2009-2016 Ford Ka 2 Door SERVICING AND CARE User Manual
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SERVICING AND CARE for Your Ford Ka 2 Door Second Generation (2009-2016)

133-146 Ford KA EN:131-148 Ford KA IT 14-10-2010 11:41 Pagina 133  
SERVICING AND CARE  
CHECKING LEVELS ........................................................... 134  
AIR CLEANER ...................................................................... 138  
POLLEN FILTER ................................................................... 138  
DIESEL FILTER ...................................................................... 138  
BATTERY ............................................................................... 138  
WHEELS AND TYRES ....................................................... 140  
RUBBER HOSES ................................................................... 141  
WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW WIPERS ................. 142  
BODYWORK ....................................................................... 144  
INTERIORS ........................................................................... 146  
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CHECKING FLUID  
LEVELS  
Left-hand drive versions  
A. Engine oil filler  
B. Engine oil level dipstick  
C. Engine coolant  
D. Windscreen washer fluid  
E. Brake fluid + Clutch fluid  
(right-hand drive, petrol version only)  
F. Battery  
KA00197m  
fig. 1 – 1.3L Duratorq versions  
WARNING  
Never smoke while working  
in the engine compartment:  
gas and inflammable vapours may  
be present, with the risk of fire.  
Be careful!, when topping  
up take care not to confuse  
the various types of fluids:  
they are all incompatible  
with one another and could seriously  
damage the car.  
KA00198m  
fig. 2 – 1.2L Duratec versions  
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ENGINE OIL fig.1-2  
Engine oil consumption  
WARNING  
When the engine is hot,  
take care when working  
Check the oil level a few minutes  
(about five) after the engine has stopped,  
with the car parked on level ground.  
The maximum engine oil consumption  
is usually 400 grams every 1000 km.  
inside the engine compartment  
to avoid burns. Remember that  
when the engine is hot, the fan  
may operate: danger of injury.  
Pay attention to scarves, ties  
and other loose fitting garments:  
they may get caught by moving  
components.  
When the car is new, the engine needs  
to run in, therefore the engine oil  
consumption can only be considered  
stabilised after the first 5,000 – 6,000 km.  
Check the level is within the MIN.  
and MAX. marks on the dipstick B.  
The range between the MIN. and MAX.  
marks corresponds to about 1 litre  
of oil.  
IMPORTANT The oil consumption  
depends on driving style and the car  
usage conditions.  
If the oil level is near or even under  
the MIN line, add oil through the filler  
A to reach the MAX mark.  
IMPORTANT After adding or changing  
the oil, let the engine turn over for  
a few seconds and wait a few minutes  
after turning it off before you check  
the level.  
The oil level must never exceed  
the MAX mark.  
Do not add any oil with  
different specifications  
to those of the existing  
engine oil.  
The used engine oil and  
the replaced oil filter  
contain substances that  
may be dangerous for the  
environment. It is advisable to have  
oil and filters changed by a Ford  
Dealership where they will be  
disposed of according to the law.  
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ENGINE COOLANT fig. 1-2  
WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW  
WASHER FLUID fig. 1-2  
The engine cooling system  
uses protective antifreeze  
fluid. Use the same fluid as  
in the cooling system when  
The coolant level must be checked  
when the engine is cold and must range  
between the MIN. and MAX. marks  
on the reservoir.  
To add fluid, remove the cap D,  
pressing the special tab.  
topping up.  
Check fluid level through the reservoir.  
ARTECO Havoline XLC cooling fluid  
may not be mixed with other types  
of fluids. If this accidentally occurs,  
do not start the engine and contact  
a Ford Dealership.  
If the level is low, slowly pour a mixture  
of 50% distilled water and 50%  
ARTECO Havoline XLC cooling fluid  
through the filler C until the level  
reaches MAX.  
Close the cap D pressing its central  
section.  
A 50-50 mixture of ARTECO Havoline  
XLC cooling fluid and distilled water  
gives freeze protection to −35°C.  
