MME’s 2019 Ford Transit Connect XLT

MME Consulting’s Sacramento Van. This is a 2nd generation Transit Connect, and the 2019 model got a facelift over the previous years.

Vehicle Details

  • Make – Ford
  • Model – Transit Connect
  • Model Year – 2019
  • Trim – XLT Long Wheel Base (LWB) w/Rear Symmetrical Doors
  • Options – Option Pack 110A plus Rear Cargo LED Light and Reverse Sensing System
  • Engine – 2.0 liter GDI (162 bhp)
  • VIN – NM0LS7F21K1398936 (VIN Decoder here)
  • Purchase Date – December 7, 2018
  • License Plate – 08150R2 (California) (SMOG Lookup here)
  • Color – Frozen White

Additional Specs online here and Wikipedia background here

MyCarFax Records here (logged in as Stefano)

When she was new!

Service History

Date: December 2018
Mileage: ?
Performed by: Stefano

Services Performed: Installed a pair of Weather Tech front floor mats. Installed a pair of USB Port Savers. Installed PPF door edge guards on the driver and passenger front doors.

Date: February 10, 2019
Mileage: ?
Performed by: Stefano and Bozo

Services Performed: Installed a Kargo Master 40680 interior cage to protect drivers compartment.

Date: December 6, 2019
Mileage: 10,306
Performed by: Future Ford of Sacramento

Services Performed: 10K service performed (Oil Change and Filter). Warranty items noted were harsh downshifts of automatic transmission, missing exterior roof plug, and interior headliner filler plug. Both were ‘Denied’ by the Ford monkey’s even though we are under initial bumper to bumper warranty. Downshifts we were told were just like that and maybe the 8-speed auto was just dropping 2 gears at once. Losers. They didn’t even enter the service into the systems properly so the service shows up on Service History of the FordPass app or Carfax. A year later neither shows the service. Manually added to Carfax and FordPass. This alone will trigger the switch to using Stefano’s for everything except warranty covered items. Ford Dealers suck.

Date: November 29, 2020
Mileage: 19,431
Performed by: Stefano’s Garage

Services Performed: Performed the 2 year service at Stefano’s so its done right vs. Ford Dealer that sucks. Vehicle notified us on dash and on FordPass App (app is pretty decent). Followed the Ford Service Schedule outline including:

  • Changed Oil. Replaced with Castrol Edge 5W-20 full synthetic. About 5.5 liters as expected.
  • Changed Filter. Replaced with OEM Motocraft FL910S (from parts page).
  • Did not change drain plug. No leaks. But, there is an O-Ring and we should have a few on hand to start swapping those. Couldn’t find a Torque spec, but torqued to 30 Nm based on experience.
  • Replaced cabin filter with ATP Activated Carbon filter from parts page. The Ford OEM one was a decent quality one, and would be better to refit in the future. No really good YouTube videos on this, but the one shitty one from one guy was enough of a clue. Just had to remove one footwell panel beneath the glove box (to make clearance for it to be removed), and then had access to cover to remove. Space is very tight, and had to squash and twist to install.
  • Reviewed tires. Wearing evenly. Found a screw that had pierced the left rear tire slightly on a lucky angle, was merely in the tread. Removed screw (see photo below). All four tires wearing evenly and at about 50% life left. Expect 2 more years, so somewhere around 40K miles will need replacing.
  • Rotated Tires, Fronts to Rears, Rears to Front on same side only.
  • Set tire pressures. 41 psi Front, 42 psi Rear, 44 psi Full Size Spare.
  • Torqued wheels to factory spec of 162 ft-lbs (wow – these were brutal to get loose).
  • Topped up Washer Fluid.
  • Inspected Coolant Level – all good.
  • Brake Fluid Flush. Used Pennzoil DOT4. Flushed all four wheels. Topped fluid to max.
  • Inspected brake system. Rotors good, pads good (~50% left), hoses good, no leaks.
  • Inspected Steering and Suspension. Tie rod ends, lower ball joints, drop links, sway bar bushings, Steering rack gators, bushings. Same for rears. Struts and shocks no leaks. All good as new.
  • Inspected exhaust system, hangers, etc. All good.
  • Inspected Underbody. No real damage of note other than some left front bumper curb scuff and minor damage to air deflector in front of LF wheel. (see photo below)
  • Inspected all the lights. All good.
  • Inspected engine for leaks. None.
  • Inspected engine drive belts for wear or cracks. All good.
  • Cleaned up engine bay, picked out leaves building up near hood hinges.
  • Interior cabin cleanup. Wiped down surfaces, vacuumed, cleaned Weathertech mats, etc.
  • Test drove, brake test, etc.
  • Reset the Oil Life via the dash display.
  • Updated MyCarFax with DIY Service
Underbody Scuffing an Minor Damage to LF Tire Air Deflector
Got away with this one….

