Engine Code

FORD J4N engine (2021–2023) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ford J4N is a 2,498 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2021 and 2023. It forms part of Ford's EcoBoost engine family, featuring direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbocharging, and variable cam timing. In standard tune, it delivers 205 kW (279 PS) and 420 Nm of torque, engineered for high-performance applications in the performance SUV segment.

Fitted exclusively to the Ford Bronco Raptor, the J4N engine was designed for off-road capability and high-speed desert running. Emissions compliance is achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalyst and dual-injection system (direct + port), enabling Euro 6d-TEMP compliance across its production run. Its robust low-end torque delivery and enhanced cooling system make it suitable for sustained high-load operation in extreme environments.

One documented concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump wear, noted in Ford Service Information Bulletin 22M08. This issue arises from extended high-load operation and fuel quality sensitivity in early-build units. From mid-2022, an updated Bosch HDEV6 pump with revised cam follower geometry was introduced to improve durability under off-road duty cycles.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

All J4N engines comply with Euro 6d-TEMP standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).

J4N Technical Specifications

The Ford J4N is a 2,498 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high-performance off-road applications (2021–2023). It combines direct and port fuel injection with a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and thermal resilience. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it balances extreme performance with regulated emissions compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement2,498 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke88.0 mm × 102.9 mm
Power output205 kW (279 PS) @ 5,800 rpm
Torque420 Nm @ 3,000–4,000 rpm
Fuel systemBosch HDEV6 direct + port injection (up to 350 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6d-TEMP
Compression ratio9.5:1
Cooling systemDual-circuit water-cooled with external oil cooler
TurbochargerHoneywell twin-scroll turbo with electronic wastegate
Timing systemChain-driven (integrated into cylinder head)
Oil typeFord WSS-M2C946-C1 (5W-30)
Dry weight158 kg
Practical Implications

The twin-scroll turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for off-road crawling and high-speed desert runs but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent turbo bearing wear and high-pressure fuel pump degradation. Ford WSS-M2C946-C1 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its thermal stability and protection of the dual-injection system. Extended high-load operation increases carbon buildup on the intake valves, necessitating periodic cleaning. The HDEV6 fuel pump demands high-octane petrol (RON 98 minimum) to maintain performance and prevent knock. Post-2022 models feature revised fuel pumps; pre-2022 units should be inspected per Ford SIB 22M08. Three-way catalyst longevity depends on avoiding sustained rich mixtures and overheating. Cooling system integrity is essential—radiator and oil cooler blockages must be cleared after off-road use.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C946-C1 (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 22M08). Compatible with ACEA C3 standards.

Emissions: All J4N engines comply with Euro 6d-TEMP standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).

Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Full output requires RON 98+ fuel (Ford TIS Doc. D52115).

Primary Sources

Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs D51943, D52115, SIB 22M08

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)

ISO 8854:2021 Road vehicles — Light-duty compression- and spark-ignition engines — Vocabulary

J4N Compatible Models

The Ford J4N was used exclusively in the Ford U725 platform with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-enhanced cooling routing, revised intake tracts, and strengthened engine mounts-and from 2022 the mid-cycle update introduced an updated high-pressure fuel pump, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ford
Years:
2021–2023
Models:
Bronco Raptor (4-door)
Variants:
2.5L EcoBoost High-Output
View Source
Ford Group PT-2022
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Ford TIS D52010). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('N' for J4N series). All J4N units have dark grey valve covers with red-painted rocker arms and a large intercooler inlet on the front fascia. Critical differentiation from non-turbo variants: J4N features a Honeywell twin-scroll turbocharger mounted to the exhaust manifold, a high-pressure fuel pump on the cam cover, and dual fuel injection plumbing. Service parts require production date verification—fuel pumps for engines before 07/2022 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Ford SIB 22M08).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Ford TIS Doc. D52010

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Ford TIS D52010).

Visual Cues:

  • All models: Dark grey valve cover with red rocker arms
  • Intercooler: Large front-mounted unit with dual ducting
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Ford SIB 22M08

Fuel Pump:

High-pressure fuel pumps for pre-2022 J4N engines are not compatible with post-update models due to internal redesign per Ford SIB 22M08.

E C U Calibration:

Engine control units from 2022+ Bronco Raptor models have updated fuel maps and boost control logic; cross-model swaps require reprogramming.
Fuel Pump Maintenance

Issue:

Early J4N engines experienced high-pressure fuel pump wear due to inadequate lubrication under sustained high-load off-road operation.

Evidence:

Ford SIB 22M08

Recommendation:

Inspect and replace the fuel pump per Ford SIB 22M08; ensure ECU software is up to date and use RON 98+ fuel to reduce knock-induced stress.

Common Reliability Issues - FORD J4N

The J4N's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in sustained off-road use. Internal Ford quality reports from 2022 indicated a notable share of pre-2022 engines requiring pump replacement before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased emissions-related failures in vehicles operated under extreme loads. Frequent high-RPM operation and low-quality fuel increase pump wear, making adherence to fuel quality and service intervals critical.

High-pressure fuel pump wear
Symptoms: Hard starting, misfires under load, fuel pressure DTCs, knocking under acceleration.
Cause: Premature wear in the Bosch HDEV6 pump's cam follower due to lubrication breakdown under high thermal and mechanical load.
Fix: Replace fuel pump with updated OEM part; ensure use of high-octane fuel (RON 98+) to reduce knock-induced stress.
Intake manifold carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, reduced throttle response, misfires at low RPM, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Lack of port fuel injection on early cycles leads to oil/air mixture deposits accumulating on intake valves and swirl flaps.
Fix: Perform walnut shell blasting or chemical cleaning of intake valves; replace faulty swirl flap motors if binding occurs.
Coolant leak from thermostat housing
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, temperature warning light.
Cause: Age-related cracking of the plastic thermostat housing, particularly in high-temperature zones near the turbo.
Fix: Replace thermostat and housing with revised metal-reinforced OEM unit; inspect coolant condition and replace per schedule.
Turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking
Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure, over-boost DTCs, hesitation under load, check engine light.
Cause: Carbon buildup on the turbo wastegate actuator lever mechanism, exacerbated by off-road dust ingestion and infrequent full-throttle operation.
Fix: Replace the wastegate actuator with the latest OEM revision per service bulletin; update ECU calibration to revised boost control logic.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2021-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2022-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FORD J4N

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD J4N.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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