WARNING  
Do not travel if the  
windscreen washer  
WARNING  
The engine cooling system  
is pressurised. If necessary,  
For particularly harsh climate  
conditions, a mixture of 60% ARTECO  
Havoline XLC cooling fluid and 40%  
demineralised water is recommended.  
reservoir is empty: using the  
windscreen washer is essential  
for improving visibility.  
only replace the cap with another  
genuine one or the operation of the  
system may be adversely affected.  
Do not remove the reservoir cap  
when the engine is hot: you risk  
scalding yourself.  
Some commercial windscreen  
washer additives are flammable.  
The engine compartment contains  
hot parts which could cause a fire  
if they come into contact with  
these additives.  
WARNING  
While topping up,  
be careful fluid does  
not leak on engine hot parts.  
WARNING  
When the engine is hot,  
take care when working  
inside the engine compartment:  
you risk scalding yourself.  
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BRAKE FLUID fig. 1-2  
WARNING  
The symbol π, on the  
synthetic brake fluid, which is  
different from a mineral fluid.  
Use of a mineral type fluid will  
damage the special rubber seals of  
the braking system beyond repair.  
Prevent brake fluid which  
is highly corrosive from  
coming into contact with  
Undo the cap E: and check that the  
liquid contained in the reservoir is  
at the maximum level.  
container, indicates a  
painted parts. Should this  
occur, immediately wash with water.  
Fluid level in the reservoir must not  
exceed the MAX mark.  
Use the brake fluid shown in  
the “Fluids and lubricants” table  
(see section “Technical Specifications”)  
to top up.  
WARNING  
Brake fluid is poisonous  
and highly corrosive.  
In the event of accidental contact,  
immediately wash the affected  
parts with water and neutral soap.  
Then rinse thoroughly. In case  
of swallowing immediately call  
a doctor.  
Note Carefully clean the cap of  
reservoir E and the surrounding surface.  
Take great care to ensure that  
impurities do not enter the reservoir  
when the cap is opened.  
For topping-up, always use a funnel  
with integrated filter with mesh equal  
to or lower than 0.12 mm.  
IMPORTANT Brake fluid is hygroscopic  
(i.e. it absorbs moisture). For this  
reason, if the car is mainly used in areas  
with a high degree of atmospheric  
humidity, the fluid should be replaced at  
more frequent intervals than specified in  
the “Service schedule”.  
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AIR CLEANER/  
POLLEN FILTER  
BATTERY  
WARNING  
Using the battery when the  
fluid is too low can damage  
it irreparably and generate a risk of  
explosion.  
The car is fitted with a low-maintenance  
battery: no top-ups with distilled water  
are needed in standard conditions  
of use.  
Have the air cleaner or the pollen filter  
replaced by a Ford Dealership.  
INSPECTING THE CHARGE  
AND THE ELECTROLYTE LEVEL  
CHANGING THE BATTERY  
The operations must be carried out  
as described in this Owner Handbook  
only by skilled personnel. Any top-up  
operations must be carried out by  
specialised personnel and by a Ford  
Dealership.  
DIESEL FILTER  
If required, replace the battery with  
an original spare part with the same  
specifications.  
CONDENSATION DISCHARGE  
(Duratorq versions)  
If a battery with different specifications  
is fitted, the service intervals given in  
the “Scheduled Servicing Plan” will no  
longer be valid.  
The presence of water  
in the supply circuit may  
cause severe damage to  
the injection system  
For battery maintenance, you should  
therefore refer to the instructions  
provided by the battery manufacturer.  
WARNING  
Battery liquid is poisonous  
and corrosive. Avoid  
and irregular engine operation.  
contact with the skin and eyes.  
Keep naked flames or possible  
sources of sparks away from the  
battery: risk of explosion or fire.  
If the warning light  
E
goes on,  
contact a Ford Dealership as soon  
as possible to have the system bled.  
If the above indications come on  
immediately after refuelling, water  
has probably been poured into the  
tank: turn the engine off immediately  
and contact a Ford Dealership.  
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IMPORTANT If the charge level  
remains for a long time under 50%,  
the battery is damaged by sulphation,  
reducing its capacity and starting  
attitude.  
