Engine Code

FORD SFJK engine (2015–2018) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ford SFJK is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2018. It features a DOHC 12‑valve layout, direct fuel injection, and a single twin‑scroll turbocharger. In standard tune it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban performance and everyday efficiency.

Fitted to models such as the Fiesta ST (Mk7.5), Focus (Mk3.5), and EcoSport, the SFJK was designed to meet stringent Euro 6 emissions standards while maintaining sporty drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through gasoline particulate filtration (GPF), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and precise high-pressure injection control.

One documented concern is premature wear of the timing belt tensioner pulley, referenced in Ford Service Information Bulletin TSB‑16‑2301. This issue is attributed to suboptimal bearing lubrication under high thermal cycles, prompting Ford to revise the tensioner assembly and update service intervals in 2017.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

All SFJK engines meet Euro 6 standards from launch (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8510).

SFJK Technical Specifications

The Ford SFJK is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2015–2018). It combines direct fuel injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and agile urban performance. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances sporty character with regulatory compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,499 cc
Fuel typePetrol (Gasoline)
ConfigurationInline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged (twin‑scroll)
Bore × stroke79.0 mm × 81.0 mm
Power output103 kW (140 PS)
Torque240 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm
Fuel systemHigh-pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6 (2015–2018)
Compression ratio10.5:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerSingle twin‑scroll (Honeywell Garrett)
Timing systemBelt‑driven (tensioner‑prone)
Oil typeFord WSS‑M2C945‑A (SAE 5W‑30)
Dry weight111 kg
Practical Implications

The twin-scroll turbo provides brisk throttle response ideal for city driving but demands precise oil quality and timing belt maintenance. Ford WSS-M2C945-A (5W-30) oil is essential to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and turbo bearings. Timing belt replacement is required every 160,000 km or 10 years—whichever comes first—with tensioner inspection critical per TSB‑16‑2301. All models include a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), requiring consistent highway driving to prevent clogging. Cold starts should be followed by gentle driving to allow oil pressure to stabilize.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C945-A (5W-30) specification (Ford Owner Manual – Focus Mk3.5). Meets ACEA C2/C3 standards.

Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all 2015–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8510).

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output validated at 6,000 rpm (Ford TIS Doc. M72678).

Primary Sources

Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M72345, M72456, M72678

Ford Service Information Bulletins: TSB-16-2301

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8510)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

SFJK Compatible Models

The Ford SFJK was used across Ford's B299/C346 platforms with transverse mounting and no third-party licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Focus and compact exhaust manifolds in the Fiesta ST—and from 2017 the introduction of an updated tensioner assembly, creating service distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ford
Years:
2015–2017
Models:
Fiesta (Mk7.5)
Variants:
Fiesta ST 1.5 EcoBoost
View Source
Ford EPC Doc. F15‑3375
Make:
Ford
Years:
2015–2018
Models:
Focus (Mk3.5)
Variants:
Focus 1.5 EcoBoost 150 PS
View Source
Ford Group PT‑2020
Make:
Ford
Years:
2015–2018
Models:
EcoSport
Variants:
EcoSport 1.5 EcoBoost
View Source
Ford TIS Doc. M72500
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Ford TIS M72390). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('J' for SFJK series). All SFJK units include a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) and use a black cam cover with '1.5 ECOBOOST' embossing. Critical differentiation from P8FB: SFJK is Euro 6 only and features updated ECU calibration and revised tensioner design. Service parts for timing systems differ before and after 03/2017 due to tensioner redesign (Ford TSB‑16‑2301).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Ford TIS Doc. M72390

Location:

Stamped on front timing cover adjacent to crank pulley (Ford TIS M72390).

Visual Cues:

  • Three-cylinder layout with integrated exhaust manifold in cylinder head
  • Black plastic cam cover with '1.5 ECOBOOST' embossing
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Ford SIB TSB‑16‑2301

Timing System:

Timing belt kits for engines before 03/2017 use older tensioner design; post-2017 units require updated pulley assembly per TSB‑16‑2301.

Emissions Hardware:

All SFJK engines include GPF and revised lambda sensors; not interchangeable with Euro 5 exhaust systems.
Tensioner Upgrade

Issue:

Early SFJK engines experienced accelerated wear in the timing belt tensioner bearing due to thermal stress and marginal lubrication.

Evidence:

Ford SIB TSB‑16‑2301

Recommendation:

Replace with revised tensioner (Part No. CV6Z‑6K254‑C) and inspect belt alignment during service.

Common Reliability Issues - FORD SFJK

The SFJK's primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner degradation, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently driven vehicles. Ford internal field data from 2017 indicated a notable rate of tensioner pulley seizure before 150,000 km in early builds, while UK DVSA records show increased MOT advisories for exhaust emissions linked to GPF saturation in short-trip usage. Extended oil change intervals and stop-start urban cycles accelerate wear, making adherence to service schedules critical.

Timing belt tensioner wear or failure
Symptoms: Squealing or chirping from front engine cover, irregular idle, timing correlation DTCs.
Cause: Suboptimal bearing design in early tensioners leading to premature wear under thermal cycling and marginal lubrication.
Fix: Install revised tensioner and idler pulleys per Ford TSB‑16‑2301; replace belt and inspect water pump if driven beyond interval.
Gasoline particulate filter (GPF) clogging
Symptoms: Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, regeneration warning lights, exhaust smell.
Cause: Insufficient exhaust temperatures during short urban trips prevent passive GPF regeneration.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via diagnostics; if clogged beyond threshold, replace GPF assembly per Ford procedure.
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure
Symptoms: Hard starts, misfires, loss of power, P0087 or P0234 codes.
Cause: Wear in cam-driven HPFP plunger due to fuel lubricity issues or incorrect oil viscosity.
Fix: Replace HPFP with latest OEM unit; verify oil meets WSS‑M2C945‑A spec and inspect cam follower wear.
Coolant leaks from thermostat housing
Symptoms: Coolant odor, low reservoir level, steam from engine bay, overheating warnings.
Cause: Plastic thermostat housing prone to cracking under thermal stress and age-related embrittlement.
Fix: Replace housing with updated metal-reinforced OEM part; flush cooling system and refill with Ford-approved coolant.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2015–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FORD SFJK

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD SFJK.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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