Date: January 7, 2022
Mileage: 26,208
Performed by: Stefano’s Garage

Services Performed: Performed the 3 year service at Stefano’s so its done right vs. Ford Dealer that sucks. Vehicle notified us on dash and on FordPass App (app is pretty decent). She has only done about 6,500 miles in the last year (damn Covids). Followed the Ford Service Schedule outline including:

  • Changed Oil. Replaced with Castrol Edge 5W-20 full synthetic. About 5.5 liters as expected.
  • Changed Filter. Replaced with OEM Motocraft FL910S (from parts page).
  • Did not change drain plug. No leaks. But, there is an O-Ring and we should have a few on hand to start swapping those. Couldn’t find a Torque spec, but torqued to 30 Nm based on experience.
  • Replaced engine air filter. Used WIX p/n WA10832.
  • Tires:
    • Fronts – both measured at 6.5/32nd
    • Rear – both measured at 7/32nds
    • Inspected for damage, etc.
    • Rotated Tires, Fronts to Rears, Rears to Front on same side only.
    • Set tire pressures. 41 psi Front, 42 psi Rear, 42 psi Full Size Spare.
    • Torqued wheels to factory spec of 162 ft-lbs
    • Expecting 1-2 more years from tires
  • Topped up Washer Fluid.
  • Inspected Coolant Level – slightly below max (just a few ounces). Topped off with fresh Havoline OAT 50%/50%.
  • Inspected Brake Fluid. All good – at max.
  • Inspected brake system. Rotors good, pads good (~50% left), hoses good, no leaks.
  • Inspected Steering and Suspension. Tie rod ends, lower ball joints, drop links, sway bar bushings, Steering rack gators, bushings. Same for rears. Struts and shocks no leaks. All good as new.
  • Inspected exhaust system, hangers, etc. All good.
  • Inspected Underbody. No real damage of note other than previously noted left front bumper curb scuff and minor damage to air deflector in front of LF wheel.
  • Inspected all the lights. All good.
  • Inspected engine for leaks.
    • All good with exception of some minor oil mist on transmission case near front of dog bone mount.
    • Used 13mm and snugged the transmission case bolt where the weep might be originating. Wasn’t super loose or anything. Snugged the neighboring 2 bolts to match.
    • Will continue to observe.
  • Inspected engine drive belts for wear or cracks. All good.
  • Cleaned up engine bay, picked out leaves building up near hood hinges.
  • Test drove, brake test, etc.
  • Reset the Oil Life via the dash display.
  • Interior cabin cleanup. Wiped down surfaces, vacuumed, cleaned Weathertech mats, etc.
  • Exterior Snow Foam Wash
  • Updated MyCarFax with DIY Service
Treated to a Snow Foam Detail

Date: July 12, 2022

Received this Safety Recall Notice 22S43 (NHTSA Recall 22V413) of an upcoming recall from Ford. An issue with a damaged or missing transmission shifter cable bushing. No action to take yet as the replacement parts are not available at the dealers.

Date: December 23, 2022
Mileage: 34,312
Performed by: Stefano’s Garage

Services Performed: Performed the 4 year service at Stefano’s. Oil life was at 5% based on the FordPass App. Followed the Ford Service Schedule outline including:

