2012 MK7 won´t start after head gasket awap

[Erik.Hulten]

Hi! first time writer here, i´m from sweden so my english might be subpar

Anyway, i own a 2012 Ford Transit mk7 Fwd with the 2.2 TDCi
I overheated the car engine this summer
lots of white smoke
disassembled the engine down to the cylinder head.
I surface grinded the head
new head gasket
new cylinder head bolts
new gaskets all around
new chain
new chain tensioner
kept the sprockets
engine assembled
bleed the fuel line, diesel coming out of the bleed valve
when i try to start the engine, the engine cranks for like 3(?) sekonds before stopping and i have to reset the key.
doesn´t start.
charge the battery over night.
same result, cranks for 3 sek, doesn´t start
tried some "Easy start spray", the engine ignites but dies instantly,

i belived the engine didn´t got any fuel so i losend a return line on one injector to see if fuel went through but i got fuel from the "wrong way"?
don´t know if that last line made any sense....

Any idées or advices?

regards Erik

[Erik.Hulten]

Hi, some further info.

the battery is fully charged, i turn the key, engine cranks for 2-3 sek, then stops, reset key, turn key, engine cranks for 2-3 sek
i can repeat this many times without battery loses "power", why can´t i crank it for longer period of time?

regards/ Erik

[knobby1]

Hi! first time writer here, i´m from sweden so my english might be subpar

Anyway, i own a 2012 Ford Transit mk7 Fwd with the 2.2 TDCi
I overheated the car engine this summer
lots of white smoke
disassembled the engine down to the cylinder head.
I surface grinded the head
new head gasket
new cylinder head bolts
new gaskets all around
new chain
new chain tensioner
kept the sprockets
engine assembled
bleed the fuel line, diesel coming out of the bleed valve
when i try to start the engine, the engine cranks for like 3(?) sekonds before stopping and i have to reset the key.
doesn´t start.
charge the battery over night.
same result, cranks for 3 sek, doesn´t start
tried some "Easy start spray", the engine ignites but dies instantly,

i belived the engine didn´t got any fuel so i losend a return line on one injector to see if fuel went through but i got fuel from the "wrong way"?
don´t know if that last line made any sense....

Any idées or advices?

regards Erik

Your English is much better than my Swedish....and probably better than most English speaking people's English.

Loosening an injector pipe on a TDCi to bleed them is pointless, the system "thinks" it has a leak and will shut the injectors and metering valve down. All you usually get is a small dribble.

What fault codes are you getting..??

Lord Knobrot

[tranmx2]

I surface grinded the head
new head gasket
new cylinder head bolts
new gaskets all around
new chain
new chain tensioner
kept the sprockets
engine assembled
bleed the fuel line, diesel coming out of the bleed valve
Assume the above has been done correctly.

If the head gasket has not sealed - you - might - see bubbles in the coolant header tank during/after trying to start the engine.

when i try to start the engine, the engine cranks for like 3(?) sekonds before stopping and i have to reset the key. CCA check battery load CCA (cold cranking amps) (driva kallstartsströmmare). Poor electrical connection.
doesn´t start.
charge the battery over night.
same result, cranks for 3 sek, doesn´t start ---------- Was the cam position sensor removed and put back in? If it is the wrong distance from the cam lobe it may not send a signal.
tried some "Easy start spray", the engine ignites but dies instantly,

i belived the engine didn´t got any fuel so i losend a return line on one injector to see if fuel went through but i got fuel from the "wrong way"?
don´t know if that last line made any sense...

Rtn line fuel out.png

I do not know the layout of the FWD set up.

With Forscan on live data the fuel rail pressure can be seen pre' start and engine running. Forscan also shows DTCs which can be a guide to locating a fault.

As the wiring harness would need to be removed from the top of the engine - Check electrical/electronic connections to the crankshaft positition sensor - at the flywheel - the cam position sensor - on the side of the cylinder head behind the fuel rail. To the injectors. The rail pressure sensor etc.
The cam sensor connector is likely on the FWD on the front of the engine to the lhs of the engine - viewed from the dirvers seat looking forward.

