Ford specialists — cars & Transit Connect
01604 715 515
Servicing, diagnostics, brakes, clutches, timing belts and all Ford repairs — cars and Transit Connect vans. We work on Fords every week and know them inside out, giving you main dealer expertise at independent garage prices.
At Alderley Autos on Bunting Road, Northampton, we work on Ford cars and vans every week. We've developed a deep understanding of the Ford range — petrol and diesel, EcoBoost and EcoBlue, cars and commercials — and exactly how to keep them running reliably. Whether it's a routine service, a warning light you can't explain, or a major repair, we get it done properly.
We carry out the full range of Ford work: servicing and oil changes, diagnostics, timing belt and chain replacement, coolant and cooling system repairs, brakes, clutches, exhausts, suspension and MOT preparation. We use dealer-grade diagnostic equipment, fit the correct Ford-specified parts and oils, and take the time to find the root cause rather than clearing a code and hoping for the best.
We also work on Ford Transit Connect vans. We understand that a van out of service costs more than a car out of service — lost work, missed deliveries, and a business standing still. We work quickly, communicate clearly, and aim to minimise your downtime.
Our reputation for genuine Ford knowledge and honest, fair-priced work means customers come to us from across Northamptonshire and the wider Midlands rather than trust a general garage. If you're travelling a distance, call ahead and we'll make sure we're ready for your arrival.
A Ford specialist isn't just a garage that happens to take Fords in. It's one that sees them day in, day out — that knows the quirks of the EcoBoost and EcoBlue engines, the common fault codes, the parts that fail early, and the jobs that need doing right the first time.
We give you the depth of knowledge you'd expect from a main dealer, without the main dealer price tag or the pressure to replace parts that don't need replacing. When you bring your Ford to us, you'll get a straight answer and a fair price.
What sets us apart:
Not sure which service your Ford is due, or what that warning light means? Call us on 01604 715515 with your registration and we'll point you in the right direction.
Book Your Ford InAn engine management light, oil pressure warning, coolant temperature light or any other dashboard warning shouldn't be ignored — even if the car seems to drive fine. Some warnings signal problems that get rapidly more expensive the longer they're left. We'll read the codes and tell you what's actually going on.
Get it checkedRattling, knocking, whining, grinding or squealing that wasn't there before is your Ford telling you something. Whether it's on start-up, under braking, over bumps or under acceleration, an early diagnosis usually means a cheaper repair than waiting for it to get worse.
Diagnose earlyA coolant or oil level that keeps dropping — with or without a visible leak — needs investigating before it causes overheating or engine damage. On EcoBoost engines in particular, internal coolant loss can be easy to miss and serious if left. Don't keep topping up and hoping.
Diagnose promptlyHesitation, lack of power, rough idling, misfiring or a noticeable drop in fuel economy all point to something that needs attention — from sensors and turbo issues to EGR, fuelling or ignition faults. We'll find the cause rather than guessing.
Book a checkThese are the issues we see most frequently on Ford cars and vans in Northampton.
The 1.0 EcoBoost has a well-documented coolant system weakness. The most common cause is the plastic degas pipe (coolant degassing bottle hose) cracking and causing slow coolant loss, often without visible external leaking. Other causes include thermostat housing failure, a failing electric water pump, and in more serious cases, head gasket deterioration or micro-cracks in the cylinder head. Any unexplained coolant loss on an EcoBoost needs diagnosis before driving further.
Serious — diagnose immediatelyThe plastic degas pipe and thermostat housing fitted to early EcoBoost engines (2012–2017 primarily) are notorious failure points. Both become brittle with heat cycling and can crack or split, causing coolant loss that may not be immediately obvious. Ford revised the design in later production but early cars still need these replacing. We carry the correct replacement parts and carry out this repair regularly.
Common preventative repairThe EcoBoost's small turbocharger relies heavily on clean, correctly-specified oil. Any oil contamination, delayed changes or oil starvation leads to premature turbo wear. Symptoms include a whining or whistling noise under acceleration, loss of boost, excessive exhaust smoke, or oil leaks around the turbo. We diagnose turbo condition as part of any EcoBoost inspection and advise honestly on whether repair or replacement is the right call.
Keep on top of oil changesFord EcoBoost engines generate a wide range of fault codes, some unique to the engine architecture. We use dealer-grade diagnostic equipment to read the full fault code set across all ECUs — engine, ABS, airbag, and body. Common Ford-specific codes include P0016, P0087, P06DD, P0524 and a range of SYNC and IntelliLink faults on later models. We diagnose the root cause rather than clearing codes and hoping for the best.
