djgilson

OK, it looks like the problem was J322 power control relay, labelled “100”, the only relay in top of engine bay fuse box. Elsawin describes it as “diesel direct injection system relay”. Skoda Indian Queens replaced it as a first port of call, and a week later there has been no further failure to start, so hopefully that’s it. My visit to the dealer was actually fairly painless in the end. (Courtesy car was an electric Citigo - interesting, but not enough to tempt me away from proper cars). Irritatingly, I had thought of replacing that relay myself - should have acted on it. Anyway, it seems the same relay is used on other VW Group diesels, so perhaps this result may be of help to anyone with a similar problem.

Many thanks for the suggestions, langer2k. I think I’ve gone as far down that route as I can. The ECU has two connectors, a 94 way and a 60 way, which of course connect with countless other connectors and modules. The Elsawin Current Flow Diagram is split between all those modules and it’s hard to make sense of it. I wouldn’t feel comfortable trouble-shooting just one of the ways, never mind 154 of ‘em. The good guys at my local independent garage reckon they couldn’t do any more than I’ve already done. So it’s booked in to the dealer next week. (I can hear the screams of “Told you so” already). I’ll report on the outcome.

Thanks for the replies, Expatman and Llanigraham. Please keep them coming. They help keep the thread at top of page.

It may come to that, but I'm not quite ready to give up yet.

Well, as expected, the new battery made no difference, problem is still there. But I now realize that when it fails to start, if I just wait several seconds for the “ESP: Error” message to go off, it will start OK, ie no need to remove key or even switch off. I suspect this was always the case, but I just naturally fiddled with the key. So I could almost live with the problem, but I can’t live with all those fault codes……………..

Thanks for the suggestion, GordonY. My first thoughts were that the symptoms suggest the battery is OK, however I must admit it is 4 years old, and the failures to start have mostly been on the first start of the day. So I’ve ordered a new battery, (60% off at GSF helped), but this is more in hope than expectation. At the least it will eliminate the battery as the culprit, and it’s a lot cheaper than a new ECU. Meanwhile, after swapping to the spare key, the problem has persisted, so unfortunately that destroys the theory that the fault might lie in the key. In total in the last 10 days, there have been four failures to start. Each time, the problem was resolved by simply removing the key and replacing it. And each time, the same string of fault codes was generated. But there are no fault codes in the engine, or the immobiliser. The search continues……..