[Galway]

IMG_20251009_060418.jpg

Hi.
On fwd cam position sensor is positioned in the circled region on image. You can just see cables coming out of loom to sensor. Easily accessible.

[Erik.Hulten]

Your English is much better than my Swedish....and probably better than most English speaking people's English.

Loosening an injector pipe on a TDCi to bleed them is pointless, the system "thinks" it has a leak and will shut the injectors and metering valve down. All you usually get is a small dribble.

What fault codes are you getting..??

Lord Knobrot

Thank you, i´m blushing!

ok, then my bleeding by the injector is pointless, good to know!

i don´t own any Ford transit specific OBD2 reader, is this a good one? Does it work with forscan?

https://amzn.eu/d/5keXGLA

Best regards /Erik

[metalworker0]

£23.49 - seems a bit pricey to me

They reckon you should now be using VLINKER with the new forscan

all the best.mark

[Erik.Hulten]

*Edit
Or maybe this one?

https://amzn.eu/d/hPuxTcL

Best regards
Erik

[tranmx2]

https://tunnelrat-electronics.fwscart.com/

The first two links show not available.
There were posts re adaptors - the V link could be the latest.

For Forscan software we recommend these devices:

Vlinker FS USB

https://amzn.to/4gocahk - auto switch.

I got mine from Tunnel Rats it has FTDI on it and it has the manual switch. There was a problem with it - I contacted Tunnel Rats who recomended that the switch be lubricated this was done and the adaptor has worked OK since. Could now be 3 yrs old.
A driver needs to be downloaded to operate the adaptor on the device to be used for using Forscan.

318 kr = £25

It seems the bigger or that which is made for diagnostics the better it is. Like LUANCH seen on ORiley dpf and other youtube vids like South Maine Auto's, Diagnosdan, Pine Holow diagnostics etc.

It was reported there were problems with the other readers that used wi fi and blutooth.

The USB adaptor I have needs to be used with a laptop or similar with a USB connection - the device needs to be big enough to use Forscan and record/flile results etc.
Active Presenter is good for videoing the screen (Forscan live data) - takes a while to know how to use it.

There were problems with adaptor copies/fakes there maybe posts about that issue.

[Erik.Hulten]

[/quote]
Assume the above has been done correctly.

If the head gasket has not sealed - you - might - see bubbles in the coolant header tank during/after trying to start the engine.
CCA check battery load CCA (cold cranking amps) (driva kallstartsströmmare). Poor electrical connection.

I do not know the layout of the FWD set up.

With Forscan on live data the fuel rail pressure can be seen pre' start and engine running. Forscan also shows DTCs which can be a guide to locating a fault.

As the wiring harness would need to be removed from the top of the engine - Check electrical/electronic connections to the crankshaft positition sensor - at the flywheel - the cam position sensor - on the side of the cylinder head behind the fuel rail. To the injectors. The rail pressure sensor etc.
The cam sensor connector is likely on the FWD on the front of the engine to the lhs of the engine - viewed from the dirvers seat looking forward.[/quote]

I will try to measure if/how much the voltage drops during cranking,
I will aquire an obd2 reader and check codes
The cam sensor wasn't removed, the connection was however.
I will check all connections.

Best regards/Erik

[Erik.Hulten]

One "Vlinker FS usb" ordered!
Best regards/Erik

[Erik.Hulten]

Hello again!

i have recived the obd2 reader,
installed Forscan
plugged it in and saved a log:

===OBD2_PCM DTC P0113-P===
Code: P0113 - IAT Sensor Circuit High Input

Status (-50):
- Pending - malfunction is expected to be confirmed

Module: On Board Diagnostic II (PCM)

Diagnostic Trouble Code details

IAT Sensor Circuit High Input

This DTC may be caused by :

Open Circuit

Signal shorted to VBATT or vref.

