the light of this issue with slackening of the filter if done up hand-tight – but, I have checked underneath today, and it is tight – only done up HAND-TIGHT, so I think it’s worth checking periodically that the filter hasn’t started to work loose. I have to use ramps to get enough space to work, as this Mondeo is quite low to the ground. The sump plug can be fiddly to refit with the R-clip whilst under the car like this, but I’ve managed it OK twice now. Undertray can be partially undone at the front, then held down to access filter and sump plug.

Regarding rear brakes... I believe you can put calipers in to ‘Maintenance Mode’ by a sequence of using the stop/start ignition button, and releasing the Park Brake switch, whilst holding the accelerator pedal down. I have yet to do this operation but plan to in the future.

Apparently, resetting the Park Brake is a reversal of the foregoing – remembering to pump the footbrake to ensure the pads seat correctly after servicing the rear brakes.

My other car is a 2000 Mk2 Mondeo 1.8i hatchback – it has covered 175,000 miles and still runs very sweetly. I change the engine oil/filter around every 4000 miles and I’ve changed the gearbox oil, too – despite the gearbox supposedly being sealed-for-life. I have replaced a faulty central locking module (I lost the remote lock/unlock function to tailgate), changed nearside electric window regulator, changed a faulty rear door lock, amongst other jobs. Latest one is check/top-up aircon system using one of the excellent kits from ebay.

Later in it’s life, I will change the gearbox oil on the Mk5. Glad Rob Hawkins mentioned the filler/level and drain plugs, as I hadn’t found those, but thanks to his article, I now know where they are located. Good to have a Service Schedule for the Mk5 as Haynes don’t appear to do a manual. Thank you, Rob.

The only difficult job really seems to be renewing the cabin filter – bit of a faff, but no car is 100% perfect! I love both Mondeos – two different generations – such a shame they won’t be making them any more. Great cars.

Christopher Lloyd