WARNING  
When you must perform  
any operation on the  
Incorrect installation  
of electric and electronic  
devices may cause severe  
damage to your car. Go to a  
Ford Dealership if you want to install  
accessories (anti-theft system, mobile  
phone, etc.): they will suggest the  
most suitable devices and advise you  
if a higher capacity battery needs to  
be installed.  
battery or near it, always protect  
your eyes with special goggles.  
The battery is also more prone to the  
risk of freezing (at temperatures as high  
as −10°C). Refer to the paragraph “Car  
inactivity” in “Starting and driving”  
USEFUL ADVICE FOR  
EXTENDING THE LIFE  
OF YOUR BATTERY  
if the car is left parked for a long time.  
If after buying the car, you want to  
install electric accessories which require  
permanent electric supply (anti-theft  
system, etc.) contact your Ford  
Dealership whose qualified personnel,  
in addition to suggesting the most  
suitable devices, will evaluate the overall  
electric absorption, checking whether  
the car’s electric system is capable of  
withstanding the load required, or  
whether it should be integrated with  
a more powerful battery.  
To avoid draining your battery and  
make it last longer, observe the  
following instructions:  
Batteries contain substances  
that can be very dangerous  
for the environment. It is  
when you park the car, ensure the  
doors, tailgate and bonnet are closed  
properly, to prevent any light  
switching-on inside the passenger’s  
compartment;  
advisable to have the  
battery changed by a Ford Dealership  
where it will be disposed of  
according to the law.  
the internal roof lights must be off.  
The car is however provided with an  
automatic system for switching-off  
internal lights;  
Since these devices continue absorbing  
energy even when the ignition key is off,  
they gradually run down the battery.  
WARNING  
If the vehicle must remain  
unused for a long time  
do not keep accessories (e.g. sound  
system, hazard warning lights, etc...)  
switched on for a long time when the  
engine is not running;  
at very low temperature, remove  
the battery and carry it to a warm  
place, to avoid freezing.  
before performing any operation on  
the electrical system, disconnect the  
negative battery cable;  
battery terminals shall always be  
perfectly tightened.  
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Wrong pressure causes abnormal wear  
of tyres, fig. 5:  
WHEELS AND TYRES  
Check the pressure of each tyre,  
including the space-saver wheel,  
approximately every two weeks and  
before long journeys: the pressure  
should be checked with the tyre rested  
and cold.  
A standard pressure: tread evenly  
worn.  
B low pressure: tread particularly  
worn at the edges.  
C high pressure: tread particularly  
worn in the centre.  
It is normal for pressure to increase  
when the car is used. For the correct  
tyre inflation pressure, see “Wheels”  
in “Technical specifications” section.  
KA00081m  
fig. 5  
The tyres must be replaced when  
the tread is less than 1.6 mm thick.  
In any case, follow the laws in force  
in the country where you are driving.  
WARNINGS  
Avoid braking suddenly, burning  
starts and violent knocks against  
curbs, potholes or other obstacles  
if possible. Driving for long stretches  
over bumpy roads can damage  
the tyres;  
check the tyres regularly for cuts  
on the sides, swelling or irregular  
tread wear. In this case, go to a Ford  
Dealership if required;  
avoid overloading the car when  
travelling: this may cause serious  
damage to the wheels and tyres;  
if a tyre is punctured, stop the vehicle  
immediately and change it to avoid  
damage to the tyre, the rim, the  
suspensions and the steering system;  
a tyre will age even if it is not used  
much. Cracks in the tread and on  
the sidewalls are a sign of ageing.  
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Have the tyres checked by skilled  
RUBBER HOSES  
WARNING  
If the pressure is too low,  
personnel if they have been fitted  
for longer than six years.  
As far as the brake system and fuel  
rubber hoses are concerned, follow  
the “Scheduled Servicing Plan” in this  
chapter carefully.  
the tyre will overheat and  
Also remember to check the space-  
could be seriously damaged.  
saver wheel very carefully;  
In the case of replacement, always  
fit new tyres, avoiding those with  
an unknown origin;  
Ozone, high temperatures and  
prolonged lack of fluid in the system  
may cause hardening and cracking  
of the hoses, with possible leaks.  
