The Ford T3CB is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbo‑petrol engine produced between 2020 and 2025. It features direct fuel injection, a single twin-scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard tune it delivers 110–125 kW (150–170 PS) with peak torque of 240–270 Nm, optimized for responsive urban and highway performance.
Fitted to models such as the Puma, Focus, and Kuga, the T3CB was engineered for efficiency and refinement across Ford’s C‑Car platform. Emissions compliance was achieved through gasoline particulate filtration (GPF), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and precise lambda control, allowing full Euro 6d certification from launch.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower under sustained high-load conditions, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin TSB-22-1148. This issue stems from insufficient lubrication during extended high-RPM operation. From Q3 2022, Ford implemented a revised HPFP actuator with improved surface hardening and oil channel geometry.
All production years (2020–2025) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/FD8765).
The Ford T3CB is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbo‑petrol engineered for compact and crossover applications (2020–2025). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver strong low‑end torque and smooth high‑revving character. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances performance with stringent emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.3 mm | |
| Power output | 110–125 kW (150–170 PS) | |
| Torque | 240–270 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett twin‑scroll (MGT2252V) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C948-B1 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 110 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides immediate throttle response ideal for mixed urban/highway use but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals to protect the HPFP and turbo bearings. Ford WSS-M2C948-B1 (0W-20) oil is critical due to its low SAPS formulation protecting the GPF. Extended high-load driving without cooldown periods accelerates HPFP cam follower wear—Ford recommends a 2-minute idle cooldown after sustained boost. The GPF requires periodic highway driving (>60 km/h for 15+ minutes) to enable passive regeneration and avoid limp mode.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C948-B1 (0W-20) specification (Ford Workshop Manual 2021). Not interchangeable with ACEA C2/C3 oils.
Emissions: Full Euro 6d compliance across all model years (2020–2025) per VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/FD8765.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 125 kW variant requires 98 RON fuel for optimal performance (Ford TIS Doc. TIS-F15-9030).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-F15-9021, TIS-F15-9022, TIS-F15-9023
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/FD8765)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford T3CB was used across Ford's C‑Car platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—detuned ECU in the Focus EcoBoost 150 and enhanced cooling in the Kuga—and from 2023 minor injector revisions were introduced, creating minor ECU interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Ford TIS TIS-F15-9025). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for T3CB series). All T3CB variants use black plastic cam covers with '1.5 ECOBOOST' branding. Critical differentiation from earlier STP: T3CB uses updated Bosch ECU (part no. 2U5T-12A650-AD) and revised HPFP cam profile. ECU part numbers must match vehicle application—Puma (2U5T-12A650-AD) is not interchangeable with Kuga (2U5T-12A650-AE) despite identical displacement (Ford TSB-23-0912).
The T3CB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower degradation under sustained high-load conditions, with elevated incidence in track or aggressive driving. Ford internal data from 2023 indicated a measurable increase in HPFP warranty claims for pre-Q3 2022 builds driven >25% of mileage under boost, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related failures due to robust GPF management. Extended high-RPM operation without cooldown cycles accelerates wear, making cooldown discipline and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2020–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD T3CB.
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