The Ford YLFS is a 1,596 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 16‑valve configuration with direct fuel injection (GDI) and variable valve timing (Ti-VCT), delivering 118 kW (160 PS) and 240 Nm of torque. Its compact turbocharged architecture enables strong low‑end response and improved fuel efficiency over naturally aspirated predecessors.
Fitted primarily to the Mk3 Ford Focus, C-MAX, and Grand C-MAX—including the 1.6 EcoBoost variants—the YLFS was engineered for drivers seeking responsive performance without compromising urban efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise GDI control, a three‑way catalytic converter, and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of fuel washing in GDI systems, which can lead to rough idle and reduced airflow. This issue, referenced in Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑14‑0069, is common to many direct-injection engines. From 2015, revised engine management strategies and updated PCV routing were introduced to mitigate oil ingestion and deposit formation.
All production years (2012–2018) meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9245).
The Ford YLFS is a 1,596 cc inline‑four DOHC turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and MPV applications (2012–2018). It combines gasoline direct injection with a single-scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑speed torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions, it balances performance with regulatory compliance and everyday drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.4 mm | |
| Power output | 118 kW (160 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,750–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Gasoline direct injection (Bosch HDEV5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll (Honeywell GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C945‑A (SAE 5W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 122 kg |
The YLFS’s turbocharged GDI design delivers brisk acceleration and good fuel economy but requires proactive maintenance to address intake valve coking—a known GDI limitation. Use of Ford‑specified 5W‑20 oil (WSS‑M2C945‑A) is essential to protect turbo bearings and reduce oil vapor ingestion via the PCV system. Extended oil change intervals or frequent short trips accelerate carbon buildup; periodic walnut blasting or updated PCV hoses (per TSB 14‑0069) may be necessary. The chain-driven valvetrain is generally robust but inspect for tensioner wear after 150,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS‑M2C945‑A (5W‑20) specification (Ford TSB 14‑0069). Equivalent ACEA C2 oils are acceptable only if Ford‑approved.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all YLFS production years (2012–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9245). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Ford TIS Doc. F40218).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F40218, F40511, TSB 14‑0069
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9245)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford YLFS was used across Ford's C1 and B2E platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the C-MAX and modified turbo routing in the Focus—but remained mechanically consistent throughout its production run. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the rear of the cylinder block near the transmission flange (Ford TIS F40218). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('6' for 1.6L), while the full engine code 'YLFS' appears on the emissions label under the hood. Early units (2012–2014) use a black plastic intake manifold with a single PCV hose; post-2015 revisions feature dual PCV routing to reduce oil ingestion. Turbocharger part numbers (e.g., GT1544V) are consistent, but ECU calibration varies by model year—always verify calibration ID before replacement.
The YLFS's primary reliability risk is intake valve coking due to its gasoline direct injection architecture, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip urban use. Ford internal service data from 2016 indicated increased intake cleaning requests after 80,000 km for vehicles in stop-start conditions, while UK DVSA MOT records show elevated emissions-related failures linked to misfire and lean codes in affected engines. Infrequent highway driving and extended oil intervals accelerate deposit formation, making preventive 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 YLFS.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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