Intermittent starting issue 2017 Transit Custom

[portreathbeach]

We have a 2017 Transit Custom and every so often it will not start.

Here's what happens when it won't start...

You insert the key and turn to the second position, all the lights come on as expected. Then when you turn the key to the start position, the battery and brake light indicators go out, but that is it, no crank, no relay energising to tell the van to start, nothing.

This happened again this morning. My wife dropped the boy to school, returned home and then the van wouldn't start. 10-15 tries, nothing. Tried the spare key, nothing. Then after a couple of minutes, tried again and it was fine.

Has anyone experienced this before or could point me in the right direction to find the fault. As it is so intermittent, maybe a few times a month, I would think it will be a hard fault to find.

[Altransit]

A common fault with Transits, is that the switch on the back of the key barrel is faulty.

Quite easy, and relatively cheap to replace, to eliminate this from the equation

[portreathbeach]

I was thinking about the switch being the problem, but as the lights on the dash change when the key hits the 'start' position, I assumed that key position must be 'seen' by the van's computer.

Anyway, just seen how cheap a new ignition switch is, so I may change it anyway.

[portreathbeach]

The switch turned up and I fitted it last night. Won't be able to tell if this has fixed the problem as it was so intermittent, maybe a couple of times a month, but time will tell.

[Altransit]

Fingers crossed, keep us posted

[portreathbeach]

Well, 4 days after the new ignition switch was fitted, my wife was in a fuel station at the only pump that was working when it did the dreaded non start thing. Luckily after 5 minutes it started, obviously there were a few unhappy people queuing. This is getting slightly annoying now.

[portreathbeach]

Just ran a code scan on the van and there was a fault that wasn't currently active:

P062F(00), Engine control module (ECM), EEPROM error

Could this be something to do with the non starting issue?

I am going to scan the van every day and see if that error only pops up on a day when it does the non-start thing, so I know if that error code is something to do with the non-start issue or not.

[metalworker0]

what google says about it


AI Overview
The diagnostic trouble code P062F(00) on a Ford Transit indicates an Internal Control Module EEPROM Error. This means the main Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a critical failure in its own permanent memory chip, which can cause erratic transmission shifting, engine stalling, or a no-start condition.


What it Means
The EEPROM is the vehicle's long-term "brain" that stores crucial calibration data even when the engine is switched off. When you get a P062F(00) code, it means the computer is struggling to read or write to this memory. In a Ford Transit, this is often tied to the Engine ECU malfunctioning (often related to the Siemens/Continental SID211 unit on 2.0L EcoBlue models).

Common Causes
Low System Voltage: A dying battery or a failing alternator can starve the computer of proper voltage while writing to memory, causing data corruption.
Damaged Wiring/Grounds: Corroded wiring, loose battery terminals, or bad ground connections to the ECU.
Failed ECU/PCM: Water ingress, excessive heat, or internal hardware failure of the engine computer itself.

Recommended Next Steps
Check Battery & Alternator: Test the battery charge and the alternator output. Clear the code and ensure all battery terminals and ground straps are clean and secure.
Check Fuses: Inspect the main fuses and power relays associated with the PCM to ensure it is getting a stable power supply.
Module Testing and Repair: If power supply issues are ruled out, the ECU/PCM may need to be tested, reflashed, or replaced by an auto-electrician or a Ford diagnostic specialist.

If your vehicle requires ECU repairs or replacement, you can locate your nearest Ford Transit repair center using the Ford Dealer Locator.
For a deeper visual breakdown of what causes EEPROM memory faults in modern control modules and how mechanics diagnose them:

i would go with the low system voltage answer .. start checking battery , grounds and positives, connections of live to alternator . .. that means taking therm off wire brushing etc .

The other means spending hundreds on new PCM ..
so start with the cheap cures first.

all the best.mark

[portreathbeach]

Thanks for your reply Mark,

The van has been OK today, put the code reader on and it's still clear, so I guess the fault code is to do with the non-start issue.

Anyway, I just got in under the seat to check the battery and found the negative terminal was loose. Battery voltage and charging voltage seem good, so fingers crossed this may have been the cause.