Diagnose before replacing partsThe 1.0 EcoBoost uses an electric water pump rather than a belt-driven unit. These fail without the gradual warning of a traditional pump — often stopping suddenly, causing rapid overheating. Replacement is straightforward but the overheating that follows failure is not. A failed water pump on an EcoBoost should be treated as urgent. We carry these in stock for repair on most EcoBoost variants.
Failure causes rapid overheatingFord's PowerShift dual-clutch automatic gearbox, fitted to many Focus and Fiesta models, has a reputation for jerky low-speed behaviour, shuddering on light throttle and reluctance to engage. This is often a software or clutch pack issue rather than a full gearbox failure. We diagnose PowerShift faults using our equipment and carry out transmission fluid services to restore normal operation where possible.
Often software or fluid relatedFord Focus and Mondeo models are known for brake disc warping, producing vibration through the pedal and steering wheel under braking. This is often caused by uneven heating from seized callipers or incorrect torquing of wheel bolts. We check calliper condition as part of every brake job — replacing discs on a car with a seized calliper just means warped discs again within months.
Common, inexpensive to fix earlyThe EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve on Ford diesel models — Focus, Mondeo, Transit Connect — is a common source of engine management lights, rough idle and loss of power. Carbon build-up causes the valve to stick open or closed. We clean and test EGR valves before recommending replacement and can carry out DPF cleaning if a blocked filter is contributing to the fault.
Common on diesel FordsFord Focus and C-Max models are known for front suspension wear — particularly lower arm bushes and ball joints. Symptoms include clunking over bumps, vague steering, uneven tyre wear and handling that feels imprecise. These are also common MOT failure items. We inspect the full suspension geometry as part of any suspension complaint and repair what's actually worn rather than quoting for everything.
MOT failure risk if ignoredWe service and repair the full Ford range — petrol and diesel, cars and vans. Here are the models we see most often.
The UK's best-selling supermini for years, and one of the most common cars through our workshop. We service and repair every Fiesta variant — EcoBoost, older 1.25, 1.4 and 1.6 petrols and TDCi diesels — covering everything from routine servicing to diagnostics, brakes, clutches and major engine work.
Servicing, repairs & MOT prepA family favourite that we know inside out across every generation. From the 1.0 and 1.5 EcoBoost petrols to the EcoBlue diesels and PowerShift automatics, we handle servicing, diagnostics, timing work, suspension, brakes and everything in between.
All engines & gearboxesFord's popular compact crossover, built on proven EcoBoost mechanicals. We carry out full servicing, diagnostics and repairs on the Puma range, including the mild-hybrid EcoBoost variants, keeping them running smoothly and to schedule.
Servicing & diagnosticsA high-mileage workhorse in typical use, the Mondeo needs a garage that understands how these cars are driven. We service and repair the EcoBoost petrol and EcoBlue diesel variants, from routine maintenance to timing work, clutches and diagnostics.
Petrol & diesel repairsFord's family SUVs, often working harder than the average hatchback with heavier loads and more stop-start driving. We handle servicing, diagnostics, brakes, clutches and engine repairs on both the Kuga and EcoSport across their EcoBoost and EcoBlue engines.
SUV servicing & repairsWe are fully equipped to work on Ford Transit Connect vans. We carry out servicing, timing belt work, brakes, clutch, diagnostics, DPF and EGR work and MOT preparation on Connect vans. We understand commercial vehicle turnaround time and will work to get your van back on the road quickly.
Van servicing & repairsWe work on Ford Transit Connect vans as well as Ford cars. We know that a van off the road doesn't just mean an inconvenience — it means lost revenue, missed jobs and a business grinding to a halt. We take commercial vehicle repairs seriously and work quickly to minimise your downtime.
Services we carry out on Transit Connect vans:
"Gary is always accommodating with all of my vehicle issues — from a bulb change to an engine replacement. His professionalism and knowledge are exceptional. Highly recommended."
"Can't fault the guys here. Whenever I've had an issue with my car, they've always been able to look after me and get it done quickly and without costing me the earth."
"Very honest and trustworthy. Very hard to find an honest garage these days. Will be using Gary again for all my motoring needs."
Our reputation for genuine Ford knowledge and honest, fair-priced work brings customers from across Northampton, Northamptonshire and the wider Midlands.
103 Bunting Road, Northampton NN2 6EE | 01604 715 515