Ford · Focus 3 · 2011-2018
Ford Focus 3 1.6 Ti-VCT 125 specs and common problems
The petrol 1.6 Ti-VCT version of the Focus 3, known for its driving fun, is often converted to LPG. The engine is robust, but the Powershift automatic is this model's best-known chronic problem.
01 / 07
How much oil does the Focus 3 1.6 Ti-VCT 125 take?
The Focus 3 1.6 Ti-VCT 125 takes about 4.1 litres of 5W-20 engine oil including the filter. Approval to look for on the bottle: Ford WSS-M2C948-B.
- Approval
- Ford WSS-M2C948-B
- Alternative
- 5W-30 (Ford-approved)
- Manual 5-speed
- Ford 75W-90 · ≈ 1.9 L
- Powershift DPS6
- Ford-approved dual-clutch fluid · ≈ 1.7 L
- Coolant
- Ford WSS-M97B44-D (OAT) · ≈ 5.8 L
- Brake fluid
- DOT 4
02 / 07
Timing belt and maintenance
In practice 120,000 km / 6 years
Replace the water pump and tensioner at the same time.
The water pump is driven by the timing belt, so it should be replaced at the same time.
- Oil change
- 15,000 km or once a year (10,000 km on LPG)
- Spark plug
- Gap ≈ 1.0 mm · 60,000 km (30,000 km on LPG)
- Valves / tappets
- Mechanical bucket tappets. On LPG cars, check valve clearance periodically.
- Air filter
- 30,000 km
- Power
- 125 hp @ 6,300 rpm
- Torque
- 159 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
- Displacement
- 1,596 cc
- Fuel
- Petrol · Naturally aspirated
- Valvetrain
- DOHC 16V, dual variable cam timing (Ti-VCT)
- Injection
- Multi-point sequential injection (MPI)
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual / 6-speed Powershift dual-clutch
- Emissions
- Euro 5
03 / 07
Tyre size and pressure
- Original size
- 205/55 R16
- Alternative sizes
- 215/50 R17 · 195/65 R15
- Bolt pattern (PCD)
- 5x108
- Centre bore
- 63.4 mm
- Wheel
- 6.5J x 16 ET50
04 / 07
Is the Focus 3 1.6 Ti-VCT 125 suitable for LPG?
Sequential LPG system
- Toroidal tank
- 630/200 toroidal tank, ≈ 47 L gross
- Valve protection
- Recommended
- On the Ti-VCT engine, the LPG tune should use the petrol fuel trim values as a reference.
05 / 07
Focus 3 1.6 Ti-VCT 125 common problems and fixes
- #01
Powershift transmission judder
High RiskAfter 40,000 km
- Symptom:
- Judder when pulling away, delayed shifts, rolling back on slopes, 'transmission fault' warning.
- Cause:
- Oil contaminating the dry clutches (seal leak) and clutch wear.
- Proper fix:
- Input shaft seals and the clutch kit are replaced, followed by a clutch relearn.
- #02
Powershift control unit (TCM) failure
High RiskAfter 60,000 km
- Symptom:
- Car won't engage gear, drops into neutral, P0700.
- Cause:
- Electronic failure of the transmission control unit.
- Proper fix:
- TCM repair or replacement and programming.
06 / 07
Common fault codes on the Focus 3 1.6 Ti-VCT 125
07 / 07
Frequently asked questions
How much engine oil does the Focus 3 1.6 Ti-VCT 125 take?
The Focus 3 1.6 Ti-VCT 125 (Sigma 1.6 Ti-VCT) takes about 4.1 litres of engine oil including the filter. Recommended viscosity is 5W-20; look for the Ford WSS-M2C948-B approval. Check the level on the dipstick after filling.
When should the timing belt on the Focus 3 1.6 Ti-VCT 125 be replaced?
This engine uses a timing belt. In practice 120,000 km / 6 years. Replace the water pump and tensioner at the same time.
What tyre pressure should the Focus 3 1.6 Ti-VCT 125 run?
With the original 205/55 R16 tyres, 33 PSI front and 30 PSI rear are recommended at normal load, and 36 front / 42 rear at full load. The exact values are on the door pillar or fuel flap sticker.
Is the Focus 3 1.6 Ti-VCT 125 suitable for LPG?
Suitable, valve protection recommended. On the Ti-VCT engine, the LPG tune should use the petrol fuel trim values as a reference.
What are the common problems of the Focus 3 1.6 Ti-VCT 125?
The best-known problems are: Powershift transmission judder, Powershift control unit (TCM) failure, Variable cam timing solenoid failure. The symptoms and fix for each are explained on this page.
Other Ford models
Values are approximate and may vary by engine and VIN. Check against your service manual before doing any work. ·