In the world of light commercial vans, none other is arguably as prominent as the good old Ford Transit. The Transit can commonly be seen around the globe for both commercial and private purposes as it is one of the most popular vans in general, not just in the light commercial van segment.
For a van to be as popular and successful as the Transit, it needs to excel in a wide variety of categories, the main of which should be reliability. As such, we are going to list and try to explain all the common Ford Transit 2.2 TDCi problems, so if you are in the market for one, you’ve come to the right place!
These include problems with the car not wanting to start up, problems with excessive black smoke coming from the exhaust, issues with the timing chain, problematic fuel injectors, and problems with oil leaks. To be exact, the 2.2 TDCi seems to be a decently reliable engine, but it certainly isn’t perfect.
Now it’s time to go in-depth about all of these issues which includes getting into the nitty gritty about what causes them, and how you should approach fixing them.
Startup Problems
One of the more commonly reported issues with the 2.2 TDCi is related to the engine not wanting to kick in when you turn the key. This problem is mostly caused by the starter motor not getting a consistent connection to the flywheel. It is said that this does happen due to excessive condensation in the starter motor housing, especially during cold periods when the starter can even freeze itself.
As this prevents the flow of current, the starter motor is going to fail to start the car up. To solve this issue, it’s best to replace the starter motor, but try to go for one from the aftermarket world that comes with more powerful solenoids as this issue is bound to happen again.
Excessive Black Smoke Coming from the Exhaust
While on the topic of black smoke coming from the exhaust, we do need to mention that this seems to be the only true “common” problem with the 2.2 as the forums are filled with this particular problem. The bad thing is that this problem can be due to a few culprits. You should first inspect the intercooler, the turbo tubes, the air filter, and the EGR valve.
Chances are that some of this will be the reason why this is happening which means that you should be able to fix this problem. A leak test can also help you find if there is a leak anywhere in the system. Also, checking the SCV and the PRV while scanning the car for codes should help with narrowing it all down.
Timing Chain Problems
Timing chains are a known problem for a wide variety of motor vehicles which means that these aren’t anything new. The reality is that most timing chain problems happen due to a lack of proper and timely maintenance which means that you should stay on top of any weird noises coming from the chain and the tensioner.
Always be sure to replace the chain if it starts rattling or you can visually determine it’s damaged or is slipping in some places. If you fail to replace it in due time, the chain will eventually break and cause immense damage to all of the surrounding components while locking the engine in place.
Fuel Injector Problems
Fuel injector trouble is also known to happen with the 2.2 TDCi, but it’s mostly caused by low-quality fuel which means that you should always use the recommended fuel for your vehicle. When an injector fails, you will notice a severe lack of power and inconsistency which needs to be looked at and tested by an experienced mechanic.
Replacing all of the injectors is sometimes a good idea, so be sure to get the right consultation from a Ford service center or a Ford specialist.
Oil Leak Problems
The oil pan and the timing cover are the two most vulnerable components when it comes to engine oil leaks. Both are known to use lower-quality gaskets which tend to deteriorate quickly and thus are bound to end up with a leak.
If you notice any oil puddles or if the engine seems a bit restrained, be sure to immediately check the car for lack of oil and pressure test it to find where the leak actually is. Sometimes it can happen in other places as well which is why a pressure air test is the way to go.
FAQ Section
Is the Ford Transit 2.2 TDCi a Good Engine?
The Ford Transit 2.2 TDCi is a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine offering between 100hp and 155hp. As this is a diesel engine, it also gets decent low-down torque and is more than enough for what it is intended to do. A good thing about this engine is that it is fairly long-lasting and that it does not use too much fuel.
All in all, it is a good engine which is why Ford decided to offer the 2.2. in almost all of its Transit iterations. It may not be a powerhouse or the most sophisticated of the bunch, but it does the trick.
Which is the best Ford Transit Engine?
The aforementioned 2.2 TDCi certainly is one of the best Transit engines while the later 2.0L is also really good. The V6 3.7 liter models or the 3.5 EcoBoost are what Ford says is “best-in-class” for efficiency and power, but they do cost more to live with, to register, and to insure.
All in all, the 2.2 TDCi does the trick for most people as it offers a great blend of power, reliability, and efficiency.
Is the Ford Transit Available With a Gasoline Engine?
The two V6 engines (3.0, and 3.7) are available as gasoline variants and are the most powerful engines which typically come with the best-equipped Transit models. However, these aren’t as good for working and fleet purposes as they are thirstier and needier as far as maintenance is concerned.
Between the two, the 3.0L naturally aspirated unit is likely the better choice.