  • Changed Oil. Replaced with Castrol Edge 5W-20 full synthetic. About 5.5 liters as expected.
  • Changed Filter. Replaced with OEM Motorcraft FL910S (from parts page).
  • Changed drain plug with Motorcraft OEM.
  • Replaced cabin filter with ATP Activated Carbon filter from parts page. The design seems to have changed an the filter is thicker now, more challenging to get in, but fits better when it is.
  • Reviewed tires.
    • Wearing evenly, about 6.5/32ths all round. I expect we’ll get one more season at least, maybe two.
    • Rotated Tires, Fronts to Rears, Rears to Front on same side only.
    • Set tire pressures. 41 psi Front, 42 psi Rear, 42 psi Full Size Spare.
    • Torqued wheels to factory spec of 162 ft-lbs
  • Topped up Washer Fluid with plain water
  • Inspected Coolant Level – topped with about 4 oz. of PEAK OET Extended Life Orange.
  • Inspected brake system. Rotors good, pads still good (~10mm front, 9mm rear), hoses good, no leaks.
  • Brake Fluid Flush. Used Pennzoil DOT4. Flushed all four wheels. Topped fluid to max.
  • Inspected Steering and Suspension. Tie rod ends, lower ball joints, drop links, sway bar bushings, Steering rack gators, bushings. Same for rears. Struts and shocks no leaks. All good as new.
  • Inspected exhaust system, hangers, etc. All good.
  • Inspected Underbody. No real damage of note other than some left front bumper curb scuff and minor damage to air deflector in front of LF wheel previously noted 2 years ago.
  • Inspected all the lights. All good.
  • Inspected engine for leaks. None.
  • Inspected engine drive belts for wear or cracks. All good.
  • Pressure washed engine bay, picked out leaves building up near hood hinges.
  • Exterior deep clean. Snow foam and pressure wash at Stefano’s. A few rock chips now in front end paint, and a few chips in the windshield (but no cracks).
  • Interior cabin cleanup. Wiped down surfaces, vacuumed, cleaned Weathertech mats, etc.
  • Connected to car with Forscan software, read DTCs (2) and cleared
    • One time code about air flap not reporting in on HVAC, was not present and not there after clear
    • Code about restraint system that was present and still present after clear. Not making CEL, so monitoring for now.
  • Test drove, brake test, etc.
  • Reset the Oil Life via the dash display.
  • Updated MyCarFax with DIY Service
Exterior All Cleaned and Serviced for another year!
Interior cleaned up nicely!

Date: May 16, 2023
Mileage: 36,448
Performed by: Woodland Ford

Services Performed: Took to Ford Dealer to have the recall notice repair for 22S43 completed (see recall notice above from July 2022).

Date: December 28, 2023
Mileage: 41,006
Performed by: Stefano’s Garage

Services Performed: Performed the 5 year service at Stefano’s. About 6,700 miles since last service. Followed the Ford Service Schedule outline including:

  • Changed Oil.
    • Replaced with Castrol Edge 5W-20 full synthetic. About 5.5 liters as expected.
    • Reused drain plug this time. Condition was excellent.
  • Changed Filter. Replaced with OEM Motorcraft FL910S (from parts page).
  • Reviewed tires:
    • Fronts 5/32″ and wearing evenly
    • Rear 6/32″ and wearing evenly
    • Rotated front to rear, same sides.
    • Tires are probably good for 1 to 2 more years
    • Torqued to 111 ft/lbs
    • Set tire pressures to 41psi front, 42 psi rear, 42 psi spare.
  • Topped up Washer Fluid with plain water
  • Inspected Coolant Level – all good
  • Inspected brake system.
    • Rotors good, pads still good (~8mm front, 7mm rear)
    • Hoses good, no leaks.
    • Inspected Brake Fluid – all good
  • Inspected Steering and Suspension. Tie rod ends, lower ball joints, drop links, sway bar bushings, Steering rack gators, bushings. Same for rears. Struts and shocks no leaks. All good as new.
    • Noted a small area of oil residue on Electronic Power Steering motor housing. See photo. Nothing to worry about yet, just monitor.
  • Inspected exhaust system, hangers, etc.
    • I could hear a scrape noise when shaking rear muffler. Found part of the heat shield forward of the muffler was damaged. Appeared to be hooked going over something, bent down, torn and was close enough to exhaust. Soft aluminum, so I bent it back and reshaped. Should be fine.
  • Inspected Underbody.
    • See the note above related to muffler.
    • Some left front bumper curb scuff and minor damage to air deflector in front of LF and RF wheels. The plastic piece in front of LF wheel is really starting to look mangled. Missing bolts, twisted up. Probably worth considering replacing.
  • Inspected all the lights. All good.
  • Inspected engine for leaks. None.
    • Noted some staining on the undertray that would be situated under the oil filter area. But, no visible leaks on engine or filter. Had been raining, so the stain could be merely water.
  • Inspected engine drive belts for wear or cracks. All good.
  • Noted some surface rust on the LF and RF drive shafts. Ford left them as raw metal, so some minor surface rust. Not an issue. See photos.
  • Interior cabin cleanup. Wiped down surfaces, vacuumed, vornado’d, cleaned Weathertech mats, etc.
  • Test drove, brake test, etc.
  • Reset the Oil Life via the dash display.
  • Connected to car with Forscan software, read DTCs (2) and cleared
    • One time code about air flap not reporting in on HVAC, was not present and not there after clear
    • APIM module DTC Code U0151 “Lost Communication With Restraints Control Module” Status (-0B) was present and still present after clear (same as last year). Not making CEL, so monitoring for now.
  • Updated MyCarFax with DIY Service

