The Ford TZJB is a 1,596 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, direct fuel injection (GDI), and a single twin‑scroll turbocharger. In standard form it delivered 132 kW (180 PS) at 6,000 rpm with 240 Nm of torque at 1,750–4,500 rpm, providing responsive performance with improved fuel efficiency over naturally aspirated units.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Focus ST, Focus RS (early variants), and Transit Connect Sport, the TZJB was engineered for sporty driving dynamics while meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter, and precise GDI control strategies.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of fuel washing in GDI systems, highlighted in Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑15‑0032. This issue leads to rough idle and reduced airflow. Later revisions introduced periodic intake valve cleaning recommendations and revised PCV routing to mitigate oil ingestion.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/FORD-TZJB-2015).
The Ford TZJB is a 1,596 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for performance-oriented compact vehicles (2012–2018). It combines gasoline direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver strong mid-range torque and crisp throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances sporty character with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Gasoline) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.4 mm | |
| Power output | 132 kW (180 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,750–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High-pressure gasoline direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll turbo (Honeywell Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C948‑B (SAE 5W‑30 synthetic) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo and GDI system deliver brisk acceleration but require strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using Ford WSS‑M2C948‑B (5W‑30) to protect turbo bearings and timing chain. Carbon buildup on intake valves—common in GDI engines—can cause misfires and rough idle; Ford recommends intake cleaning every 60,000 km per TSB‑15‑0032. Use of high-detergent TOP TIER gasoline helps reduce injector fouling. The PCV system should be inspected for sludge, as oil ingestion exacerbates valve deposits. Early Focus ST units (2012–2014) lack revised breather hoses; upgrading to the 2015+ design reduces oil carryover.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS‑M2C948‑B (5W‑30) synthetic oil (Ford LB‑TZJB‑2014). Equivalent to ACEA C2/C3 with low-SAPS formulation.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2012–2014 models; Euro 6 compliance confirmed for 2015–2018 via VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/FORD-TZJB-2015.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Figures represent net output with ancillaries installed (Ford DR‑TZJB‑2012).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs FORD‑TIS‑1596GDI‑01
Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑15‑0032
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/FORD-TZJB-2015)
Ford Powertrain Specification Sheet PT‑TZJB‑2013
The Ford TZJB was used across Ford's C‑platform and Transit light commercial platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Focus ST and oil cooler integration in the Transit Connect Sport—and from 2015 the Focus RS development mules used early TZJB variants before switching to the EcoBoost 2.3L, creating minor ECU calibration differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Ford TIS Fig. 1596GDI‑03). The full code reads 'TZJB' followed by a serial number. Early units (2012–2014) use a black plastic intake manifold with a single PCV hose; post-2015 engines feature a revised dual-hose breather system. ECU part numbers for TZJB begin with '14Cxxx'—verify via Ford IDS diagnostics. Do not confuse with the naturally aspirated Sigma 1.6L (code Zetec‑SE), which lacks turbo plumbing and direct injection rails.
The TZJB's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup due to its gasoline direct injection architecture, with elevated incidence in urban driving cycles. Ford internal field data from 2016 indicated a measurable rate of drivability complaints after 50,000 km in stop-start conditions, while UK DVSA MOT records show misfire-related failures as a leading cause of emissions test rejection. Extended oil change intervals and low-quality fuel make regular induction maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD TZJB.
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