The Ford TL 20 LC is a 1,999 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features port fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable cam timing on the intake side. In standard form it delivers 105 kW (143 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, emphasizing smooth operation and low-cost maintenance.
Fitted to models such as the Mondeo, S-MAX, and Galaxy, the TL 20 LC was engineered for refined daily driving and fleet reliability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a three-way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the variable cam timing (VCT) solenoid, particularly in vehicles subjected to frequent short trips or infrequent oil changes. This issue, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin 15M09, stems from oil sludge restricting solenoid actuation. From mid‑2015, Ford updated the solenoid design and revised oil change recommendations to mitigate failures.
All production years (2012–2018) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5432).
The Ford TL 20 LC is a 1,999 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid-size sedans and MPVs (2012–2018). It combines port fuel injection with intake-side variable cam timing to deliver smooth power delivery and serviceability. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it prioritizes reliability and cost-effective ownership.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.5 mm × 83.1 mm | |
| Power output | 105 kW (143 PS) @ 6,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 4,300 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point port injection (Bosch ME7.8) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C945‑A (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear throttle response and low mechanical complexity, ideal for high-mileage fleet use. However, the variable cam timing (VCT) system is sensitive to oil condition—only Ford WSS-M2C945-A (5W-30) oil should be used, and changes must occur every 16,000 km or 12 months to prevent solenoid clogging. Extended oil intervals or frequent short trips increase sludge risk, leading to VCT faults and rough idle. Vehicles built before 06/2015 should have the VCT solenoid inspected per Ford SIB 15M09 if experiencing hesitation or cam correlation DTCs.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C945-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 15M09). Not interchangeable with newer 0W-20 specs.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to all 2012–2018 TL 20 LC engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5432).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (Ford TIS Doc. T12‑7040).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T12‑7020, T12‑7025, SIB 15M09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5432)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford TL 20 LC was used across Ford's CD4 platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—revised engine mounts in the Mondeo for NVH refinement and unique ECU maps in the S-MAX—and from 2015 the Galaxy adopted updated emissions calibration, 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 T12‑7035). The 7th VIN digit is 'T' for TL 20 LC-equipped vehicles. All TL 20 LC engines feature a silver aluminum valve cover with '2.0 Ti-VCT' branding and a three-way catalytic converter. Critical differentiation from turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost: TL 20 LC lacks turbo plumbing, intercooler, and direct injection hardware. ECU part number suffix must end in 'TL20LC' for full compatibility—ECUs from EcoBoost variants cannot be interchanged due to fundamental fuel and aspiration differences.
The TL 20 LC's primary reliability risk is variable cam timing (VCT) solenoid failure in early builds, with elevated incidence in urban/short-trip use. Ford internal field data from 2015 indicated a measurable uptick in VCT-related warranty claims before 80,000 km for pre-2015 units, while UK DVSA records show catalytic converter efficiency faults are common in vehicles with predominantly city driving. Infrequent highway use and extended oil change intervals make VCT and emissions system maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2013–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD TL-20-LC.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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