Parts for your 2013 Ford Transit-Thermostat

2013 Ford Transit Thermostat — What it does and when to replace it

For the 2013 Ford Transit, a thermostat is absolutely fitted and relevant. Ford’s own workshop material (Engine Cooling, Section 303-03) and common service references such as Haynes and Autodata list a conventional wax-pellet thermostat for the 2.2 Duratorq TDCi engines used in this model year, typically integrated into a plastic housing on the front side of the engine. Some variants also run an auxiliary thermostat for the EGR cooler.

The thermostat’s job is simple but crucial: it helps the Transit warm up quickly, then keeps the engine running in its sweet spot (usually around the high 80s °C). That means better fuel economy, steadier heater performance on cold mornings, less engine wear, and reduced emissions. When it’s shut, coolant bypasses the radiator to speed warm-up, once at temperature, it opens to let coolant flow through the radiator and shed heat.

In the 2013 Transit, the main thermostat sits in a composite housing that also routes the upper radiator hose. On many 2.2 TDCi setups, there’s a separate, smaller thermostat managing EGR cooler flow. The housing seals with an O-ring, so correct fitment and torque are important to avoid weeps.

• Common signs it’s on the way out: slow warm-up, temp gauge hunting, poor cabin heat, overheating under load, fans running more than usual, or fault codes for coolant temperature plausibility.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, it’s a “replace on condition” item. That said, any time the cooling system’s opened up for big jobs, or if the coolant’s been contaminated, it’s smart to fit a new thermostat and O-ring. Always use quality parts and the correct coolant that meets Ford’s spec (e.g., WSS-M97B44-D or as shown on the header tank cap/handbook), mixed correctly with demineralised water.

1. Work on a stone-cold engine and safely drain coolant.
2. Remove intake/ancillary bits for access, then unbolt the housing.
3. Clean mating faces, fit the new thermostat and seal, and torque to workshop spec.
4. Refill with the right coolant, bleed thoroughly, and check for leaks.
5. Road-test and confirm stable operating temperature and heater output.

Plenty of 2013 Transits have two thermostats (engine and EGR cooler). If there’s been overheating or sludge, replacing both together can save headaches. Regular coolant changes as per the service schedule keep the thermostat happy and the van running cool across Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

Popular questions

What temperature does the 2013 Ford Transit thermostat open at?

Most diesel 2013 Transits use a thermostat that starts to open around 88°C and is fully open a few degrees higher. Exact ratings can vary by engine code, so check the part marking or the service info for the VIN.

Where is the thermostat on a 2013 Transit?

It’s typically in a plastic housing at the front of the engine, in line with the upper radiator hose. On some RWD layouts it’s near the alternator area, on FWD it’s still forward-facing but packaging differs slightly. Follow the top radiator hose back to the housing.

Does a 2013 Transit have more than one thermostat?

Many 2.2 TDCi models have a main engine thermostat plus a smaller thermostat for the EGR cooler. If you’re chasing temperature instability or after an overheat, it’s worth assessing both units and their housings.