Sensor Previously disconnected.

Faulty Sensor

Faulty or damaged PCM.

Extreme low ambient temperature.

Improper connection

Incorrect VREF.

SIGRTN open circuit

===END OBD2_PCM DTC P0113-P===

===PCM DTC P0671:00-2E===
Code: P0671 - Cylinder 1 Glow Plug Circuit / Open

Status (-2E):
- DTC Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Powertrain Control Module

Freeze Frame #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 365114604 s (Sat Dec 14 02:27:30 2024) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 377844 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 13.0 V - Control Module Voltage
===END PCM DTC P0671:00-2E===

===PCM DTC P0673:00-2E===
Code: P0673 - Cylinder 3 Glow Plug Circuit / Open

Status (-2E):
- DTC Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Powertrain Control Module

Freeze Frame #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 365114604 s (Sat Dec 14 02:27:30 2024) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 377844 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 13.0 V - Control Module Voltage
===END PCM DTC P0673:00-2E===

===PCM DTC P0674:00-2E===
Code: P0674 - Cylinder 4 Glow Plug Circuit / Open

Status (-2E):
- DTC Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Powertrain Control Module

Freeze Frame #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 365114604 s (Sat Dec 14 02:27:30 2024) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 377844 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 13.0 V - Control Module Voltage
===END PCM DTC P0674:00-2E===

===PCM DTC P0113:00-26===
Code: P0113 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High Bank 1

Status (-26):
- DTC Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Powertrain Control Module

Freeze Frame #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 390139545 s (Mon Sep 29 18:49:51 2025) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 381722 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 11.0 V - Control Module Voltage
===END PCM DTC P0113:00-26===

===PCM DTC P0335:31-2E===
Code: P0335 - Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit

Additional Fault Symptom (:31):
- No Signal

Status (-2E):
- DTC Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Powertrain Control Module

Freeze Frame #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 390139799 s (Mon Sep 29 18:54:05 2025) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 381722 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 10.0 V - Control Module Voltage
===END PCM DTC P0335:31-2E===

===PCM DTC P0691:00-28===
Code: P0691 - Fan 1 Control Circuit Low

Status (-28):
- Previously Set DTC - Not Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Powertrain Control Module

Freeze Frame #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 386265805 s (Fri Aug 15 22:47:31 2025) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 381208 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 13.0 V - Control Module Voltage
===END PCM DTC P0691:00-28===

===PCM DTC P269D:13-26===
Code: P269D - Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Control Circuit Low

Additional Fault Symptom (:13):
- Circuit Open

Status (-26):
- DTC Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Powertrain Control Module

Freeze Frame #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 390391626 s (Thu Oct 02 16:51:12 2025) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 381722 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 12.0 V - Control Module Voltage
===END PCM DTC P269D:13-26===

===PCM DTC B1206:00-AF===
Code: B1206 - Crash Occurred

Status (-AF):
- DTC Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is On for this DTC

Module: Powertrain Control Module

Freeze Frame #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 390221955 s (Tue Sep 30 17:43:21 2025) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 381722 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 11.0 V - Control Module Voltage
===END PCM DTC B1206:00-AF===

===ABS DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Antilock braking system

===END ABS DTC None===

===BCMii DTC P0230:14-08===
Code: P0230 - Fuel Pump Primary Circuit

Additional Fault Symptom (:14):
- Circuit Short To Ground Or Open

Status (-08):
- Previously Set DTC - Not Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Body Control Module

===END BCMii DTC P0230:14-08===

===RCM DTC B1998===
Code: B1998 - Side Airbag Open Circuit (Passengers)

Module: Restraint Control Module

Diagnostic Trouble Code details

Side Airbag Open Circuit (Passengers)

--- Possible Causes --------

Passenger Side, Side Mount AirBag Circuit Open

-Suspect Passenger Side,Side AirBag circuit wiring Passenger Side,Side AirBag AirBag module

