Ford Ka Owners' Guide
- Car ownership
- Ford
FixMyCar provides key information about the Ford Ka.
Book a car repair nowEllie Dyer-Brown
Friday May 02 2025
8 min read
The Ford Ka, produced between 1996 and 2019, is an affordable compact city car popular in the UK for its easy handling and low running costs.
This owners’ guide compiles key information about your Ka in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly.
Ford Ka generations
Ford Ka Mk1 1996-2008
Though fairly basic on the inside, the original Ford Ka was a head-turner because of its bold ‘New Edge’ styling. Based on the Ford Fiesta Mk3-5, it was plastic-edged with a minimalist interior and basic equipment. Crucially, however, it beat its close rival, the Smart car, in terms of price.
Body styles:
Three-door hatchback
Key engine options:
1.3-litre 49/69bhp Duratec petrol
Ford Ka Mk2 2008-2016
The second-generation Ka was based on the same platform as the iconic Fiat 500. It offered improved safety and efficiency, better tech, and a more modern interior. The exterior was more modestly styled – though it still had more personality than the bigger Ford Fiesta.
Body styles:
Three-door hatchback
Key engine options:
1.2-litre 69bhp Duratec petrol
1.3-litre 75bhp Duratorq TDCi diesel
Ford Ka+ 2016-2019
Ford introduced the larger Ka+ in 2019 to compete with a wide range of superminis, including the Suzuki Celerio and Vauxhall Viva. It was based on the Ford Figa (sold in India), though the suspension was altered for UK roads.
In addition to considerably more legroom, the Ka+ boasted generous equipment levels even for basic models, with Bluetooth connectivity, electric front windows and door mirrors, remote central locking, and six airbags as standard.
Body styles:
Five-door hatchback
Key engine options:
1.2-litre 70/82bhp Ti-VCT petrol
1.5-litre 95bhp TDCi diesel
Service intervals
Maintaining your Ford Ka is crucial to minimise breakdowns and extend its lifespan. Ford recommends the following service intervals for different Ka configurations.
A time and a distance are given for each interval – the service should be carried out at whichever comes first.
| Model | Interim service – 1 year/10k | Full service - 1 year/6k | 1 year/10k | 1 year 12.5k | 1 year/15k | 1 year/18k | 2 years/12.5k | 2 years/18k | 2 years 20k |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ka (09/1996-10/2002) | X | ||||||||
| Ka (10/2002-07/2008) | X | ||||||||
| Ka (05/2008-06/2016) | X | ||||||||
| KA+ 2016.5 1.2 Duratec Ti-VCT Euro 6 (05/2016-02/2018) | X | ||||||||
| KA+ 2016.5 Ti-VCT-I3 Euro 6.2 (03/2018-) | X | ||||||||
| KA+ 2016.5 1.5L Duratorq Euro 6.2 (02/2018-19/08/2018) | X | ||||||||
| KA+ 2016.5 1.5L Duratorq Euro 6.2 (20/08/2018-) | X | X |
Additionally, Ford recommends you should carry out the following checks at home.
Monthly:
Every six months:
✅ Body and door drain holes
✅ Coolant level and strength
✅ Door weatherstrips
✅ Hinges, latches and outside locks
✅ Safety belts and seat latches
✅ Handbrake
✅ Safety warning lamps
✅ Washer spray and wiper operation
Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides:
Tyre pressure
What are the tyre pressures for a Ford Ka?
The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the Ka on TyrePressures.com.
However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres. You can find the correct pressure for your Ka:
In the vehicle handbook/owner’s manual.
Printed on the sill of the driver’s door.
On the inside of the fuel tank cap.
Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information.
| Ka model year | Front tyre size | Front tyre pressure | Rear tyre size | Rear tyre pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010 | 195/50/R15 82 V | 29 PSI/2 BAR | 195/50/R15 82 V | 29 PSI/2 BAR |
| 2013 | 175/65/R14 82 T | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR | 175/65/R14 82 T | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR |
Where can I check my Ford Ka tyre pressure?
You can check your Ka’s tyre pressure:
At home using a hand-held gauge
On a petrol station forecourt using an air machine
How to reset a Ford Ka tyre pressure light
These instructions apply to the Mk2 Ka. If your model has different controls or you’re unsure, your owner’s manual will provide detailed instructions.
Switch the ignition on. The engine doesn’t have to be running.
