2000 2.5 diesel - ODB, PWM EPIC and starting

[malcolmbebb]

I'm new here and apologise since this has probably been covered - but my eyes are crossed with reading posts and I don't have an answer!

2000 2.5 UK "fly-by-wire" diesel, <20k miles (motorhome), couple of times the engine has just refused to start. Dash lights OK, no starter, no fuel. Two keys tried, no difference. Last time 120 miles from home
Flash code 3,2 (could have been 2, 3 but think I was right first time).
Each time it started later. Intermittent fault. Drives OK.

Local Ford garage looked on their system, no obvious problem, althought one fuel pump rotor entry wouldn't clear. Purbeck Ford, didn't charge me so they're nice guys EPIC pump. They cleaned the connectors but no obvious problems.

OK - I would like to get something to look at the fault codes if it happens again, ideally PC based, but I'm struggling to find any software or tools that admits to being for this year. I could wire a lead if I knew the connections, or maybe buy commercial. I don't want to shell out professional kit prices.

Anyone able to offer any advice on suitable diagnostic kit, or technical info?
Anyone able to offer suggestion on likely cause of problem?

Thanks

Malcolm

[Altransit]

Only a Lucas Laser 2000 will read EPIC codes, but when you say flash codes, are you talking about the PATS LED

[psv-hgv-flt]

viewtopic.php?f=31&t=59343&p=516381&hilit=epic+training+manual#p516381

this may help, fault code table page 61 plus how to read it.

[malcolmbebb]

Thanks for the replies.

The flash code was the PATS LED. It initially flashed rapidly, then flashed the code a bit later. The flash code indicates a problem communicating with the PATS module.

From psv-hgv-flt's post and the PDF, EPIC relates to the whole system not just the fuel pump?

I'm not sure if I have an immobiliser problem, which I first thought from the LED, or an pump problem from the garage's report. However, I didn't have a copy of the report so I don't know what the actual EMS code was.

I first noticed this problem shortly after having a third party alarm fitted. My first thought was that some immobiliser wiring has been disturbed leading to an erratic connection. But the problem may have been there when I bought it.

Malcolm

[psv-hgv-flt]

The flash code was the PATS LED. It initially flashed rapidly, then flashed the code a bit later.

Bit confused about the Lucas Laser - are "EPIC codes" different from the ems fault codes?

Ta

Malcolm

have you clicked on the link, it will tel you how to read it.

viewtopic.php?f=31&t=59343&p=516381&hilit=epic+training+manual#p516381

[Altransit]

The fault code that the PATS light is flashing is to do with a fault with the immobiliser, thats why the engine will turn over, but won't start.

You won't need a code reader, as the injection system is probably working fine

[psv-hgv-flt]

might be fuse under bonnet 5amp in black box

[malcolmbebb]

I guess my changes to my reply crossed over with some other replies.

I did look at the pdf, which is most handy. I guess I'll have to find the PATS module and check initially for disturbed wiring.

Most of the time it works fine, but that doesn't rule out an intermittent fault in the unit. Any idea of cost if I have to replace it?

Fuse under bonnet - is that one of the standard fuses? It's unlikely to be blown, given that it's intermittent, but may be loose or corroded.

Ta

Malcolm

[Altransit]

I thought there were a couple of low value fuses in the main box (by the drivers right knee) but that might only be the non EPIC PATS

[malcolmbebb]

The fault code that the PATS light is flashing is to do with a fault with the immobiliser, thats why the engine will turn over, but won't start.

You won't need a code reader, as the injection system is probably working fine

That's encouraging - I think - given the price of a fuel pump. The immobilser stops the starter turning over, but we were able to bypass it and get the engine spinning. However, it also works on the fuel valve - and I've just confirmed that in the pdf manual - so it wouldn't fire.

Wish I'd joined this forum sooner

[Altransit]

The immobilser stops the starter turning over,

Thats odd

On the EPIC, it should still turn over

[malcolmbebb]

The immobilser stops the starter turning over,

Thats odd

On the EPIC, it should still turn over

According to the manual, on P57 at the top right, it says that on the diesel it operates on both.

[Altransit]

According to the manual, on P57 at the top right, it says that on the diesel it operates on both.

Another myth busted for me then

I was under the impression that the PATS disabled the starter on the N/A engine but not on the Turbo .................. oh well

[AndyG]

But you also need to read the following paragraph which applies to the EPIC

[malcolmbebb]

But you also need to read the following paragraph which applies to the EPIC

I looked at that (can't view it on this PC, for some reason). Anyway, on mine, when the immobiliser fault condition is present the engine doesn't turn over. If the starter control is bypassed it turns, but doesn't fire.

So I rather hope that is how it's supposed to be!