Ford Transit Problems What To Know Before Buying
Car Maintenance 

Ford Transit Problems What To Know Before Buying

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The Ford Transit is one of the most popular commercial vans in the UK and worldwide. Known for its reliability, practicality, and load-carrying capabilities, it’s a favorite among tradespeople and delivery drivers alike. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of issues. This guide highlights the most common Ford Transit problems, symptoms to watch for, and practical solutions.

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1. Injector Problems

Symptoms:

  • Rough idling
  • Loss of power
  • Engine misfires
  • Excessive black smoke from the exhaust

Causes:
Faulty or leaking fuel injectors, particularly in Mk7 and Mk8 models, are a known issue. Leaking injectors can cause carbon buildup on the cylinder head.

Fix:

  • Replace the faulty injectors
  • Clean or replace injector seals
  • Perform a diagnostic check to identify affected components

2. Turbocharger Issues

Symptoms:

  • Whining or whistling sound from the engine
  • Noticeable loss of power
  • Engine warning light illuminated

Causes:
Oil contamination or restricted oil supply to the turbo can lead to premature failure.

Fix:

  • Replace the turbocharger if damaged
  • Flush and clean the oil feed lines
  • Stick to regular oil and filter changes

3. DPF Blockages (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Symptoms:

  • Dashboard warning lights
  • Poor engine performance
  • Increased fuel consumption

Causes:
Short trips prevent the DPF from regenerating properly, causing soot accumulation.

Fix:

  • Perform a forced DPF regeneration
  • Clean or replace the filter
  • Use quality diesel and drive longer distances when possible

4. Clutch and Flywheel Problems

Symptoms:

  • Clutch slipping
  • Juddering or vibrations
  • Difficulty changing gears

Causes:
Heavy usage and high mileage can wear down the clutch and dual-mass flywheel.

Fix:

  • Replace the full clutch kit and flywheel
  • Drive smoothly and avoid overloading

5. Electrical Faults

Symptoms:

  • Central locking not working
  • Flickering dashboard lights
  • Failure to start

Causes:
Water ingress in the fuse box, damaged wiring, or faulty relays are frequent culprits.

Fix:

  • Check and dry the fuse box
  • Replace any corroded or damaged wires
  • Carry out a full electrical system check

6. Rust and Corrosion

Symptoms:

  • Visible rust on wheel arches, doors, and chassis
  • Paint bubbling or peeling

Causes:
Older Transit models are particularly vulnerable, especially in the UK due to road salt and moisture.

Fix:

  • Treat early-stage rust with rust inhibitor
  • Cut out and weld advanced corrosion
  • Apply underseal and keep the van clean, especially in winter

7. EGR Valve Faults

Symptoms:

  • Reduced power or fuel economy
  • Hesitation when accelerating
  • Engine warning light

Causes:
Carbon buildup in the Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve due to frequent short journeys.

Fix:

  • Clean or replace the EGR valve
  • Use fuel system cleaners regularly
  • Occasionally drive at higher speeds to help burn off deposits

Preventing Ford Transit Problems

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips:

  • Stick to scheduled maintenance
  • Use high-quality fuel and oils
  • Avoid overloading the vehicle
  • Book a pre-purchase inspection before buying a used Ford Transit

Final Thoughts

The Ford Transit is a reliable and versatile van, but it’s important to stay ahead of potential issues. By knowing what to look out for and taking preventative measures, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your van on the road longer.

Thinking about buying a used Ford Transit? Book a comprehensive vehicle inspection with CarExamer.com and get peace of mind before you buy.

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