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Ford 1.5 TDCI Common Problems and Their Solutions

Ford Focus ST-Line TDCi 1.5

Ford 1.5 TDCI Common Problems and Their Solutions

Ford Focus ECOnetic 1.5 TDCi or Ford Focus mk3 1.5 TDCi are very appreciated cars. They are good-looking, elegant cars with a practical shape, and offer an excellent driving experience most of the time. Still, according to some people, Ford 1.5 TDCI common problems do not fail to appear.

Over time, Ford 1.5 TDCI vehicle owners reported issues with the clutch slave cylinder, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, turbo intercooler, and overall engine problems. Some parts need some cleaning, while others must be fixed or require complete replacements to get the car working again.

If you’ve just purchased your car, you may not know how to diagnose your car’s issues. That being said, keep reading to find out the most common issues with Ford 1.5 TDCI vehicles and solutions for them.

Ford Focus 2015 Engine Issues

Ford Focus car
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Ford has different vehicle models that use 1.5 TDCI engines, and one of them is the Ford Focus 2015. Despite the model being somewhat new, some individuals have reported issues with the purge valves in the exhaust system.

A car that has many miles may also encounter ECM, turbo system, water pump, and injection nozzle issues. No matter the problem, you should fix it as soon as possible. Such issues will prevent the car from functioning normally, affecting your performance and perhaps even endangering your safety.

Doing an ECU check and upgrade is sometimes enough to solve certain Ford 1.5 TDCI common problems. But if the issue persists or is more serious and you cannot solve it, you should take it to a local mechanic for a diagnosis check and reparations.

It’s always recommended to check the clutch frequently if the car has a manual gearbox. You should change the oil regularly and check the oil filter often to make sure there is no damage.

According to some people, some Ford 1.5 TDCI engine issues are caused by a purge valve that is not functioning properly.

What makes this so bad is that not doing anything about it can make the problem even worse, possibly damaging the car’s fuel tank. If the purge valve is faulty, you should check and replace it.

The PowerShift dual-clutch automatic gearbox also caused problems for some people. You should once again have this checked by a local dealer. In some cases, the gearbox may have to be replaced.

Faulty Turbo Intercooler in Ford Focus Mk3 1.5 TDCI Vehicles

Ford Focus mk3
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If you own an Mk3 Ford Focus 1.5 TDCI diesel engine car, then you probably know the maintenance rules. Every 2 years, you have to change the brake fluid. Moreover, you must change the cambelt once every 8 years.

When the power starts decreasing, it points to issues with the turbo intercooler, in which case you must get it checked. You can solve this problem with an ECU or PCM update. We recommend having this done by an authorized dealer.

If the car is dealing with more serious engine problems or with bad sensors, you will usually see engine warning lights. To diagnose the issue, you can use an OBD code reader. It will tell you if certain parts like an oxygen sensor or crank sensor are faulty.

The good news is that you can replace malfunctioning parts like the sensors. Just keep in mind that the costs can get quite high.

Power Loss in Ford Focus Cars

car engine
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One of the Ford 1.5 TDCI common problems is the loss of engine power. Many times, the causes are a dirty air filter, clogged fuel lines, or a faulty fuel pump or filter. Of course, these are not the only things that cause a loss of power. Low compression, faulty injectors, or the exhaust manifold can also result in this issue.

The 1.5-liter engine is not the oldest. In fact, it has been released quite recently, and should not have too many issues, or at least not right away. During the first several years of use, the engine should not show any problems.

But now and then, it is possible to see issues like the one we mentioned earlier. If you think your car is having a loss of power, you must address this as soon as possible.

As it can be difficult to diagnose the problem yourself, you should talk to a professional and have them inspect your car. They will be able to deal with the culprit.

Clutch Slave Cylinder Issues

car gearbox
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The Ford Focus mk3 1.5 TDCI models have a very common issue – they end up having clutch slave cylinder problems. In fact, many owners of this car have reported this.

The clutch slave cylinder is an integral part of the car as it allows the driver to switch gears. Not being able to change gears can be problematic and risky while driving.

It was only after 2016 that the Ford Focus mk3 added the 1.5 TDCI Durotorg engine. The focus was mainly on the economy, but the engine is able to reach amazing mpg. For the most part, it has no issues. But this does not eliminate the need of performing regular checks of the car’s engine to see the oil levels and make sure that there are no leaks.

When engine leaks or faulty parts are the issues, they can be easily fixed by a qualified mechanic. If the car is newer, then you are lucky, as you can simply get it fixed under warranty.

Also, a regular maintenance plan is necessary, even though the 1.5 TDCI engine is reliable for the most part. It’s always better to prevent issues rather than have to fix them and spend money on reparations.

Engine Malfunction Problem

vehicle’s engine
Photo by Pexels

Sometimes, a Ford 1.5 TDCI engine will malfunction, in which case the driver can see this through dashboard warnings like the engine light. When this is the case, it may indicate that the emissions system is experiencing issues.

However, you shouldn’t simply convince yourself that this is the only possible problem. In some cases, a warning light that flashes may tell you that there are engine misfires or that some parts are starting to fail.

Usually, there are also some additional warning signs, such as your vehicle suddenly going crazy and driving in an erratic way or the RPMs or mpg changing. Usually, such behaviors are caused by issues with the exhaust system or fuel.

Whenever you see a warning light, you should take care of the problem as soon as you can. Although it is possible to drive your car with the warning light flashing, this won’t last for long. You should take the car to a verified garage or a dealer in your area for a proper diagnosis.

According to some people, driving the vehicle for several days can help get rid of the light warning. Whereas this may be true, you should take it seriously. Before you keep driving the vehicle and potentially put your life in danger, you should inspect the car.

If the mechanic discovers anything wrong, he can help you fix or replace faulty parts – especially if you do not have the equipment or skills necessary for fixing the issue.

Conclusion

Despite being newer and expected to run without problems, some Ford 1.5 TDCI engines are not perfect, and the owners of the cars have to pay for reparations. There are many causes behind these issues. So, if you don’t have the necessary knowledge and skills, you should take the vehicle to a mechanic to diagnose Ford 1.5 TDCI common problems and help you fix them.

FAQs

Is the Ford 1.5 TDCI engine reliable?

The Ford 1.5 TDCI engine is quite good and reliable. Thanks to its mpg and amazing economy, multiple cars work with it. Still, certain parts may start having problems from time to time.

What exactly does TDCI mean?

TDCI stands for Turbo Diesel Common Rail Injection.

How long should a 1.5 EcoBoost engine last?

Generally, a 1.5 EcoBoost engine should last about 80,000 – 100,000 miles. It was made to last for many miles, just like most engines. So, if you take care of the car and maintain it properly, there will be little to no need for reparations.

What is the power of the Ford TDCI 1.5L engine?

The new type of Ford TDCI 1.5L engine was designed for improved performance. It can reach a maximum power of 95hp at 4000rpm, as well as torque of 225Nm at 1500-2500rpm.

What are the Ford models that reported coolant problems with some 1.5 TDCI EcoBoost engines?

Coolant problems have been reported by 1.5 EcoBoost owners of Ford Focus, Fusion, and Escape.

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