Press the menu button on the side of the dashboard display.
Scroll through the menu using the ‘+’ and ‘-’ buttons until you reach ‘reset tyres’.
Press the menu button again.
The system will ask if you want to reset. Use the menu button to select ‘yes’.
Once the tyre pressure is saved, you can close the menu.
Engine oil
It’s crucial to use the correct engine oil for your car – find out why in this guide.
5W-30 oil is commonly used in Ford models, but the recommended oil grade can differ between different Ka configurations and depending on whether the car uses petrol or diesel. Your owner’s manual will provide information about the correct oil for your vehicle.
Ford recommends using Castrol engine oil.
What engine oil is needed for a Ford Ka 1.2 petrol?
5W-30 is the recommended oil for a 1.2-litre petrol Ka. For a 1.2-litre Ka+, the recommended oil is 5W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a Ford Ka?
The oil capacity of a Ka depends on the size of the engine. Most models have a capacity of between three and four litres.
Examples:
1.2-litre Duratec (2008-2016) - 2.8-litres
1.3-litre Duratec (1996-2008) - 4.1-litres
Before changing your oil, check this information in your owner’s manual to ensure you don’t overfill the system.
Need help checking and topping up your engine oil? Read this guide.
Battery
What battery do I need for my Ford Ka?
The type and size of the battery will depend on the model’s configurations. You can find this information in your owner’s manual. Many Ka models use a type 063 battery, whereas a Ka+ is more likely to require a type 096.
⚠️ If your car has start-stop technology that automatically switches the engine off when stationary, it requires an AGM or EFB battery.
Things to consider when buying a battery for your Ford Ka
Start-Stop Systems: Models equipped with start-stop technology require Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) or Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) due to their enhanced charge cycles and durability.
Battery Dimensions: It's crucial to match the battery dimensions and hold-down type to ensure proper fitment.
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): Higher CCA values are beneficial for cold starts, especially in diesel engines.
Battery Brands: Reputable brands like Bosch, Varta, Exide, and Halfords offer batteries compatible with Ford Ka models.
Warning lights
What do the warning lights mean on a Ford Ka?
Dashboard warning lights are triggered by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) when a problem is detected. You can learn some information by looking at the shape and colour of the light, but for a detailed diagnosis, you’ll usually need to book a diagnostic test.
Red lights indicate a severe problem. You should stop driving and contact a mechanic.
Yellow lights are less urgent – you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book your car into a garage.
Learn more about car warning lights and what they mean in this guide.
Ford Ka warning lights you might not know
Ford anti-theft system light
The anti-theft system light looks like a car with a padlock beside it. It flashes red intermittently while the vehicle is switched off to show that the system is working and the car won’t start without your key fob. Some drivers mistake it for a warning light.
Here are our top tips for avoiding car theft.
Ford external temperature warning light
This light looks like a snowflake or a road with a snowflake on it. At first glance, it’s easy to assume it’s related to the engine cooling system – but the light relates to the temperature outside, rather than inside, the car. It illuminates when the external temperature is cold enough for ice to form, usually less than four degrees.
When you see this light, drive carefully, as the road conditions will likely be slippery.
Spotted a warning light but don’t know what’s causing it? Don’t guess – book a diagnostic test!
Common problems
Here, we look at two common problems encountered by Ka owners.
1. Suspension faults
According to data from Warranty Direct, suspension faults are by far the biggest problem encountered by Mk1 Ka owners. Fortunately, repairs are usually affordable.
Learn how to identify common suspension issues.
2. Rust
Rust is a recurring problem no matter which generation of the Ka you go for. It often forms around the petrol filler cap, front suspension, rear springs, and chassis. If left untreated, rust will worsen over time and could eventually render the car unsafe.
Learn how to repair car rust in this guide.
Need help diagnosing car problems? Check out the following guides for advice:
Top Ford Ka questions and topics
How do you pronounce Ford Ka?
The official pronunciation of Ka is “kah” - identical to how you say “car”. Some people pronounce the two letters separately - “K-A” - but according to Ford, this is incorrect.
How to open a Ford Ka bonnet
The following instructions are for a Mk1 Ka. If you’re unsure how to open your car’s bonnet, you can find instructions in your owner’s manual.
Pull the red bonnet release lever under the steering wheel column until you hear the bonnet click open.
Slide your fingers under the bonnet and release the safety catch.
Open the bonnet fully and secure it in place.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.