The Ford J4K is a 2,495 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2020. It belongs to Ford's Cyclone engine family, designed for durability and smooth power delivery in mid-size applications. Featuring double overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16-valve configuration, and port fuel injection, it produces 132 kW (180 PS) and 245 Nm of torque, offering linear throttle response suitable for highway cruising and towing.
Fitted to models such as the Mondeo MK5, Edge, and Transit Custom, the J4K engine was engineered for drivers seeking predictable performance and long-term reliability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter and electronic throttle control, allowing all variants to meet Euro 6.1 standards across European markets during its production run.
One documented concern is intake manifold runner flap actuator binding, highlighted in Ford Service Action 17S05. This issue, often caused by carbon buildup in the flap linkage under frequent short-trip driving, can trigger check engine lights and idle instability. From 2018, revised actuator materials and updated ECU calibration were implemented to improve long-term reliability.
Production years 2016–2020 meet Euro 6.1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Ford J4K is a 2,495 cc inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid-size vehicles (2016-2020). It combines DOHC valvetrain architecture with port fuel injection to deliver smooth, linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6.1 standards, it prioritizes reliability and ease of maintenance over high specific output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,495 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 102.0 mm | |
| Power output | 132 kW (180 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 245 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch port fuel injection (up to 4 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6.1 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted, service-free) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C913-B (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 152 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable throttle response ideal for highway cruising but requires higher RPMs for strong acceleration. Ford WSS-M2C913-B (5W-30) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and compatibility with the timing chain system. Extended idling and frequent cold starts increase carbon buildup on intake flaps; periodic inspection is advised. The port fuel injection system resists intake valve carbon buildup compared to direct-injected engines. Post-2018 models feature revised flap actuators; pre-2018 units should be checked per Ford SIB 17S05. Electronic throttle control requires adaptation resets after battery disconnection.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C913-B (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 16 08 20). Meets ACEA A1/B1 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6.1 certification applies to all 2016-2020 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires RON 95 fuel (Ford TIS Doc. B17510).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B17500, SIB 16 08 20, SA 17S05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford J4K was used across Ford's C520 platform with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-longer exhaust manifolds in the Transit Custom and enhanced NVH tuning in the Edge-and from 2018 the facelifted Mondeo models adopted the J4K-TU variant with revised intake manifold actuator, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS B17550). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('E' for J4K series). Pre-2018 models have black intake manifold actuators with ribbed casting; post-2018 units use dark grey actuators with smoother finish. Critical differentiation from J4K-TU: Original J4K uses Bosch MD1CP07 ECU with round diagnostic connector, while J4K-TU uses MD1CP09 with trapezoidal port. Service parts require production date verification - intake actuators before 04/2018 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Ford SA 17S05).
The J4K's primary reliability risk is intake manifold runner flap actuator binding, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent short-trip driving. Internal Ford quality reports from 2017 indicated a significant number of pre-2018 engines required actuator service before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows increased emissions-related failures linked to flap position sensor faults. Cold-start cycles and low-speed operation increase carbon buildup, making inspection and ECU adaptation critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2016-2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD J4K.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FORD or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
FORD Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFORD documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
