How many glow plugs does a Ford Transit Connect have?
In most Transit Connect vans, the number of glow plugs corresponds to the engine's cylinder count: four on four-cylinder diesels and three on three-cylinder EcoBlue variants.
Engine variants and glow plug counts
Across its generations and markets, Ford has offered both four-cylinder and three-cylinder diesel engines in the Transit Connect. The glow plug count directly tracks the number of cylinders.
- Three-cylinder EcoBlue 1.5 L diesel — 3 glow plugs (one per cylinder).
- Four-cylinder Duratorq/EcoBlue engines (1.6- and 2.0-liter) — 4 glow plugs (one per cylinder).
Regardless of the generation, the glow plug count is usually equal to the engine's cylinder count. If in doubt, check the engine code in the vehicle documentation or on the engine itself to confirm.
How to verify on your exact van
To determine the precise glow plug count for your Transit Connect, identify the engine specification first, using these steps:
- Look up the engine code in the owner's manual or under-hood label, which typically lists whether the engine is 3- or 4-cylinder.
- Check the VIN or the vehicle's window sticker on Ford's official service portal to confirm the engine option.
- Physically count the glow plugs by locating the glow plug(s) on the cylinder head(s) (requires mechanical inspection) or ask a trained technician.
Having the correct engine information ensures you order the right glow plugs and avoid compatibility issues during maintenance or replacement.
Notes for different markets
Engine availability varies by region and model year. Some markets have used the 1.5 EcoBlue three-cylinder engine, while others relied on 1.6/2.0 four-cylinder units. Always verify the exact engine code for the specific vehicle.
Summary
The number of glow plugs in a Ford Transit Connect depends on the diesel engine: typically four for four-cylinder engines and three for three-cylinder EcoBlue variants. Always confirm the engine code to be sure, especially when purchasing parts or performing maintenance.
How many glow plugs does a Ford Transit have?
4 glow plugs
There are 4 glow plugs. They are powered by a special electric wire.
What are the symptoms of glow plugs in transit connect?
Difficult Starting: If the engine struggles or takes longer than usual to start, particularly on cold mornings, failing glow plugs could be the culprit. Rough Idle: Worn glow plugs might cause uneven combustion, making your engine idle roughly or unpredictably.
What is the most common problem with the Ford Transit Connect?
One of the most common problems with the Ford Transit Connect is transmission issues. The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels and any problem with it can result in significant performance issues.
How many glow plugs are there?
How many glow plugs are in a car? In most diesel-powered vehicles, there is typically one glow plug per cylinder. This would mean that in a six cylinder engine, there are six glow plugs.