Thinking since the APIM DTC is lingering, might be worth updating the APIM software version. Checked version via Dash Interface and is from 2021 (Sync 3.4 build 20136. Started the car and linked car to WiFi at the shop, and initiated a “Check for new version” and it started an ‘insanely’ slow download of 5U5T-14G391-BS_16607721220000,TAR.GZ. After 30+ minutes was only about 15% downloaded. Will look into updating via USB key instead. Shut car off.

Still needs its annual exterior super clean (potentially with hub caps off to clean brake dust accumulating on rims).

In for service at Stefano’s

Date: December 31, 2023
Mileage: 41,006
Performed by: Stefano’s Garage

Services Performed: Updated the APIM software using the USB key. As noted in the last service the process of doing it through the console was very, very slow. 

First I went to https://www.ford.com/support/sync-maps-updates/ and it says Update Available 3.4.23188. I put in the VIN and I followed their process to download the .Zip file. Problem is, the ~2GB Zip won’t unzip, it says its corrupt. I downloaded it several times, and tried unzipping on two PCs, no change.

I decided to use the Syn3 Updater tool that I am familiar with from working on the Police Interceptor. Essentially a website and app tool that builds the same USB keys, including formating and giving you options that the Ford website might not offer. Check out the CyanLabs website here. I made the new USB key to upgrade to build 3.4.23188 from build 20136. 

I started the car, inserted the USB key, and it said it was ‘Updating Software’. I left it idling. It took about 50 minutes to apply, but eventually popped up a notice that it completed, and then restarted the Sync APIM display. For good measure I shut off the car, opened/closed door and locked. Then reentered and started back up. Vehicle reports its on Sync 3.4.23188 now as expected.

I connected Forscan laptop again and unfortunately the APIM DTC code U0151 is still present (as it has been for 2 or more years). May have been there since brand new, just un-noticed since I didn’t have Forscan. At least the APIM software is up to date now.

{Update] Some googling on this error code turned up this page on the National Highway and Transportation Safety Association website (nhtsa.gov), specifically about this issue in a limited number of Ford Transit Connect vehicles Read the official release here. 

“Some 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles built on or before 29-Jun-2020 may have a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0151 stored in the SYNC Module (Accessory Protocol Interface Module). If no other codes are present and a U0151 code remains after clearing, do not attempt any further repairs. This code does not impact the performance or reliability of the vehicle and will not induce a customer indicator.”

Old vs. New Versions of APIM Software
Software Now Reports Up to Date

Date: January 7, 2024 (Happy Birthday Megan!)
Mileage: ???
Performed by: Stefano

Services Performed: Used the new shop Bissell Pro Heat Carpet/Upholstery cleaner and cleaned the two front seats. The rinse water was, umm, gross brown. Was well worth doing and the seats look brand new.

Ewwww – Gross

Date: December 28, 2024
Mileage: 47,412
Performed by: Stefano’s Garage

Services Performed: Performed the 6 year service at Stefano’s. About 6,406 miles since last service. Followed the Ford Service Schedule outline including:

