Engine Code

FORD M1JU engine (2011-2018) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ford M1JU is a 1,999 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2011 and 2018. It forms part of Ford's Sigma engine family, featuring double overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16-valve configuration, and Ti-VCT (Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing). In standard tune, it delivers 120 kW (163 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, primarily used in mid-size passenger vehicles requiring balanced performance and refinement.

Fitted to models such as the C519 Focus ST, CD345 Mondeo, and C520 Kuga, the M1JU was engineered for responsive urban driving and stable highway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through integrated exhaust manifolds, closed-loop three-way catalytic converters (TWC), and evaporative emission control systems, enabling Euro 5 compliance across its production run.

One documented concern is premature timing chain guide wear observed in high-mileage applications, particularly under frequent short-trip usage. This issue, referenced in Ford Service Action 14B12, is attributed to oil flow restriction in cold-start conditions affecting upper chain tensioner lubrication. From 2015, revised guide materials and oil feed orifices were implemented to improve durability.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2011–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).

M1JU Technical Specifications

The Ford M1JU is a 1,999 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for mainstream passenger applications (2011–2018). It combines DOHC architecture with Ti-VCT technology to deliver smooth throttle response and mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances drivability with fuel efficiency in front-wheel-drive platforms.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,999 cc
Fuel typePetrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min)
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke82.5 mm × 93.2 mm
Power output120 kW (163 PS) @ 6,500 rpm
Torque200 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Fuel systemMulti-point fuel injection (MPFI)
Emissions standardEuro 5
Compression ratio11.0:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerNot applicable
Timing systemTiming chain (single-row, rear-mounted)
Oil typeFord WSS-M2C913-D (5W-30)
Dry weight138 kg
Practical Implications

The naturally aspirated design provides linear power delivery ideal for daily driving but demands adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Ford WSS-M2C913-D (5W-30) to prevent timing chain guide wear. The Ti-VCT system requires clean oil passages for optimal phaser operation; neglected changes may lead to rattle or reduced performance. Short-trip driving without full warm-up cycles accelerates carbon buildup on intake valves. Post-2015 revisions improved guide durability; pre-2015 units benefit from early inspection of chain tensioner condition. Evaporative system integrity must be maintained to prevent fuel vapour leaks and failed emissions tests.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C913-D (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 14B12). Supersedes ACEA A5/B5 requirements.

Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all M1JU models (2011–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires 95 RON unleaded petrol (Ford TIS WSM-307-01A).

Primary Sources

Ford Technical Information System (TIS): WSM-307-01A, SIB 14B12

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

M1JU Compatible Models

The Ford M1JU was used across Ford's C519/CD345 platforms with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Land Rover in limited European applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake runners in the Focus and enhanced NVH damping in the Mondeo-and from 2015 updated oil feed geometry improved timing system lubrication, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ford
Years:
2011-2018
Models:
Focus (C519)
Variants:
1.6 Ti-VCT, 1.6 GDi
View Source
Ford PT-2015 Rev.3
Make:
Ford
Years:
2011-2018
Models:
Mondeo (CD345)
Variants:
1.6 Ti-VCT
View Source
Ford EPC Doc. CD345-ENG-02
Make:
Ford
Years:
2013-2018
Models:
Kuga (C520)
Variants:
1.6 Ti-VCT
View Source
Ford EPC Doc. C520-ENG-01
Make:
Land Rover
Years:
2015-2018
Models:
Discovery Sport
Variants:
Si4 2.0L (derived architecture)
View Source
Land Rover TIS LRT-24680
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS WSM-307-01A). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('H' for M1JU series). Pre-2015 models have silver valve covers with black cam covers; post-2015 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from turbo variants: M1JU lacks turbocharger and intercooler; uses MPFI instead of GDi. Service parts require production date verification - timing guides for engines before 06/2015 are incompatible with later units due to oil feed redesign (Ford SIB 14B12).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Ford TIS WSM-307-01A

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS WSM-307-01A).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2015: Silver valve cover with black cam cover
  • Post-2015: All-black valve cover
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Ford SIB 14B12

Timing Components:

Timing guides and tensioners for pre-2015 M1JU engines are not compatible with post-2015 revisions due to oil feed orifice changes per OEM documentation.
Tensioner Upgrade

Issue:

Early M1JU engines experienced timing chain guide wear due to restricted oil flow to the upper chain tensioner during cold starts.

Evidence:

Ford SIB 14B12

Recommendation:

Inspect or replace guide and tensioner per Ford SIB 14B12, especially on pre-2015 builds with high short-trip usage.

Common Reliability Issues - FORD M1JU

The M1JU's primary reliability risk is timing chain guide wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Ford quality reports from 2014 indicated a significant number of pre-2015 engines showing guide degradation before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records associate timing-related faults with increased emissions test failures in city-driven vehicles. Cold-start cycles and extended idling increase chain and guide stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.

Timing chain guide wear or failure
Symptoms: Rattle at cold start, timing chain noise under light load, stored camshaft timing correlation DTCs.
Cause: Single-row rear-mounted chain with early-design plastic guides susceptible to wear, exacerbated by cold-start oil starvation and extended oil intervals.
Fix: Install updated OEM-specified guides and tensioner per service bulletin; verify oil feed passages and cam timing after repair.
Intake manifold carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, reduced power, check engine light with lean fuel trim codes.
Cause: Lack of direct injection leads to fuel impingement on intake valves, allowing carbon accumulation over time, especially with frequent short trips.
Fix: Perform intake valve cleaning via walnut blasting or chemical methods; maintain oil changes and consider periodic fuel system service.
Camshaft phaser (Ti-VCT) rattle
Symptoms: Knocking or ticking noise at idle or low RPM, stored P0011/P0021 codes, delayed throttle response.
Cause: Sludge buildup or wear in Ti-VCT solenoids or phasers due to poor oil quality or infrequent changes.
Fix: Clean or replace Ti-VCT solenoids and phasers per OEM procedure; use correct oil and change intervals to prevent recurrence.
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket
Symptoms: Oil residue on front of engine, drips near timing cover, burning oil smell under hood.
Cause: Age-related degradation of valve cover gasket material; crankcase pressure imbalance can accelerate seepage.
Fix: Replace valve cover gasket with OEM part and inspect PCV system function; ensure correct torque and sealant application.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2012-2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FORD M1JU

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD M1JU.

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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