Ah! A pattern is beginning to emerge. Failed to start again this morning (using the original key). Ignition on produced a message "ESP: Error", (as it did on the first occasion). Continuing to the start position, the engine turned over freely, but failed to fire. I then switched off, withdrew the key and re-inserted it. Ignition on then produced the correct "Skoda Information System" message, and I just knew it was going to start, which it did, and ran perfectly, and has been fine since. I assume the "ESP: Error" is a spurious message caused by the intermittent ECU signal. A repeat VCDS scan produced the same string of fault codes as before. Time to attach the scan. It's comforting that there are no Priority 1 faults (Stop driving immediately), but there are a couple of Priority 0 (Undefined). Can anyone throw light on those? I'm now happier that I'm not going to break down on the road. I'm going to swap to the spare key and see if it behaves better, but it'll take a while waiting for something not to happen. Any further bright ideas will be much appreciated. Monday,10,August,2020,11:36:23:04019 VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 10 x64 VCDS Version: 20.4.2.0 (x64) HEX-V2 CB: 0.4513.4 Data version: 20200730 DS317.0 www.Ross-Tech.com VIN: TMBMD75L8B6059704 License Plate: Mileage: 95670km-59446mi Repair Order: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chassis Type: 5L-SK35 (7N0) Scan: 01 02 03 08 09 10 15 16 17 19 22 25 42 44 46 52 56 62 72 VIN: TMBMD75L8B6059704 Mileage: 95670km-59446miles 01-Engine -- Status: Sporadic communication error 1000 02-Auto Trans -- Status: Malfunction 0010 03-ABS Brakes -- Status: Malfunction 0010 04-Steering Angle -- Status: OK 0000 08-Auto HVAC -- Status: Malfunction 0010 09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: Malfunction 0010 10-Park/Steer Assist -- Status: OK 0000 15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000 16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000 17-Instruments -- Status: Malfunction 0010 19-CAN Gateway -- Status: Malfunction 0010 22-AWD -- Status: Malfunction 0010 25-Immobilizer -- Status: OK 0000 42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: OK 0000 44-Steering Assist -- Status: OK 0000 46-Central Conv. -- Status: OK 0000 52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: OK 0000 56-Radio -- Status: Malfunction 0010 62-Door, Rear Left -- Status: OK 0000 72-Door, Rear Right -- Status: OK 0000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 01: Engine (J623-CFHC) Labels:. 03L-906-018-CFF.clb Part No SW: 03L 906 018 DB HW: 03L 906 018 BR Component: R4 2,0L EDC H23 7098 Revision: 42H23--- Serial number: Coding: 001D0012042700080000 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 ASAM Dataset: EV_ECM20TDI01103L906018DB 003004 ROD: EV_ECM20TDI01103L906018DB.rod VCID: 6D863B076D110553895-8038 No fault code found. Readiness: 0 0 0 0 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: 02E-927-770.clb Part No SW: 02E 300 013 L HW: 02E 927 770 AL Component: GSG DSG AG6 511 2601 Revision: 05351113 Serial number: 00001104130936 Coding: 0000020 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 VCID: 1A6C20DBC09F42EBBC7-804E 2 Faults Found: 18258 - Powertrain Data Bus P1850 - 000 - Missing Message from ECU - Intermittent Freeze Frame: Fault Status: 00100000 Fault Priority: 0 Fault Frequency: 255 Reset counter: 40 Mileage: 95678 km Time Indication: 0 Date: 2015.01.01 Time: 11:24:56 01196 - Engine-Transmission Data Bus 004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent Freeze Frame: Fault Status: 00100100 Fault Priority: 0 Fault Frequency: 255 Reset counter: 40 Mileage: 95678 km Time Indication: 0 Date: 2015.01.01 Time: 11:24:57 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 03: ABS Brakes (J104) Labels:. 