Ford Ka Maintenance Guides - Common Ford Ka Repair Questions Answered
The Ford Ka, also known as the Ford Figo, has been on our roads for over 20 years now. It remains to be hugely popular for its compact size, affordability, reliability and ease in city driving.
As we have a huge number of Ford Ka drivers in our network, we have compiled this guide dedicated to answering the most frequently asked Ford Ka questions.
Ford Ka Tyre Pressure
What is the recommended tyre pressure of a Ford Ka?
The recommended tyre pressure of the Ford Ka should be around 30 PSI for the front tyres, which is equal to 2.1 bar and 26 PSI for the rear tyres which is the equivalent of 1.8 bar.
This value may vary depending on your vehicle model year and country of manufacture.
To find out the recommended tyre pressure of your vehicle consult your owner’s manual.
Alternatively, you can refer to the tyre placard which will be stuck on your driver’s door interior.
Where can I check my Ford Ka tyre pressure?
You can easily check the tyre pressure of your Ford Ka at home with a handheld pressure gauge.
These can be purchased for around £10 and can give you a reading instantly; allowing you to amend tyre pressure accordingly.
These can be a great help prior to an MOT where you can reduce risk of failure by having all tyres spot-on beforehand.
What should I do once I see a TPMS warning?
The tyre pressure warning light (TPMS) on your Ford Ka’s dashboard, resembles an exclamation mark in brackets with a treaded tyre line along the bottom.
If this light illuminates, the first point of call is to check your tyre pressure and amend where necessary.
Once this is correct, start your engine and drive off and the light should go out.
If it remains illuminated, you are likely to either have a faulty TPMS which requires a reset (see below) or you require puncture repair.
How do I reset a Ford Ka tyre pressure light?
The process for resetting your Ford Ka tyre pressure light will depend heavily upon your model year and country of manufacture. The exact process for your vehicle will be found in your owner’s manual.
For the majority of Ford Ka’s:
Press “MENU” button
Scroll to “TYRE RESET” then press the “MENU” button again to confirm this option
The screen will now show “Reset” with “yes” or “no”
Use your + and – buttons to select yes, then press “MENU” again to confirm
You will now see “confirm” with “yes” or “no”
Again, use your + and – buttons to select yes, then press “MENU” again to confirm
The iTPMS will now reset by beginning the self-learning process
Ford Ka Warning Lights
What do the warning lights mean on a Ford Ka?
Any faults with your Ford Ka, will likely be signposted via a warning light on your dashboard. The colour of the warning light indicates the severity of the issue; red warning lights, especially those that flash, are urgent issues that must be resolved ASAP.
Yellow or amber lights show an issue that requires attention but is non-urgent. Be careful not to delay the inspection though as the problem could develop into something much more extensive and expensive.
Green or blue lights are less warning and more informational, for example letting you know that the full beam headlights are on.
What does a Ford Ka engine management warning light mean?
The engine management lights, also known as the injection system failure light, illuminates in amber to indicate a fault with the injection system.
This may result in excessive exhaust emissions, a loss of performance such as slower-starting engine, and higher fuel consumption.
You can continue to drive however it will worsen damage, so you should seek a mechanic’s assistance as soon as you can.
The light signposts a problem with the ECU (engine control unit), if it flashes you may have a damaged catalytic converter.
How to reset a Ford Ka oil pressure warning light?
The Ford Ka low oil pressure warning light symbol is a dripping oil can and will shine in red to indicate an issue. The light illuminating will mean one of either two things.
Firstly, you may be dealing with low oil pressure, in which case you should stop driving as soon as is safe and seek assistance. Alternatively, a flashing oil pressure light indicates that the oil needs changing as it is degraded.
This oil should be changed quickly to prevent further damage.
Ford Ka Service Intervals
When are Ford Ka service intervals?
Your Ford Ka should undergo a full service every 12 months or 12,000 miles, with an interim service in-between if you undertake an extremely high mileage.
An oil change is also needed every 12 months.
Ford Ka Common Problems
Are fan blower motor problems common with the Ford Ka?
Ford Ka’s built before 1999 have experienced issues with the fan blower, both not working on settings 1-3 as well as giving out a burning plastic smell.
This is normally a result of Ford Ka connectors on the blower motor multiplug now being properly connected which then causes the multiplug to melt.
The solution would be fitting a blower motor resistor and wiring loom.
Are TPS sensor issues common on a Ford Ka?
The 1996 Ka is acknowledged to suffer from exceedingly high revs when changing gears.
This is a result of the throttle position sensor not working properly as a result of bad connectors.
In order to fix this, a new sensor and wiring loom is required, this issue is not a concern if your car was built after 1996.
Ford Ka Oil
What the best oil to use for a Ford Ka?
Your Ford Ka should use a fully synthetic oil, recommended grade of either 5W-30 or 5W-40 with 30 being the most highly recommend.
What is the oil capacity for a Ford Ka?
The engine oil capacity for your Ford Ka is dependent upon the model year and country of manufacture, the exact value of which can be found within your car manual.
What to do if a Ford Ka leaks oil?
An oil leak in your Ford Ka, should be cause for concern as it could be signposting a host of other problems.
Often, diagnosing the leak if half the battle making a mechanic inspection the best point of call.
This will get the leak both identified and fixed efficiently, plus we have tons of Ford Ka Leak specialists in our garage network.
Ford Ka Car Battery
What are the symptoms of a dying car battery?
A car battery usually has a lifespan of 3-5 years, however it can lapse prematurely. There are several signs to look out for which warn you of a dying battery.
Firstly, a slower starting engine is probably the most common symptom. Ignoring a slow crank may progress into a much worse issue, so make sure to investigate as soon as this occurs.
Dimmer headlights are another sign of battery failure as well as issues with the electronic components of your vehicle such as power windows and wipers.
A clicking noise when you turn the key is another sign of car battery failure, as well as the more obvious battery warning light coming on the dash.
A visual inspection would also reveal signs; from a swollen battery case and loose terminals to corroded battery connectors.