We've taken apart and rebuilt a Ford Transit 2013-2018 model, so here are six essential maintenance and repair tips that any DIY home mechanic needs to know.
The Ford Transit Custom Diesel (2013 to 2018) 62 to 67 reg Owner's Workshop Manual makes all these jobs easier for the DIY mechanic. The manual covers the 2.0-litre (1996cc) EcoBlue and 2.2-litre (2198cc) Duratorq diesel models.
What to watch for with the Ford Transit Custom
- When removing some interior trim panels, such as the A-pillar covers, the retaining clips will likely break as the trim is levered off. Order plenty of new clips before starting your project.
- It will not always be obvious where to put the jack when raising the front or rear end of the Transit. So pay close attention to the instructions shown in ‘Jacking and vehicle support’ in the reference chapter of the Haynes manual.
- Got a puncture? If fitted, the spare wheel is stowed beneath the rear of the Transit. If possible, secure the punctured wheel back under the vehicle using the cable and bracket, then stow the jack and tools in the stowage compartment. However, some alloy wheels are too large to fit into the cable and bracket, and will need to be stored inside the vehicle, while the cables will need to be secured under the vehicle. Note that the Ford handbook states not to lower the winch mechanism without the wheel attached because this can damage the mechanism.
- Replacing the 2.0-litre engine’s timing belt or the 2.2-litre engine’s timing chain? Space is very tight with the engine in place, and you’ll need to remove the air cleaner assembly, as well as the auxiliary drivebelts, right-hand headlight and other components to gain access. The engine will also need to be supported with a crane. Also note that the cover is held in place with sealant, as well as retaining bolts, and the process of levering it off will bend it out of shape. The old cover needs to be disposed of and replaced with a new one.
- The diesel exhaust additive reservoir is tricky to remove with the fuel tank in place, so remove it first. Anti-syphon technology makes emptying both tanks tricky, so try to do this job when they are nearly empty. Even with the fuel tank removed, access to some of the additive reservoir’s connections is tricky, so patience will be required.
- Headlight bulb blown? You’ll need to remove the headlight to access the bulbs from the rear of the unit, but this is a relatively easy job, with only two retaining screws holding it in place.
Ford Transit Custom issues
Does your Ford Transit have folding mirrors? If it does, have you noticed them vibrating? A number of Transit drivers have reported this, but don’t worry. A simple software update will sort it, which is a quick fix but also one that means you will need to take your van into the dealer.
Ford Transit Custom recalls
On the whole, the 2013 through 2018 Ford Transit Custom has been very reliable, and there have been only four recall notices issued – check with any Ford dealer that the work has been carried out.
The run-on water pump can overheat, although a simple swap from a 15A fuse to a 7.5A fuse sorts this.
In addition, an incorrect positive dual battery cable was fitted, so make sure this has been changed. A left-hand seatbelt height adjuster bolt was incorrectly fitted, so the bolt and the belt should have been renewed.
Some models had a loose bolt in the power steering system – this necessitated replacement of the steering gear.
A manufacturing fault on the 2.2 Duratorq engine caused the internal valve on the fuel injectors to fail, reducing fuel pressure and causing the engine to shut down.
Check the injectors in your Transit and get these renewed if necessary. Just give your local Ford dealership a call with your vehicle's registration and they’ll be able to tell you whether your vehicle has been updated. If not, this will be completed at no charge to you.