Ford TRANSIT CONNECT Parts | 2002 - 2014 | Duratorq #282KK8O5K
Ford Transit Connect (2002-2014) Ford Transit Connect is still good to drive, but it shows its age compared to the VW Caddy and Opel Combo. The Ford Transit Connect will be completely updated at the end of 2013. Until then, the van is available with a short wheelbase on a short roof or a long wheelbase on a roof, as both a panel van and a van with a second folding row of seats. All models are powered by a range of three Duratorq TDCi 1.8-liter engines offering 75 HP, 90 HP, and 110 HP. It connects the drive through a five-speed manual gearbox, which longs for a sixth gear for more relaxed highway work. That being said, the Connect handles brilliantly and has the assurance of the best Ford cars. Reliable, durable, and reasonably cheap to run. Running costs The three 1.8-liter diesel engines of the Connect company provide 75, 100, and 110 HP, with a promised fuel economy of 47.1mpg for the most economical model and up to 46.3mpg for the first two engines. CO2 emissions amount to 159g/km and 162g/km, respectively. Both figures are a step behind Peugeots Partner, which promises to return between 50mpg and 60mpg, with CO2 outputs at 123g/km or Vauxhalls Combo, which returns 54-56mpg and emits only 126-136g/km. Service intervals are set at a more competitive level of 15,000 miles/12 months, and finding a Ford dealer should offer few problems. Insurance groups range between 3E and 5E, again on par with the competition. Connects reasonably strong residual values, set to reduce the total cost of ownership. Loading space and practicality The Connect is available with a short wheelbase and low roof or a long wheelbase with a high roof, offering a loading volume of 2.8 cubic meters or 3.7 cubic meters. However, the van is equipped with a folding passenger seat, with a cage wall lining to extend the loading area next to the driver. This increases the loading volume to 3.4 cubic meters and 4.3 cubic meters for the longer version. That puts the Connect behind the Volkswagen Caddy and Caddy Maxi without the folding seat, but it brings it to a similar size once folded. Crew cab versions, with a second folding row of seats, offer 1.4 cubic meters and 2.1 cubic meters with the rear seats in position or 2.6 cubic meters and 3.4 cubic meters with the second row folded. The vans can carry a competitive version of 850 kg in the short version or more than 900 kg in the longer model. This compares very well with Peugeots Partner, although it is outdone by Fiat Doblo Cargo and Opel Combo, which can carry a full load of 1 ton. You can get two Euro pallets in the shorter van, and the Connect is equipped with pre-threaded reinforced fixing points, for easy installation of universal shelving and rack systems, so there should be no requirements for customers to drill into painted metals. There are six tie-down points in the connection and a floor lining is standard. A range of packages can be specified, and roof racks and cages are available on the options list. If you choose not to have the folding passenger seat, there is also the option of an under-seat storage drawer for the driver to keep valuables out of sight. Reliability and safety The Connect is now equipped with electronic stability control (ESC), providing driver assistance in slippery conditions. A drivers airbag is also standard, while passenger and side airbags are available as options. Anti-submarining seat bases that stop the occupant from sliding under the seatbelt in an accident are also standard, along with seatbelt grabbers and warning lights that automatically illuminate under heavy braking. Security measures include Fords passive anti-theft safeguard system, with an engine immobilizer and high-security protected door locks. Remote central locking is included on all trim levels and, as with all Ford vans, requires the ignition key to open the hood. There are reports of wiring loom issues, which can be misdiagnosed as an alternator, while some owners report poor mpg, especially from the lower-powered engine. It seems that the vans can also be sensitive to front tire wear. Driving and performance Ford Transit Connect may not be the most powerful van of this size on the market, with the highest output being only 110 HP compared to VWs 140 HP Caddy and Fiats 135 HP. It could do with a sixth gear for those customers who want to travel on highways. However, the Connect remains one of the best small vans to drive, with a combination of secure handling and a fun feel thats hard to beat in this sector. However, make the most of the performance and youll pay for it at the fuel pumps, with average fuel consumption lagging behind some of its more recent competitors, like the Caddy and Opel Combo. History The small van market was always extremely limited, and theres a reason for that. They just werent very good. Most of them were just superminis or family hatches with covered side windows, offering little in the way of additional utility for trades. These days, when you think of a small van, you think of something like this, the Ford Transit Connect. Although it doesnt take up more road space than your average small family car, it may have enough interior space to make commercial vehicle users think twice