2004 Ford Ka

2004 Ford Ka

The 2004 Ford Ka is a compact hatchback that was produced by Ford Motor Company. It was available with a 1.3-liter Duratec engine paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Ka was praised for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability, but it was criticized for its lack of power and poor safety ratings.

Engine

1.3-liter Duratec

• Intake manifold gasket failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, rough idle, loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Timing belt failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start, skipping teeth, loss of power, misfiring.
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt and any damaged components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
• Water pump failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, squealing noise from the engine.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Transmission

5-speed Manual

• Synchronizer failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting gears, difficulty shifting gears, stuck in gear.
  • Solution: Replace the damaged synchronizer assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800

4-speed Automatic

• Transmission fluid leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking transmission fluid, slipping gears, rough shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking component (usually a seal or gasket).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Torque converter failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping gears, shuddering, overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500

Suspension

• Front strut failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, rattling noise, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the front struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600 per pair
• Rear shock absorber failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, bouncing ride, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per pair

Electrical

• Alternator failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, difficulty starting, battery not charging.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
• Starter motor failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not crank, clicking noise.
  • Solution: Replace the starter motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Battery issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, dim lights, battery warning light on.
  • Solution: Replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Exterior

• Headlight assembly seal failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Condensation or moisture inside the headlight assembly.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight assembly seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Interior

• Dashboard fading:
  • Description/Symptoms: Fading or peeling dashboard material.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard cover or apply a protective coating.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Seat belt latch failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat belt won’t latch, loud clicking noise.
  • Solution: Replace the seat belt latch assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Summary

The 2004 Ford Ka is a budget-friendly and fuel-efficient hatchback, but it has a number of potential issues that can be costly to repair. The most common issues include engine gasket failures, timing belt failures, and transmission fluid leaks. However, the majority of these issues are relatively minor and can be fixed for a reasonable cost.