The Ford HYDC – Petrol is a 1,999 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It forms part of Ford's modular engine family, designed for compact and mid-size vehicles, featuring twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) and direct fuel injection. This configuration delivers 125 kW (170 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, balancing responsiveness with fuel efficiency for urban and highway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Focus MK4 (C519), Kuga MK3 (CX489), and Mondeo MK5 (CD535), the HYDC engine was engineered for mainstream drivers seeking refinement and reliability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, enabling Euro 6.2 compliance across all production years, with enhanced evaporative emissions control per EU Regulation 2017/1151.
One documented concern is premature carbon buildup on intake valves, particularly in stop-start urban driving conditions. This issue, referenced in Ford Service Action 19S04, arises due to the absence of port fuel injection, leading to reduced airflow and rough idle. From 2021, Ford introduced revised intake port geometry and updated ECU mapping to mitigate deposit accumulation.

All production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6.2 emissions standards (UK VCA Type Approval #VCA/FORD/88765).
The Ford HYDC – Petrol is a 1,999 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine engineered for compact and family vehicles (2018–2023). It combines direct fuel injection with twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) to deliver smooth throttle response and consistent fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 6.2 standards, it balances everyday drivability with low emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 93.2 mm | |
| Power output | 125 kW (170 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (GDi), 200 bar rail pressure | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6.2 (Regulation (EU) 2017/1151) | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, electric thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted, non-interference) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear power delivery ideal for daily driving but requires periodic intake cleaning to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection. Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) oil is essential for maintaining variable cam timing actuator performance and reducing sludge formation. Extended idling in cold climates may increase intake deposits; periodic highway runs help self-clean the system. The timing chain is front-mounted and non-interference, reducing catastrophic failure risk. Emissions systems require regular OBD-II monitoring to prevent catalyst efficiency faults. Post-2021 models benefit from revised intake port design per Ford SIB 19S04.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 19S04). ACEA C5 compatible with low-SAPS formulation.
Emissions: Euro 6.2 certification applies to all 2018–2023 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/FORD/88765). Meets RDE (Real Driving Emissions) requirements per EU 2017/1151.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE Regulation 85. Output achieved with 95 RON fuel; 98 RON recommended for optimal throttle response (Ford TIS Doc. G25800).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs G25470, G25601, SIB 19S04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/FORD/88765)
European Commission: Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
UN ECE Regulation 85 - Measurement of Emissions and Fuel Consumption
The Ford HYDC – Petrol was used across Ford's C2 platform with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Volvo via co-development agreements. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Focus and enhanced NVH damping in the Kuga-and from 2021 the facelifted Mondeo adopted revised ECU calibration for smoother stop-start operation, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS G25800). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('Y' for HYDC series). Pre-2021 models have silver valve covers with black intake manifolds; post-2021 units feature dark grey valve covers. Critical differentiation from turbo variants: HYDC has no intercooler or boost pipes. Service parts require model-year verification—intake manifolds for Focus and Kuga are not interchangeable due to routing differences (Ford SIB 20S07).
The HYDC – Petrol's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start driving. Ford internal field reports from 2020 indicated over 15% of pre-2021 units required intake cleaning before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows a rising trend in lambda sensor and catalyst efficiency failures linked to poor combustion. Short-trip usage and low-quality fuel exacerbate deposit formation, making fuel quality and periodic maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD HYDC.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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