1K0-907-379-60EC1F.clb Part No SW: 1K0 907 379 BE HW: 1K0 907 379 BE Component: ESP MK60EC1 H31 0108 Revision: 00H31001 Coding: 933F400E09270103C91202E4901D808A300000 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 VCID: 76B4146B18C7C68B78F-8022 1 Fault Found: 01314 - Engine Control Module 004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent Freeze Frame: Fault Status: 00100100 Fault Priority: 2 Fault Frequency: 1 Reset counter: 67 Mileage: 95678 km Time Indication: 0 Date: 2015.01.01 Time: 11:24:57 Freeze Frame: Count: 0 Count: 14 Count: 4608 Count: 8194 Count: 41984 Count: 1 Count: 65278 Count: 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 08: Auto HVAC (J255) Labels:| 5K0-907-044.clb Part No SW: 3T0 907 044 BE HW: 3T0 907 044 BE Component: Climatronic H16 0402 Revision: 00006001 Coding: 0000000002 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 ASAM Dataset: EV_Climatronic A01010 ROD: EV_ClimaAutoBasis_SK35.rod VCID: 76B4146B1847C68B78F-8022 1 Fault Found: 13701376 - Function Restricted due to Missing Message(s) U1111 00 [008] - - [Motorsteuergerät - kein Signal/Kommunikation] Intermittent - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear Freeze Frame: Fault Status: 00000001 Fault Priority: 6 Fault Frequency: 1 Reset counter: 107 Mileage: 95678 km Date: 2020.08.10 Time: 11:24:58 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 09: Cent. Elect. (J519) Labels:. 1K0-937-08x-09.clb Part No SW: 1K0 937 086 H HW: 1K0 937 086 H Component: BCM PQ35 M 103 0615 Revision: 00103 AE Coding: 48000AB8E85BF1C040080080110001E4430000AE526D85605C8140000040 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 VCID: 3536D36745418D93B15-8060 Subsystem 1 - Part No: 5L2 955 119 A Labels: 1KX-955-119.CLB Component: SK356 26 0604 Coding: 00F7B5 Subsystem 2 - Part No: 1K0 955 559 AH Labels: 1K0-955-559-AG.CLB Component: RLS 260411 05 54 0403 Coding: 0730ED Subsystem 3 - Part No: 1K8 951 171 Component: DWA-Sensor 00 001 0104 Subsystem 4 - Part No: 1K8 951 605 B Component: LIN BACKUP HO H11 9005 2 Faults Found: 01134 - Alarm Horn (H12) 014 - Defective Freeze Frame: Fault Status: 01101110 Fault Priority: 4 Fault Frequency: 1 Reset counter: 64 Mileage: 95655 km Time Indication: 0 Date: 2014.12.28 Time: 12:30:12 Freeze Frame: Term 15 On Voltage: 12.05 V ON ON Term 50 Off OFF OFF 01314 - Engine Control Module 004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent Freeze Frame: Fault Status: 00100100 Fault Priority: 6 Fault Frequency: 1 Reset counter: 107 Mileage: 95678 km Time Indication: 0 Date: 2015.01.01 Time: 11:24:58 Freeze Frame: Term 15 On Voltage: 11.85 V ON ON Term 50 Off OFF OFF ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 10: Park/Steer Assist (J446) Labels:| 5J0-919-475.clb Part No SW: 5J0 919 475 A HW: 5J0 919 475 A Component: PARKHILFE 4K H11 0005 Revision: --H11--- Serial number: 32901110900274 Coding: 108113 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 ASAM Dataset: EV_EPHVA14SKxxx0000 001001 ROD: EV_EPHVA14SKxxx0000_001.rod VCID: 3332ED7F4BB593A39F1-8066 No fault code found. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 15: Airbags (J234) Labels:| 5K0-959-655.clb Part No SW: 5C0 959 655 B HW: 5C0 959 655 B Component: AirbagVW10 013 0613 Serial number: 003G5RA4J0WU Coding: 00005442 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 ASAM Dataset: EV_AirbaVW10SMEVW360 A01014 ROD: EV_AirbaVW10SMEVW360.rod VCID: 313EE777B1A9A1B3EDD-8064 Crash sensor for side airbag: driver side: Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 5K0 959 354 HW: 5K0 959 354 Component: S.Sens.Fahr.V H01 ---- Serial number: 3572MSME7829445DZZZ2 Crash sensor for side airbag: front passenger side: Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 5K0 959 354 HW: 5K0 959 354 Component: S.Sens.Beif.V H01 ---- Serial number: 3582MSME4667435DZZZ% Crash sensor for side airbag: rear: driver side: Component: S.Sens.Fahr.H --- ---- Serial number: 3512QSME420E0011ZZZD Crash sensor for side airbag: rear: passenger side: Component: S.Sens.Beif.H --- ---- Serial number: 3522QSME6E1F0767ZZZ5 No fault code found. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 16: Steering wheel (J527) Labels:| 5K0-953-569.clb Part No SW: 5K0 953 521 AT HW: 5K0 953 569 B Component: LENKS.MODUL 014 0140 Revision: FF010040 Serial number: 20110421100452 Coding: 1882140000 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 ASAM Dataset: EV_SMLSNGVOLWSXS A01004 ROD: EV_SMLSNGVOLWS.rod VCID: 7EA40C4B30778ECB20F-802A Multifunction steering wheel control module: Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 3T0 959 537 HW: 3T0 959 537 Labels: 3C8-959-537.CLB Component: E221__MFL-URO H07 0012 Coding: 800000 No fault code found. