mrtn

4-speed automatic connects have had shifting issues. The drivetrain is shared with the Focus so you can cross check that. Other problems that have been reported and I have experienced include door lock issues, stone chips that create zinc bubbles under the paint, heater blower resistor pack or plug failing (max speed working only), overhead light acting up (related to door lock/contact issues, probably). Front tire wear (more in the inside), not sure what's the reason, I have experienced it on both my units, heated windshield issues, rear barn door hinges wearing out if not greased properly, door sill rust if not equipped with mud flaps. Pretty sure I'll remember some more if I think about it. The major problems I have had have been related to diesel or poor maintenance. One of my service engineer drove the '06 one for three years and did not pay attention to front suspension clunking which eventually took out the whole steering rack. Gearbox failed this year, it was working but there was some metallic shine in the oil so I replaced it with some scrap yard focus box. Diesel pump failed 3 years ago, but it's considered normal for the Bosch system I have. Drive shaft support bearing failed this year. Exhaust pipe rust through a couple of years ago, replaced the whole cat back part. A couple of wheel bearings. Brake parts, normal wear and tear for a towing vehicle. Not bad for a 10 year old work horse.

The first and second years of a new model always have these teething problems.

I even got used to a windowless boot. Not sure who configured it but there's a window in the bulkhead for better rear visibility.

The camera replaces the inner number plate light and you have to connect the power feed to the backup light wire. I have the same unit. It's a bit weird to use for parallel/box parking as it's off center but okay for distance and hooking up a trailer. The sensor is poor in the dark so you might want to upgrade your reverse bulbs to some bright LEDs. The accordion rubber comes off the door and body together with the plastic clamps, this way it only takes a few seconds to run the cable through. Then snap it back on.

It was done by some company in Holland, no idea if they were certified or not but they did a lousy job.

I had torque converters go bad in both my Hondas (lock-up clutches failing) and the dealer was trying to tell me, with a straight face, that this has never happened before but was ready to offer me remanufactured units from the shelf. That didn't work out as these were even worse than mine. Ended up with getting OEMs.

No Transit Custom over there?

Seems like FAQ: http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/4348-tpms-failure/#entry12197

Just checked mine for you. No play at all. I can feel the resistance both ways.

Cheat device removed before getting busted? :D

I think the US Connects have the engine and transmission off the Focus so Focus stats should apply and there's plenty of those around for more than a decade.

Completely forgot about that one.

You probably need to check the UK forum. Many guys have lowered their TC there. Here are some awesome TC sights (link):

I had an intermittent wobble. Best felt at moderate speeds with a little load on the steering wheel, like a very slight turn or an offramp at slow speed. Today swapped to winter tires and the wobble is gone. Looks like both front tires had some damage which was not visible and not apparent when the damage side of the tires were off sync but exposed when the damaged parts lined up and multiplied their effect.

I guess they wanted to reserve the Transit name for commercial vehicles only as it's been the synonym of hauling stuff around for the past 40 years.

Tourneo Connect = wagon Transit Connect = panel van

You can pick suitable furniture plugs and silicone them in place.

Heh.

I have had 2 mm caliper clearance in some car with original rims so it's nothing to worry about.

Someone here in this forum sold the full manual transmission conversion kit a while ago, imported from the UK. With pedals and a shifter and all. I doubt you can pass the inspection with an Euro-compliant diesel engine :S

Even tho mine is pre-facelift Gen1 with no electronic aids it's still very capable winter vehicle. Good ground clearance and weight distribution. One more unusual thing that's probably got something to do with it: the tire size is correct for the weight of the van. Most modern cars have one or two sizes too wide contact area causing them to float on the snow instead of penetrating it, gripping to the ground.

Bad tankful of gas?

You may need to have it fixed. There are numerous problems with the speedo cluster in diesel models due to vibration. Mine had rattled the power connector pin off the board.

The Gen1 hook keeps sufficient tension in a standard grocery bag handle so it won't tip over.

The hooks are usually for securing grocery bags in place, My Gen1 has one in the glove box lid. Not sure about the Gen2 hook. The convex mirror is pretty much standard in all cars, it's for keeping an eye on the kids or chatting with the rear passengers. It works both ways, if you have a baby on the back seat, he/she sees your face in it and feels more comfortable.