2013 Transit Custom ECU problem.

[deeker]

I went to start my transit custom several weeks ago and had 'engine service now' followed by 'immobiliser malfunction' and van wouldn't start (Batteries measurign 11.8v). I charged batteries to 12.4v but with no change, and in doing so dropped van voltage to zero allowing system reset. This has removed the immobiliser malfunction warning, but van still won't start. I've since changed the immobiliser coil but still nothing. Got a mobile tech round who said the fault is with ECU and/or wiring (no visible sign of damage). Got a quote of 800 + labour + recovery +vat which will likely top £1500. The ECU is SID208/BK21-12A650-AB. Is it possible to get replacement and to swap as second hand ECUs are available for £40-60. Any advice to help me get the vehicle back on the road. thanks.

[metalworker0]

Well the first thing you have to do is check the fault codes.

There is only one thing to do to find out what it is, that is plug in a scanner .

Forscan - that's what they recommend here .

NOTE: you can use forscan to get correct fault codes with proper explanation of them - a generic fault code reader may be somewhat misleading

"Forscan" is FREE software that you download to a laptop..you buy the interface cable -- this is just the cable you need a laptop)
You can join the forscan forum ..again free, to get the software and more answers.

https://forscan.org/forum/

Without - you are lost ..must be done this way .

Then you come here list the fault codes here ..and we will work on solving the problem

or if you use a cheap scanner

here is a list of all ford fault codes

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/al ... /259459141

IMPORTANT
You don't say how old it is ..what engine it has etc

BASIC THINGS YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE YOU CHUCK MONEY AT IT

Check the wiring earths and positives ...take them off and clean where the fix to the battery and the chassis and engine . check live lead to alternator.

Keyfob is it charged
So you have know way --- ive heard you can charge them with a toothbrush charger

You can go through the key programming routine..don't know myself what's involved in that as i have an old connect.

all the best.mark

[deeker]

Thanks Mark, helpful advice. Firstly, its a 2013 2.2 diesel minibus variant. The key fobs are both tested, operate the central locking but neither key starts the ignition. Batteries are charged and i swapped leisure with main bat and no difference. I paid £160 for mobile tech to visit, he said there were loads of signal missing from ECU so suggested a replacement or a wiring fault or both (but he was vague on cause). His boss offered ECU for £800 +labour +VAT, but i still need to get it transported 50 miles. Stupidly, i did not think to ask for the fault codes at the time. Tech suggested looking at the earths, of which there are 3 or 4 that bolt through the wheel arch. When undoing first it broke and all are badly corroded. Maybe i need to make new terminal on inside of wing and link all together.
The strange thing is when i try to start, i get engine malfunction service engine now alarm, then brake wear warning, front camera warning, hill start warning and parking aid. I then press clutch and turn key. Nothing happens, lights and dash all stay on for 30 secs then dash lights switch off except head light warning as head lights stay on. All door/bonnet sensors are working as also get such warnings as appropriate. So much of the ECU appears ok, suggesting that the problem could be in a loom or similar.
The original immobiliser malfunction alarm has not reappeared since a voltage reset was initiated by disconnecting battery???

Is there a website that is recommended for transit custom wiring diagrams?

thanks

[metalworker0]

see PM i sent you

all the best.mark

[Radiofence]

Get forscan and learn what's wrong

[deeker]

Folks, thanks for the help/advice and especially to Mark for the manuals.

Its a 2.2L minibus from 2013. Has 12v on battery and have confirmed starter motor is working by applying positive to the motor beyond the solenoid. Also tested back to starter relay (inc. fuses). Starter relay has 12v supply, but does not receive the 12v signal from the powertrain control module (unless of course the starter relay provides power to the PTCM?).

Wiring all looks ok (no obvs damage or water ingress), suggesting a fault with the powertrain control module. Does anyone have the PC/ED (powertrain control/emissions diagnosis) manual to share?

Alternatively can anyone suggest a company who can analyse and refurb the powertrain control module?

thanks
Derek

[Radiofence]

No offence Derek, but marks given you the best advice you could get.
What did forscan tell you when you ran it?

[metalworker0]

The BEMM and the workshop manual is all there is and what that ive found or was given.

Your only other choice is> FORD CLUB EU.. join and see what's current.

They have 350 pages and 6987 manuals on that site ..all for free

140 manuals on the transit custom.

Up to you to look through them and find what you are looking for

https://en.fordclub.eu/

Think you are aloud about 3, so make your choices wisely.

Then you have to wait a few days or delete cookies or something else, like donate.

note i haven't had the chance to fully explore the site ..so i may be wrong ..but that's what it looks like on the surface.. only joined recently.

but before that - You cant work on these vehicles, if there is an electronics fault without forscan or a scanner
you could have bought a cheap lap top with the £160 you gave up.

Find out the minimum requirements for a laptop, which you will buy on ebay. ... might even work with XP, so laptop even cheaper. note i don't know if you can still get online with xp ..but you can download onto modern computer and transfer to xp ..you'll have to find out on the forscan forum

all the best.mark

[deeker]

I downloaded Forscan to laptop and bought new ODB2 - USB cable. This establishes connection to COM3 and adapter ELM327 but fails to recognise the vehicle. This was similar for generic ODB2 and a VW ODB2. The VW recognises the van as a ford, but can't sync to get any diagnosis except battery level. Do i need a activation code or is there a fuse i need to check (not shown on fuse diagram).

Tested starter and solenoid, both of which work when jumped. Tested back to R17 in engine fuse box. Fuses all ok and R17 has 12v on one pin, but does not get power signal from PCM, suggesting fault with PCM, wiring or earth. Hence ask for PCM wiring diagram.

Manuals shared shows brake lights and reverse light both operate through PCM. Brakes lights are working, but reverse lights don't. I've checked lower clutch position switch and shorted it with no change. Can't reach upper, but think they work in parallel, so would need to jump both for reaction. However, both mechanical parts are clean and working.

PCM has 3 wire looms, each with dodgy earths that bolt to inner wing. I broke all when checking, so have linked together along with large connector earth that was on side of engine and have connected the group to battery negative. Is there a list of the wires/functions in each of the 3 looms, along with info on which pin is which? without that i'm stuck.

thanks
Deeker

[Radiofence]

I had the same nightmare with the normal recommended cable. Get the v linker cable, an it will be able to connect and give you the information that will help

[Radiofence]

Your just clutching at straws until u can get proper diagnostics. It will just stres u out. Where in UK r u

[metalworker0]

well, have you been to "ford club EU" and had a look through those manuals?

did you find one specific to electrical on there

all the best.mark

[deeker]

I'm in scotland, near aberdeen and a considerable distance from a Ford dealer. Nearest one can't be Trusted after the pirates tried to charge ransom when they failed to spot a big hole in my intercooler pipe. Next is near Dundee. I hope to get my van moving again so can take it to them for a check up and tune.

Ford club does appear to have many docs, and i got a nice glossy brochure from my original model, transit tourneo 2012/13. But can't find anything that is described as wiring diagram or similar.

trying autotronics next and hope it proves to be PCM fault and not a wiring problem.

thanks for help and suggestions.
Deeker

[metalworker0]

yes see you've left a question there

if logged in, try this link

looks like lots of manuals to me
https://en.fordclub.eu/manuals?ddlb_model=78

all the best.mark

[Radiofence]

Alternatively you could see if the place that sorted your abs problem, could help?