Careful checking is therefore necessary.  
WARNING  
Avoid switching the tyres  
from the right side of the  
if a tyre is replaced, also change  
the inflation valve;  
to allow even wear between the  
front and rear tyres, it is advisable  
to change them over every 10–15  
thousand kilometres, keeping them  
on the same side of the car so as not  
to reverse the direction of rotation.  
vehicle to the left side and vice versa.  
WARNING  
Never submit alloy rims  
to repainting treatments  
WARNING  
Remember that the road  
holding qualities of your  
requiring the use of temperatures  
exceeding 150° C. The mechanical  
properties of the wheels could be  
impaired.  
car also depend on the correct  
inflation pressure of the tyres.  
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WINDSCREEN/REAR  
WARNING  
Driving with worn wiper  
blades is a serious hazard,  
because visibility is reduced in bad  
weather.  
WINDOW WIPERS  
BLADES  
Clean the rubber part regularly using  
special products.  
Replace the blades if the rubber edge  
is deformed or worn. In all cases, it is  
advisable to replace them approximately  
once a year.  
KA00199m  
fig. 6  
A few simple precautions can reduce  
the possibility of damage to the blades:  
Changing the windscreen  
wiper blades fig. 6  
make sure that the rubber part is not  
stuck to the windscreen at sub-zero  
temperatures. Use a de-icing product  
to release it if required;  
remove any snow from the glass:  
in addition to protecting the blades,  
this prevents effort on the motor  
and overheating;  
Proceed as follows:  
lift the arm B of the wiper and  
position the blade C so that it forms  
an angle of 90° with the arm itself;  
press the button A and extract from  
the arm B the brush C;  
insert the new blade making sure  
it is locked.  
do not operate the windscreen and  
the rear screen wipers on dry glass.  
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KA00079m  
KA00080m  
KA00200m  
fig. 8  
fig. 9  
fig. 7  
Changing the rear  
window wiper blade fig. 7  
SPRAY NOZZLES  
Windscreen washer fig. 8  
Rear window washer fig. 9  
The rear window washer jets are fixed.  
The nozzle holder is on the rear window.  
Proceed as follows:  
If the jet of fluid is inadequate, firstly  
check that there is fluid in the reservoir:  
see “Checking fluid levels” in this  
chapter).  
raise the cover A and remove  
the arm from the car, slackening the  
nut B that fastens it to the pivot pin;  
position the new arm correctly  
and tighten the nut;  
Then check that the nozzle holes  
are not clogged, if necessary clean  
them using a needle.  
lower the cover.  
The windscreen jets are directed  
by adjusting the nozzle angle.  
The jets must be directed at about 1/3  
of the height from the window  
upper edge.  
WARNING In versions with a sun roof,  
make sure that the sun roof is closed  
before operating the front jets.  
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ADVICE FOR PRESERVING  
THE BODYWORK  
spraying the underbody,  
BODYWORK  
engine compartment, internal wheel  
arches and other parts with highly  
protective wax products;  
PROTECTION FROM  
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS  
Paint  
spraying of protective plastic  
material in the more exposed  
points: underdoor, inner mudguard  
parts, edges, etc...;  
Paintwork does not only serve  
an aesthetic purpose, but also protects  
the underlying sheet metal.  
The main causes of corrosion are  
the following:  
Touch-up abrasions and scratches  
immediately to prevent the formation  
of rust. Only use genuine spare paint  
products for touch-ups (see “Bodywork  
paint identification plate” in the  
atmospheric pollution;  
use of “open” boxed sections  
to prevent condensation and pockets  
of moisture which could cause  
rust inside.  
salty air and humidity (coastal areas,  
or hot humid climates);  
seasonal environmental conditions.  
“Technical Specifications” chapter).  
The abrasive action of wind-borne  
atmospheric dust and sand, as well  
as mud and gravel raised by other  
cars is also not to be underestimated.  
BODY AND UNDERBODY  
WARRANTY  
Standard maintenance of paintwork  
consists in washing the vehicle;  
its frequency depends on the conditions  
and environment where the vehicle  
is used. For example, in highly polluted  
areas, or if the roads are sprayed with  
salt, it is advisable to wash the car  
more frequently.  
