I'm looking to carry out a service on my Girlfriends ford KA 1.3 collection, any info would be great.

Gregor, May 2009

My wife owns a 05 KA 1.3 duratec 8v. I've serviced it from new.
Fords service schedule below:-
Oil & filter, 1 year or 12,500 miles.
Plugs every 3 years.
Air filter every 3 years.
Pollen filter every 2 years.
Brake fluid every 2 years.
Petrol filter every 6 years (I think not 100% sure).
I changed my wife's front pads when the car was 3 years old. If I were you & pads were getting down, I'd change discs too.
I have not yet changed the brake fluid, as it still looks clear. Going to change pollen filter for the first time. Changed petrol filter when car was 3 years old (personal preference). I change oil every year or 8,000 miles.

Had to change alternator when the car was 4 years old. I tested car battery input first, 18v+ was over charging battery. Cost £200 inc fitting from a local trusted garage. Not an easy job on the Duratec engines. Also heater valve went when car was 2 years old, replaced under warranty. Have also suffered from rust close to where the rear wiper arm meets hatch. Again resprayed under warranty. Usual fogged up front headlight, which Ford weren't interested in fixing.

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Free to register.

George., May 2009

Hi Gregor,
The five year service includes:-
replace engine oil inc filter
replace air filter & pollen filter (if fitted)
replace spark plugs
remove all road wheels and check condition of front disc's and pad wear, check rear shoes through inspection hole in backplate inspect all flexible brake hoses for chaffing and other damage
drain and refill brake fluid
check condition of exhaust system inc rubber mounts
inspect all rigid brake pipes for corrossion and damage
check cooling fluid for correct mix of anti-freeze
inspect all cooling pipes for damage and any evidence of leaks
inspect serpentine belt for any damage
read any fault codes stored in engine ecu

nc, May 2009

Aim to replace the engine oil, oil filter, sump seal, air filter and fuel filter for a start...budget for new disc pads, maybe discs on the front, maybe shoes on the rear, perhaps the coolant needs changing, together with the brake fluid - it all depends on when the last service was, and what was done. At least do the engine service, then inspect all of the brakes before dashing out for bits for them. if the car is 5 years old, check the rear wheel cylinders for leakage too. Buy your bits at a good motor factors to save cash.

John, May 2009