The Ford Y5A is a 1,596 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2011. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout with 16 valves and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 82 kW (110 PS) and 150 Nm of torque, offering responsive urban drivability and low running costs.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Focus Mk2, C-MAX, and early Fiesta Mk6, the Y5A was engineered for economy-focused drivers seeking dependable daily performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise fuel metering and exhaust catalyst control, meeting Euro 4 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft lobe, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin TSB 08‑12‑09. This issue stems from insufficient surface hardening during early production batches. From mid‑2009, Ford implemented revised camshaft metallurgy and updated valve spring rates to mitigate the defect.
All production years (2007–2011) meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford Y5A is a 1,596 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2007–2011). It combines DOHC architecture with sequential multi‑point fuel injection to deliver smooth low‑to‑mid range response and urban efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances everyday usability with serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.4 mm | |
| Power output | 82 kW (110 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point fuel injection (Bosch ME7.5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C913-C (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The Y5A delivers smooth and predictable performance ideal for city commuting but requires adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using Ford WSS-M2C913-C (5W-30) oil to protect the camshaft lobes. Early engines (pre-06/2009) are susceptible to exhaust cam wear due to metallurgical inconsistencies—inspect for ticking noises or misfire codes P030X. Valve clearance is hydraulic and non-adjustable; however, carbon buildup on intake valves can reduce efficiency over time. Use only EN 228-compliant unleaded petrol with max 5% ethanol to avoid injector fouling.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C913-C (5W-30) specification (Ford TSB 08‑12‑09). Equivalent to ACEA A5/B5.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all Y5A models (2007–2011) under VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on Ford Focus 1.6i (2008) chassis dyno logs (Ford TIS Y5A-DYN-02).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs Y5A-ENG-01, Y5A-ENG-03, TSB 08‑12‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford Y5A was used across Ford's C1 and B2E platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the C-MAX and modified airbox routing in the Fiesta—and from mid‑2009 the Focus Mk2 facelift adopted updated camshafts and ECU calibrations, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS Y5A-ID-01). The 7th VIN digit for Y5A-equipped vehicles is typically 'Y'. Early engines (pre-June 2009) have a silver cam cover with “1.6” embossed; post-update units use a black cam cover with “DURATEC Ti-VCT” (though Y5A lacks VCT—this is a shared cover design). Critical differentiation from Sigma engines: Y5A uses a single-row timing chain and Bosch ME7.5 ECU with 60-pin connector under the scuttle panel. Do not interchange camshafts between pre- and post-06/2009 engines due to lobe profile changes (Ford TSB 08‑12‑09).
The Y5A's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear in early production units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Ford internal data from 2009 indicated up to 8% of pre-June 2009 engines required cam replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show cam-related misfires as a recurring cause of emissions test failure. Extended oil intervals and use of non-spec oil accelerate wear, making correct lubrication critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2008–2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD Y5A.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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FORD Official Site
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EUR-Lex
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)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
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