about going for something bigger. Although the Opel Combo, launched at the end of the century, was probably the first design seen in this type of market, the Transit Connect was the one that truly developed this sector, universally recognized as more sophisticated, much more flexible, and high-tech when it was launched in the UK back in 2002. A whole series of copycat rivals quickly followed - Citroen Nemo, Peugeot Bipper, and Fiat Fiorino. Despite the tough competition, this Ford continued to find a ready band of buyers. The Ford brand says that, unlike its competitors, it uses fewer car-derived components in its construction, resulting in a less compromised commercial vehicle outcome. This was a design that had to replace two old Ford LCV models - the Courier (essentially a 1990s Fiesta with a metal shed bolted on the back) and the Escort van (practically an Escort estate with closed windows). It was a big step forward from both, of course, as it had to be, but the need to cover potential future buyers for both aging products meant that this design had to cover the needs of a fairly wide range of customers. So, while Peugeot, Citroen, and Fiat have long offered two distinct sizes of van - small and compact - to suit LCV buyers who dont need to stretch to something Transit-sized, Ford, at least until the end of 2013, only had this Connect model. The short wheelbase versions of this compact Ford LCV model were designed to take on the small-sized rivals Nemo and Bipper, while the long wheelbase variants aimed to handle the partner-sized competitors Renault Kangoo, Citroen Berlingo, and Peugeot Partner. To keep the Transit Connect appeal fresh, 2009 saw the introduction of a revised version, with a slightly smarter look, higher equipment levels, and, most significantly, perhaps a more sophisticated 1.8-liter TDCi diesel of 110PS at the top of the range. Ford even developed a Sport Van version, and in 2011 an electric model appeared. This Connect form ran until 2013, when it was replaced by an all-new successor. Over a decade is quite a good run for a vehicle that still looked and felt remarkably fresh until it was finally fully updated. Cabin and interior The Connect looks somewhat dated inside, but still ensures comfortable transport. However, the standard folding passenger seat can be a bit thin for longer journeys. The base Connect model comes with steering column-mounted audio controls, with an auxiliary point for music players. The folding passenger seat and mesh wall are part of the standard trim, and you benefit from electric windows. Opt for the Trend specification and add Bluetooth with voice control, a six-way adjustable drivers seat, aluminum wheel rays, a map reading light, and overhead storage above the windshield. The Premium Visibility Pack is included, with a quick-clear windshield, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, heated washer jets, and electrically heated door mirrors. Access the limited accessories to cover the range, and youll also get rear parking sensors, air conditioning, a silver gear lever, and leather on the steering wheel. What to look for The Transit Connect is built to be extremely tough and has benefited from many years of continuous development. The interior is not the last word in refinement, but it is tough. The vehicle when new was covered by a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, which also includes Ford breakdown assistance, which can be used in later examples. Check for rattles, worn rear suspension, worn clutches, and brakes, and make sure the load bay ties are not bent or broken. Engines tend to be very robust, but there have been reported issues with batteries and alternator wiring. Spare parts Prices based on the 1.8 Tdci 110 HP engine. As with most Ford models, spare parts are reasonably priced and very abundant. You will be able to get a starter motor for about 180 euros, while an alternator shouldnt cost you much more. A front bumper is about 145 euros. A clutch set with a pressure plate disc bearing for a 5-speed box somewhere around 250 euros on a Ford original. The single-mass flywheel is not replaced, being an advantage over the same 1.8 Tdci Focus engine which is replaced along with the clutch. On the road Dont buy any van that prioritizes ride and handling, but with Fords strong reputation in this department when it comes to passenger cars, then its fair to expect this Transit Connect to be dynamically one of the class leaders. Which broadly it is. Like any LCV, it handles better fully loaded, but even in an unloaded state, the cornering response is predictable and body roll is well controlled. Once youve dropped the load, you can even imagine rather enjoying the drive home around the twisty bits in one of these. Up to a point. Of course, to some extent, youll be limited by the modest powers of the 75 and 90 HP 1.8-liter TDCi diesel units that most Transit Connect customers chose - in the period after 2009. By then, in this van class, the petrol power market was very small. If this isnt enough, then its worth knowing that Ford offered post-2009 buyers a 110 HP variant of the same unit that offers a meaty torque figure of up to 280 Nm (up from 220Nm in the 90PS version), which you really notice when overtaking.
2026