The Ford TBBB is a 1,299 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2002 and 2006. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) layout with 8 valves and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 51 kW (69 PS) and 113 Nm of torque, prioritizing urban efficiency and low-cost ownership.
Fitted to entry-level models such as the Mk4 Fiesta and Mk2 Ka, the TBBB was engineered for economical city driving and compliance with tightening emissions standards. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and electronic engine management, allowing all units to meet Euro 3 standards.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing belt idler pulley bearing, which can cause belt misalignment or failure. This issue, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin 04S07, is attributed to early-design plastic pulley hubs prone to cracking under thermal stress. From 2004 onward, Ford updated the idler pulley to a reinforced metal-core design to improve service life.
All production years 2002–2006 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6543).
The Ford TBBB is a 1,299 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact city cars (2002–2006). It combines SOHC architecture with sequential multi‑point fuel injection to deliver responsive low-end torque and economical operation. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it emphasizes reliability and serviceability for high-mileage urban use.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,299 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 71.9 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 51 kW (69 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 113 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (Siemens EMS2000) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C913-A (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 100 kg |
The SOHC layout provides simple, low-cost maintenance but requires a timing belt replacement every 100,000 km or 8 years—whichever comes first—to prevent catastrophic failure. Ford WSS-M2C913-A (5W-30) oil is recommended for optimal valve train lubrication and emissions system compatibility. The early idler pulley (part number 1S6G-6A255-AA) uses a plastic hub prone to cracking; post-2004 units use a metal-core pulley (3S6G-6A255-BA) with improved durability. The Siemens EMS2000 ECU is sensitive to poor ground connections—ensure battery and chassis grounds are clean and secure.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C913-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 04S07). Equivalent to ACEA A3/B3.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 2002–2006 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6543). No Euro 4 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across all applications (Ford TIS Doc. F17545).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F17520, F17545, F17560, SIB 04S07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6543)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford TBBB was used across Ford's Mk4 Fiesta and Mk2 Ka platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intake manifolds in the Ka and unique engine mounts in the Fiesta—and from 2004 the updated idler pulley improved reliability, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the cylinder block near the oil dipstick tube (Ford TIS F17530). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('B' for TBBB). Pre-2004 idler pulleys use part number 1S6G-6A255-AA with plastic hub; post-2004 units use 3S6G-6A255-BA with metal-core hub. Critical differentiation from Zetec-SE: TBBB has SOHC with 8 valves and cast-iron block, whereas Zetec-SE uses DOHC and aluminum block. Engine management ECU is Siemens EMS2000 with OBD2 port under dash.
The TBBB's primary reliability risk is timing belt idler pulley failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-temperature or high-mileage use. Ford internal data from 2005 indicated a notable share of pre-2004 engines required pulley replacement before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show related timing faults as a recurring MOT advisory item. Thermal cycling and aggressive driving increase stress on the plastic hub, making timely belt service critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2003–2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD TBBB.
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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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