Engine Code

FORD F1CJ engine (2016–2020) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ford F1CJ is a 1,999 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2020. It belongs to Ford's Duratec Ti-VCT engine family, featuring dual independent variable cam timing and multi-point fuel injection. In standard tune, it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 180 Nm of torque, primarily used in entry-level and fleet-focused applications.

Fitted to models such as the Focus, C-Max, and Mondeo, the F1CJ was engineered for fuel efficiency and low running costs, making it a common choice for urban drivers and company car fleets. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close-coupled catalytic converter and continuous lambda feedback control, enabling Euro 6 compliance across all production years. The engine's character emphasizes smoothness and reliability over performance.

One documented concern is premature exhaust camshaft wear, highlighted in Ford Service Action 17S04. This issue, often linked to oil flow restrictions in early cylinder heads, can lead to timing misalignment and DTCs such as P0016. From 2018, revised cylinder head castings and updated oil control valve calibration were introduced to improve durability.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years (2016–2020) meet Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).

F1CJ Technical Specifications

The Ford F1CJ is a 1,999 cc inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for efficiency and durability in C/D-segment vehicles (2016–2020). It combines multi-point fuel injection with twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) to deliver smooth power delivery and low emissions. Designed to meet Euro 6b standards, it prioritises low maintenance and real-world economy over high performance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,999 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke87.5 mm × 83.1 mm
Power output103 kW (140 PS) @ 6,500 rpm
Torque180 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Fuel systemMulti-point fuel injection (MPFI)
Emissions standardEuro 6b
Compression ratio11.0:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerNot applicable
Timing systemChain-driven (single-row, front-mounted)
Oil typeFord WSS-M2C913-C (5W-30)
Dry weight132 kg
Practical Implications

The naturally aspirated design provides predictable power delivery ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to protect the timing chain and camshafts. Ford WSS-M2C913-C (5W-30) oil is essential due to its anti-wear additives and thermal stability. Extended idling and short trips can accelerate carbon buildup on intake valves. The MPFI system is less sensitive to fuel quality than direct injection but still benefits from minimum 95 RON fuel to prevent knock. Post-2018 models feature revised cylinder heads; pre-2018 units should be inspected per Ford SIB 17S04. Close-coupled catalytic converters require periodic lambda sensor checks to maintain emissions compliance.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C913-C (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 17S04). Replaces ACEA A1/B1 in Ford applications.

Emissions: All production years (2016–2020) meet Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).

Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Full 103 kW output requires 95 RON fuel in high-temperature conditions (Ford TIS F18900).

Primary Sources

Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F17890, SIB 17S04

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Test Code

F1CJ Compatible Models

The Ford F1CJ was used across Ford's C2 platform with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Volvo in select European applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Focus and revised cooling in the Mondeo-and from 2018 the facelifted C-Max adopted the F1CJ-TU variant with updated valve timing control, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ford
Years:
2016–2020
Models:
Focus
Variants:
1.0L 140 PS
View Source
Ford Group PT-2016
Make:
Ford
Years:
2017–2020
Models:
C-Max
Variants:
1.0L EcoBoost 140 PS
View Source
Ford Group PT-2016
Make:
Ford
Years:
2016–2020
Models:
Mondeo
Variants:
1.0L 140 PS
View Source
Ford TIS Doc. F18900
Make:
Volvo
Years:
2016–2018
Models:
S60
Variants:
T3 1.6L (shared F1CJ architecture)
View Source
Volvo VIDA #V-2016-F1CJ
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Ford TIS F17890). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for 1.0L EcoBoost). Pre-2018 models have silver valve covers with black plastic timing covers; post-2018 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from turbo variants: F1CJ features no intercooler piping and a smaller radiator. Service parts require model year verification—camshaft phasers for pre-2018 models are incompatible with F1CJ-TU variants due to internal redesign (Ford SIB 17S04).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Ford TIS Doc. F17890

Location:

Stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Ford TIS F17890).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2018: Silver valve cover with black plastic timing cover
  • Post-2018: Black valve cover with revised cam cover
Compatibility Notes

Phaser:

Camshaft phasers for pre-2018 F1CJ engines are not compatible with post-facelift F1CJ-TU models due to revised internal geometry and calibration.

Evidence:

Ford SIB 17S04

Cooling System:

Mondeo applications feature larger radiator and dual electric fans. Do not interchange with Focus or C-Max cooling components.
Camshaft Wear Upgrade

Issue:

Early F1CJ engines experienced exhaust camshaft wear due to restricted oil flow in the cylinder head oil galleries.

Evidence:

Ford SIB 17S04

Recommendation:

Inspect or replace camshafts per Ford SIB 17S04. Use updated part number FL2Z-6250-A.

Common Reliability Issues - FORD F1CJ

The F1CJ's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft wear, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban driving. Internal Ford field reports from 2019 noted a significant share of pre-2018 units requiring camshaft replacement before 120,000 km, while VCA MOT data links a notable portion of emissions failures to lambda sensor degradation in high-mileage units. Extended idling and poor fuel quality increase cam and sensor stress, making fuel quality and warm-up cycles critical.

Exhaust camshaft wear or failure
Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, DTC P0016 (cam/crank correlation), reduced power, oil consumption.
Cause: Restricted oil flow to exhaust camshaft journals in early cylinder heads, exacerbated by extended oil intervals and cold starts.
Fix: Replace camshaft and cylinder head with updated OEM part (FL2Z-6250-A) per service bulletin; recalibrate cam timing and verify oil pressure.
Intake manifold carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation at low RPM, reduced throttle response, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Oil vapour and combustion byproducts accumulating on intake valves due to PCV system design and frequent short trips.
Fix: Perform walnut-shell blasting or chemical cleaning; renew PCV valve and hoses per OEM procedure to reduce reoccurrence.
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket
Symptoms: Oil residue on front of engine, smell of burning oil, occasional smoke from exhaust manifold.
Cause: Age-related degradation of the valve cover gasket, exacerbated by high underhood temperatures and incorrect oil viscosity.
Fix: Replace gasket with OEM part and verify PCV system function; use Ford WSS-M2C913-C oil to reduce internal pressure.
Throttle body malfunction
Symptoms: Hesitation, limp mode, erratic idle, DTCs related to throttle position sensor.
Cause: Carbon buildup on throttle plate and wear in the electronic throttle actuator motor.
Fix: Clean throttle body with approved solvent; recalibrate via diagnostics. Replace if actuator fails (Ford TIS F18900).
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2016–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FORD F1CJ

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD F1CJ.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFORD documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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