The Ford J4T is a 2,495 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2017 and 2021. 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 J4T 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 2019, revised actuator materials and updated ECU calibration were implemented to improve long-term reliability.
Production years 2017–2021 meet Euro 6.1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Ford J4T is a 2,495 cc inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid-size vehicles (2017-2021). 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-2019 models feature revised flap actuators; pre-2019 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 2017-2021 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 J4T 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 2019 the facelifted Mondeo models adopted the J4T-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 J4T series). Pre-2019 models have black intake manifold actuators with ribbed casting; post-2019 units use dark grey actuators with smoother finish. Critical differentiation from J4T-TU: Original J4T uses Bosch MD1CP07 ECU with round diagnostic connector, while J4T-TU uses MD1CP09 with trapezoidal port. Service parts require production date verification - intake actuators before 04/2019 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Ford SA 17S05).
The J4T'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-2019 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 (2017-2021) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD J4T.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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