The Ford Transit Connect is a van that serves as a useful transporter, fleet vehicle, and more for many. Here are the top 2010 to 2013 Ford Transit Connect Problems owners have run into with the 1st generation.
1st Generation Ford Transit Connect Van Problems (2010 to 2013)
1. Rear Door Hinge
Symptoms of a Faulty Rear Door Hinge
- Door hinges rusted or have excessive movement
Causes of Rear Door Hinge Problems in the 2010 to 2013 Ford Transit Connect
The door check and hinges spring can break and rust. The fins can also wear out.
How to Fix a Rear Door Hinge
You’ll need to replace the door hinges and check to fix problems with them.
More on how to fix a door hinge
2. Dirty Throttle Body
Symptoms of a Failing Throttle Body
- No throttle with gas, sluggish, or engine stalling
- Check engine light for codes P2111 or P2135
Causes of a Failing Throttle Body
The throttle body can collect carbon and this can cause issues with engine performance.
How to Fix a Dirty or Failed Throttle Body
Clean the throttle body. You’ll need to remove the air intake hose form it and see if there is carbon build up on the throttle body blade, which will cover it in black. Clean the throttle body with a brush and throttle body cleaner. Don’t do this with the key on, since the throttle body is electronically controlled and this will cause more problems.
3. Transmission Problems
Symptoms of Problems with the Transmission
- Slipping not shifting properly
- Check engine light for codes P0751, P0752, or P0972
Causes of Problems with the Transmission in the 2010 to 2013 Ford Transit Connect
You may find the engine revs and you have a slower driver, or the transmission slipping. You may feel the transmission not shift into next gear.
How to Fix Transmission Issues
Check the transmission fluid level. Leave the car running, park on a level surface, and remove the dtipstick, clean it, and quickly reinsert and remove the dipstick. The fluid should be between the two marks on the dipstick. Smell the fluid for burning. If the fluid is fine, then servicing won’t fix this issue and it may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
4. Cooling Fans Failing
Symptoms of Cooling Fans Failing
- Engine overheating
- Temperature gauge reads high
Causes of Bad Cooling Fans
You may find issues with the cooling fans not turning on if you are having issues with the engine overheating and find no obvious signs of damage or leaks.
How to Fix Bad Cooling Fans
To test the fans, run the engine with the hood open for about 45 minutes. The fans should turn on for about two minutes. If they aren’t turning on and running, check the fuses; fuse 16 is a 30 amp and fuse 17 is a 50 amp. Make sure they’re not blown. Then disconnect and reconnect the module and check it. Then check the coolant temp head (CHT) sensor. Located on the head, disconnect it and reconnect it and see if the symptoms change. If it doesn’t, change the sensor. You may find a check engine light for it. If this doesn’t fix the problem, then there may a problem with the wiring or PCM. You may have to bring it to the dealership for an update or to check wiring.
More on how to inspect the cooling fans
5. Clogged Fuel Injectors
Symptoms of Clogged Fuel Injectors
- Misfire
- Check engine light
- Lack of engine power
- Engine stalling
Causes of Bad Fuel Injectors
Dirt can get into the injectors and they can clog and cause problems.
How to Fix Bad Fuel Injectors
Use good gas and maybe add an additive, around once a month to not burn out the fuel pump, to clean the injectors and keep them working.
The fuel injectors are in front of the valve cover, and require disconnecting the harness, removing the fuel rail, and replacing the injector to change them.
1st Generation Ford Transit Connect Model Years
- 2010 Ford Transit Connect
- 2011 Ford Transit Connect
- 2012 Ford Transit Connect
- 2013 Ford Transit Connect