  • Changed Engine Oil
    • Replaced with Castrol Edge 5W-20 full synthetic. About 5.5 liters as expected.
    • Reused drain plug this time. Condition was excellent.
  • Changed Filter. Replaced with Wix 51348XP (from parts page).
  • Changed Engine Air Filter with Wix WA 10832
  • Reviewed tires:
    • Fronts 5.5/32″ and wearing evenly
    • Rear 5.5/32″ and wearing evenly
    • Rotated front to rear, same sides.
    • Torqued to 111 ft/lbs
    • Set tire pressures to 41psi front, 42 psi rear, 42 psi spare.
    • Instrument Cluster TPMS display showed all pressures properly.
    • Pressure washed the four tires/rims off the vehicle. Front and back of each rim. Was able to clean off 5 years of brake dust and grime. Looked much nicer.
    • Tires are probably good for 1 to 2 more years
  • Topped up Washer Fluid with plain water
  • Topped off Engine Coolant – was maybe 4 oz. low. Used Peak Coolants Orange premix.
  • Inspected brake system.
    • Rotors good (~25.3mm front, 10.8mm rear),
    • Brake Pads good (~8mm front, ~5mm rear)
    • Hoses good, no leaks
  • Brake Fluid Flush using Prestone DOT4 fluid.
    • Old fluid looked decent.
  • Inspected Steering and Suspension. Tie rod ends, lower ball joints, drop links, sway bar bushings, Steering rack gators, bushings. Same for rears. Struts and shocks no leaks. All good as new.
    • Noted a small area of oil residue on Electronic Power Steering motor housing (same as previous service). See photo. Nothing to worry about yet, just monitor.
  • Noticed a slight weep coming from the Left front drive shaft at the end where it meets the transmission case (see photo). Probably the transmission case seal is leaking. This will eventually need to be replaced, but not serious enough now.
  • Inspected exhaust system, hangers, etc.
  • Inspected Underbody.
    • Some left front bumper curb scuff and minor damage to air deflector in front of LF and RF wheels. 
    • The plastic piece in front of both the LF and RF wheel are really starting to look mangled. Missing bolts on both sides, twisted up. (See photos) Probably worth considering replacing.
    • One plastic push clip now missing for the front plastic undertray to bumper (see photo). Probably worth replacing when doing the other bits noted above.
  • Inspected all the lights. All good.
  • Inspected engine for leaks. None.
    • Pressure washed the undertray.
  • Inspected engine drive belts for wear or cracks. All good.
  • Interior cabin cleanup.
    • Wiped down surfaces all plastic surfaces with AMMO Lather and detailing brush.
    • Vacuumed carpets
    • Cleaned Weathertech mats (removed and pressure washed them)
    • Pressure washed out the cargo bay floor liner after 5 years of buildup. Wiped dry.
  • Exterior detail
    • Pressure washed
    • Snow Foamed
    • Hand washed the years worth of bug guts bonded to the front
    • Cleaned door jambs
    • Looking great again!
  • Test drove, brake test, Topped off fuel, etc.
  • Reset the Oil Life via the instrument panel dash display.
  • Connected to car with Forscan software, read DTCs
    • APIM module DTC Code U0151 “Lost Communication With Restraints Control Module” Status (-0B) was present and still present after clear (same as last year). Not making CEL, so monitoring for now. Can be ignored according to this official notice.
  • Updated MyCarFax with DIY Service
  • Recommendations:
    • Order and replace the front lower tire wind deflectors and missing screws [ordered]
    • Order and replace the front bumper lower plastic clip
    • Replace the Cabin Air Filter (wasn’t delivered yet)
    • Change the key fob battery
    • Clean interior glass

FordPass app was unable to communicate with the vehicle. Not sure when this started. This is the same condition the MME SC van has as well. When in the vehicle, noted that when you access the communication options on the center console, it has an error. When your review the vehicle information screen, it no longer shows the Serial Modem information (blank). Last year had a screen shot that showed the serial number, this year nothing. A bit of Googling seems to indicate some issue with Telematics Control Module (TCU). A few threads suggest doing a ‘Master Reset’ to the APIM to see if that works. Another suggests using Forscan to reflash the Factory As-Built coding into the TCU, then do another Master Reset. I’ve downloaded the factory as-built coding from the Ford website (using the VIN) and saved in Stefano’s files. Going to try a soft reset, then a Master Reset and see where we are first.

Soft reset and Master Reset did not fix it. Used Forscan with extended license to download the as-built data. I took pics of the existing as-built, then loaded the factory as-built and hit save. Forscan said nothing was going to change, but offered to overwrite it all anyways (forced overwrite). I said yes, and then cycled the vehicle on/off. Fixed! The previous ESN was back, and the FordPass app was immediately able to communicate again. Tested by remote locking and unlocking the vehicle. Need to try this on the MME SC Van that has the same problem since we purchased it.

Exterior detailed at the end of the 2024 Service. Looking good after 6 years!

Date: January 3, 2025
Mileage: 47,535
Performed by: Stefano’s Garage

Services Performed: Completed a few of the remaining items from the recent 6 year service:

  • Changed the Cabin Air Filter with the ATP Activated Carbon filter from parts page. Old one wasn’t in too bad of shape.
  • Replaced the damaged lower rubber wind deflectors that sit below the front bumper in front of each wheel. Ordered OEM replacement parts from parts.ford.com including new screws to replace the missing ones. All good now (and ready to be trashed by the staff again).
Wheel Wind Deflectors Replaced (Before and After)