The new 2019 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van packs big work in a small package with ease and efficiency for any business. It features new and exclusive driver-assist technologies and two new drivetrains.
More than 300,000 Transit Connect vehicles have been sold since 2009 when Ford created the segment in the United States. Of those, 97 percent are still on the road. Ford has enhanced Transit Connect’s available technology and powertrains to keep up with what customers need to help improve productivity in the field.
The 2019 Transit Connect Cargo Van offers three different engines capable of running on five different fuels.
A standard 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline direct injection engine with auto start-stop is paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver responsive around-town performance and low-rpm cruising on the highway. This engine is E85-compatible and comes with a standard heavy-duty battery and available heavy-duty alternator to supply power to even the most demanding of upfit applications.
Transit Connect’s new 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel engine is targeted to have an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of at least 30 mpg on the highway. The new diesel engine combines the latest in fuel injection, turbocharging and emissions-control technologies as well as auto start-stop for reliable performance along with reduced fuel consumption. The new EcoBlue engine is also fitted with the eight-speed automatic transmission. Like the new 2.0-liter, the 1.5-liter EcoBlue comes with EcoMode and EcoCoach, which monitor fuel economy and encourage fuel-efficient driving behaviors.
Exclusively for fleets, a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder with six-speed automatic and CNG/propane gaseous fuel prep package is also available.
The Transit Connect is a modern-day workhorse. With city-friendly dual sliding side doors, a wide and flat load floor finished in durable vinyl, near-vertical walls and integrated tie-downs, it boasts flexible and generous cargo-carrying and towing capability. Loading a 48-inch pallet via forklift is easy with 180-degree swing-out rear cargo doors that can be locked in the open position.
With a 38.3-foot curb-to-curb turning diameter, short-wheelbase Transit Connect can maneuver and park on tight city streets. Transit Connect also provides unsurpassed towing capability of 2,000 pounds when paired with the available tow package.
The Transit Connect has the most driver-assist technologies in the segment, including automatic emergency braking. It also offers standard pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection to help avoid collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians who might cross in front of the vehicle’s path; standard side wind stabilization; standard rearview camera; available blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert; available lane keeping system helps drivers avoid lane drift to keep the vehicle centered on the road; available adaptive cruise control makes highway driving easier by automatically slowing the vehicle when radar detects traffic slowing ahead.
Tools like the embedded 4G LTE modem provides Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices, while an available 6.5-inch floating touch screen running Sync 3 helps drivers keep their eyes on the road as they field customer calls and text messages hands-free or navigate to job sites.
Available wireless phone charging keeps compatible mobile devices topped off and ready for service. FordPass helps monitor small fleets, including driver location, fuel level, tire pressure and more. Ford’s MyKey programmable ignition key remains standard for Transit Connect XLT enabling owners and fleet administrators to preset warnings and limits for vehicle speed, while restricting the entertainment system’s audio to 45 percent of maximum volume.
Servicing the 2019 Transit Connect
The 2019 Transit Connect is equipped with the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor system, which displays a message in the information display at the proper oil change interval. This interval may be up to one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km).When the oil change message appears in the information display, it is time for an oil change. The oil change should be performed within two weeks or 500 miles (800 km) of the message appearing. Make sure the IOLM is reset after each oil change.
The following owner checks and services should be performed:
Check every month:
- Engine oil level
- Function of all interior and exterior lights
- Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure
- Windshield washer fluid level
- Fuel and water separator; drain if necessary
- Holes and slots in the tail pipe to make sure they are functional and clear of debris
Check every six months:
- Battery connections; clean if necessary
- Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
- Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
- Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
- Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
- Parking brake for proper operation
- Seatbelts and seat latches for wear and function
- Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and seatbelt) for operation
- Washer spray and wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
The following multi-point inspection is recommended to be performed at every scheduled maintenance interval.
Multi-point inspection:
- Inspect accessory drive belts
- Inspect battery performance
- Inspect engine air filter
- Inspect exhaust system
- Inspect exterior lamps operation
- Inspect fluid levels; fill if necessary
- Inspect for oil and fluid leaks
- Inspect half-shaft dust boots
- Inspect hazard warning system operation
- Inspect horn operation
- Inspect radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioning hoses
- Inspect suspension components for leaks or damage
- Inspect steering and linkage
- Inspect tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure
- Inspect windshield for cracks, chips or pits
- Inspect washer spray and wiper operation
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The vehicle’s IOLM determines when the oil should be changed based on how the vehicle is used. The message will prompt based on three different types of vehicle use: normal, severe or extreme. Normal use is normal commuting with highway driving; no, or moderate, load or towing; flat to moderately hilly roads; and no extended idling. The oil change interval for normal use is 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km). Severe use is moderate to heavy load or towing; mountainous or off-road conditions; extended idling; or extended hot or cold operation. The oil change interval for severe use is 5,000-7,499 miles (8,000-11,999 km). Extreme use is maximum load or towing; or extreme hot or cold operation. The oil change interval for extreme use is 3,000-4,999 miles (5,000-7,999 km).At every oil change as indicated by the information display:
- Change engine oil and filter
- Rotate tires
- Perform a multi-point inspection
- Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level
- Inspect the brake pads, rotors, hoses and parking brake
- Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses
- Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields
- Inspect the half-shaft boots
- Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints
- Inspect the tires, tire wear and measure the tread depth
- Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Every 20,000 miles (32,000 km):
- Replace cabin air filter
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km):
- Replace engine air filter
At 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or six years and then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or three years:
- Change engine coolant
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km):
- Replace spark plugs
- Inspect accessory drive belt(s)
Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km):
- Change automatic transmission fluid
- Replace accessory drive belt(s)
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
If the vehicle is operated primarily in any of the following conditions, extra maintenance should be performed as indicated. If the vehicle is operated occasionally under any of these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the extra maintenance.TOWING A TRAILER OR USING A CAR-TOP CARRIER As required:
- Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display and perform services listed in the normal scheduled maintenance chart
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km):
- Change automatic transmission fluid
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km):
- Replace spark plugs
EXTENSIVE IDLING OR LOW-SPEED DRIVING FOR LONG DISTANCES, AS IN HEAVY COMMERCIAL USE (SUCH AS DELIVERY, TAXI, PATROL CAR OR LIVERY) As required:
- Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display and perform services listed in the normal scheduled maintenance chart
Inspect frequently, service as required:
- Replace cabin air filter
- Replace engine air filter
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km):
- Change automatic transmission fluid
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km):
- Replace spark plugs
OPERATING IN DUSTY OR SANDY CONDITIONS (SUCH AS UNPAVED OR DUSTY ROADS) Inspect frequently, service as required:
- Replace cabin air filter
- Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km):
- Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
- Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or six months:
- Change engine oil and filter
- Perform multi-point inspection
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km):
- Change automatic transmission fluid