Your car is covered by warranty against  
perforation due to rust of any original  
element of the structure or body.  
On your car, Ford implemented  
the best manufacturing technologies  
to effectively protect the bodywork  
against corrosion.  
For the general terms of this warranty,  
refer to the Warranty Booklet.  
These include:  
painting products and systems which  
give the car particular resistance  
to corrosion and abrasion;  
use of galvanised (or pretreated)  
steel sheets, with high resistance  
to corrosion;  
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To correctly wash the vehicle, proceed  
as follows:  
Do not wash the car after it has been  
left in the sun or with the bonnet hot:  
this may alter the shine of the  
paintwork.  
Glasses  
To clean glasses, use specific window  
cleaner products.  
remove the aerial from the roof  
to prevent damage to it if the car  
is washed in an automatic system;  
Also use clean cloths to avoid  
scratching the glass or damaging  
the transparency.  
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned  
in the same way as the rest of the car.  
if high pressure jets or cleaners  
are used to wash the vehicle, hold at  
least 40 cm away from the bodywork  
to avoid damage or alteration.  
It should be remembered that  
the build up of water can damage  
the car over a period of time;  
Where possible, do not park under  
trees; the resinous substance that many  
species release give the paint a dull  
appearance and increase the possibility  
of triggering rusting processes.  
IMPORTANT Wipe the rear window  
inside gently with a cloth in the  
direction of the filaments to avoid  
damaging the heating device.  
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be  
washed off immediately and thoroughly  
as the acid they contain is particularly  
aggressive.  
wash the body using a low pressure  
jet of water;  
wipe a sponge with a slightly  
soapy solution over the bodywork,  
frequently rinsing the sponge;  
rinse well with water and dry with  
a jet of air or a chamois leather.  
Detergents cause water  
pollution. The vehicle should  
be washed in areas equipped  
for collecting and purifying  
Dry the less visible parts particularly  
carefully, such as the door frames,  
bonnet and the headlight frames,  
where water may stagnate more easily.  
The car should not be taken to a closed  
area immediately, but left in the open  
so that residual water can evaporate.  
the liquid used in the washing process.  
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Engine compartment  
SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS  
INTERIORS  
At the end of each winter, thoroughly  
Remove dust with a soft brush or  
a vacuum cleaner.  
Periodically check that water is not  
wash the engine compartment, taking  
care to avoid spraying the water jet  
directly onto the electronic control  
units and the relay/fuse box on the  
left side of the engine compartment  
(driving direction). Have this operation  
performed at a specialised workshop.  
trapped under the mats (due to water  
dripping off shoes, umbrellas, etc.)  
which could cause oxidisation of  
the sheet metal.  
Rub the seats with a sponge moistened  
with a solution of water and neutral  
detergent.  
PLASTIC PARTS  
IMPORTANT The washing should  
take place with the engine cold and  
the ignition key in the STOP position.  
After the washing operation, make sure  
that the various protections (e.g. rubber  
caps and guards) have not been  
removed or damaged.  
It is advisable to clean interior parts  
with a moist cloth and a solution  
of water and mild neutral soap.  
To remove grease and tough stains,  
use products designed specifically for  
cleaning plastics. These have no solvents  
and have been designed so that they  
do not alter the appearance and colour  
of the components.  
WARNING  
Never use flammable  
products, such as petrol  
ether or rectified petrol to clean  
the inside of the car.  
The electrostatic charges which  
are generated by rubbing during  
cleaning may cause a fire.  
Front headlights  
IMPORTANT Never use aromatic  
substances (e.g.: petrol) or ketenes  
(e.g.: acetone) for cleaning front  
headlight plastic lens.  
IMPORTANT Never use alcohol or  
petroleum to clean the instrument panel.  
WARNING  
Do not keep aerosol cans  
in the vehicle: these could  
explode. Aerosol cans must not  
be exposed to a temperature  
exceeding 50° C. When the vehicle  
is exposed to sunlight, inner  
temperature can greatly  
exceed this value.  
146  

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