===END RCM DTC B1998===

===SRM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Speech Recognition Module

===END SRM DTC None===

===ACM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Audio Control Module

===END ACM DTC None===

===IPC DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Instrument Panel Control Module

===END IPC DTC None===

whats the next step? reset and try to start and see what codes comes back?

i haven´t really worked with obd2 readers before so my knowledge is limited

best regards /Erik

[metalworker0]

With so many, it's possibly a battery or earth problem,

As when this happens multiple electronic devices go down and malfunction. because the voltage is too low.
. Check battery terminals, check earths where screwed to body and engine .
Check battery/batteries voltage - should be at least 12.4 volts if fully charged.
Take off battery connectors, clean , terminals and inside the connectors.. unscrew earths/ negative grounds, clean with wire brush , take off red wire from alternator to starter ... clean and re-install.


all the best.mark

[tranmx2]

Code: P0671 - Cylinder 1 Glow Plug Circuit / Open=PCM DTC P0673:00-2E===
Code: P0673 - Cylinder 3 Glow Plug Circuit / Open=PCM DTC P0674:00-2E===
Code: P0674 - Cylinder 4 Glow Plug Circuit / OpenCode:
1,3,4 are activated when the ambient temp is below 5C. Need to take off the inlet manifold. Can be checked with a DMM for continuety from the 4 wire connector above the thermostat.

P0113 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High Bank 1Code: P0335 -
likely on the outlet (lhs of vehicle) of the air inlet heat exchanger which is below the radiator.

Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' CircuitCode: P0691 - Likely engine shall not start - fix this ASAP.

Fan 1 Control Circuit Low Previously Set DTC Code: P269D - Previously set = can be deleted/reset.

Exhaust Aftertreatment Glow Plug Control Circuit LowCode: B1206 -
Likely the vapourisor heater - on the exhaust pipe before the DPF.

FWD may not be the same as the RWD which the 2012 is.
Crash OccurredCode: P0230 - Fuel Pump Primary Circuit
RHD vehicles go inside where the glove box is - in front of the passenger - on the left of the vehicle look for a yello knob which could be the fuel shut off valve.

Inertia switch fuel cut off.JPG

The codes can be looked at on the internet.

hats the next step? reset and try to start and see what codes comes back? Yes!
Better to fix the problem then delete/reset the DTCs.

[Erik.Hulten]

Hello!
I made a reset of DTC-codes and tried to start again.

took a look at wich codes returned.

===OBD2_PCM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: On Board Diagnostic II (PCM)

===END OBD2_PCM DTC None===

===PCM DTC B1206:00-AF===
Code: B1206 - Crash Occurred

Status (-AF):
- DTC Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is On for this DTC

Module: Powertrain Control Module

Freeze Frame #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 391346340 s (Mon Oct 13 18:03:05 2025) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 381722 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 12.0 V - Control Module Voltage
===END PCM DTC B1206:00-AF===

===ABS DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Antilock braking system

===END ABS DTC None===

===BCMii DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Body Control Module

===END BCMii DTC None===

===RCM DTC B1998===
Code: B1998 - Side Airbag Open Circuit (Passengers)

Module: Restraint Control Module

Diagnostic Trouble Code details

Side Airbag Open Circuit (Passengers)

--- Possible Causes --------

Passenger Side, Side Mount AirBag Circuit Open

-Suspect Passenger Side,Side AirBag circuit wiring Passenger Side,Side AirBag AirBag module

===END RCM DTC B1998===

===SRM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Speech Recognition Module

===END SRM DTC None===

===ACM DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Audio Control Module

===END ACM DTC None===

===IPC DTC None===
Successful DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Instrument Panel Control Module

===END IPC DTC None===

Googled B1206 - Crash Occurred
people suggested you should press a button on the passengerside, behind the glove compartment
didn´t help, fault code remains.

Any idées?

Best regards/ Erik