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 17: Instruments (J285) Labels:| 5K0-920-xxx-17.clb-SRI1 Part No SW: 5L0 920 940 H HW: 5L0 920 940 H Component: KOMBI H21 0420 Serial number: 00000000000000 Coding: 420C00 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 ASAM Dataset: EV_Kombi_UDS_VDD_RM09 A04089 ROD: EV_Kombi_UDS_VDD_RM09_004_SK35.rod VCID: 313EE777B1A9A1B3EDD-8064 1 Fault Found: 12648448 - Function Restricted due to Missing Message(s) U1111 00 [008] - - [Steuergerät für Motor: keine Kommunikation] Intermittent - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear Freeze Frame: Fault Status: 00000001 Fault Priority: 6 Fault Frequency: 1 Reset counter: 107 Mileage: 95678 km Date: 2020.08.10 Time: 11:24:57 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 19: CAN Gateway (J533) Labels:. 7N0-907-530-V2.clb Part No SW: 7N0 907 530 C HW: 1K0 907 951 Component: J533 Gateway H37 0614 Revision: H37 Serial number: 230411F1001449 Coding: 356303 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 VCID: 3038E273BA23A8BBE23-8064 1 Fault Found: 01314 - Engine Control Module 004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent Freeze Frame: Fault Status: 00110100 Fault Priority: 2 Fault Frequency: 1 Reset counter: 107 Mileage: 95678 km Time Indication: 0 Date: 2015.01.01 Time: 11:24:56 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 22: AWD Labels: 0AY-907-554-V1.clb Part No SW: 0BR 907 554 B HW: 0BR 907 554 B Component: Haldex 4Motion 3017 Coding: 0000005 Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000 VCID: 44D0BEA3129B241B36B-8010 1 Fault Found: 01314 - Engine Control Module 004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent Freeze Frame: Fault Status: 00100010 Fault Priority: 2 Fault Frequency: 57 Reset counter: 48 Mileage: 3618101 km Time Indication: 4 Freeze Frame: Time: 0.00 s Raw, Form. N/A: 000 000 000 Raw, Form. N/A: 000 000 000 Raw, Form. N/A: 000 000 000 Raw, Form. N/A: 000 000 000 Raw, Form. N/A: 000 000 000 Raw, Form. N/A: 000 000 000 Raw, Form. N/A: 000 000 000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 25: Immobilizer (J334) Labels:| 5K0-920-xxx-25.clb Part No SW: 5K0 953 234 HW: 5K0 953 234 Component: IMMO H21 0420 Serial number: 00000000000000 Coding: 000000 Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000 ASAM Dataset: EV_Immo_UDS_VDD_RM09 A03008 ROD: EV_Immo_UDS_VDD_RM09_VW31.rod VCID: 6A8C301B5CFF126BEC7-803E No fault code found. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 42: Door Elect, Driver (J386) Labels:. 7N0-959-793.clb Part No SW: 7N0 959 793 D HW: 7N0 959 793 Component: TSG FA H04 0400 Revision: Serial number: 0000114811074 Coding: 011402208001231004 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 VCID: 43D2BDBF1B9523230F1-8016 No fault code found. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 44: Steering Assist Labels: 1K0-909-14x-GEN3.clb Part No: 1K0 909 144 M Component: EPS_ZFLS Kl. 71 3201 Revision: 00H20000 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 VCID: 3430EE63423B949B86B-8060 No fault code found. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 52: Door Elect, Pass. (J387) Labels:. 7N0-959-792.clb Part No SW: 7N0 959 792 D HW: 7N0 959 792 Component: TSG BF H04 0400 Revision: Serial number: 0000115072463 Coding: 011400208001231004 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 VCID: 42DCB8BB048F2A2B047-8016 No fault code found. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 56: Radio (J503) Labels:. 5M0-035-1xx-56.clb Part No SW: 1Z0 035 156 G HW: 1Z0 035 156 G Component: BOLERO 015 0029 Revision: -----29S Serial number: SKZ4Z3L1124148 Coding: 0D0004000001 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 VCID: 3634D46B5847868BB8F-8062 1 Fault Found: 00856 - Radio Antenna 007 - Short to Ground - Intermittent Freeze Frame: Fault Status: 00100111 Fault Priority: 5 Fault Frequency: 7 Reset counter: 107 Mileage: 95655 km Time Indication: 0 Date: 2014.12.28 Time: 12:39:22 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 62: Door, Rear Left (J388) Labels:. 7N0-959-795.clb Part No SW: 7N0 959 795 D HW: 7N0 959 795 Component: TSG HL H03 0400 Revision: Serial number: 0000115330907 Coding: 010000200001531004 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 VCID: 45D6A3A715A11D13215-8010 No fault code found. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 72: Door, Rear Right (J389) Labels:. 7N0-959-795.clb Part No SW: 7N0 959 795 D HW: 7N0 959 795 Component: TSG HR H03 0400 Revision: Serial number: 0000115330838 Coding: 010000200001531004 Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999 VCID: 45D6A3A715A11D13215-8010 No fault code found. End----(Elapsed Time: 01:20, VBatt start/end: 11.9V/11.9V. VIgn 11.9V)-----

Well, I guess it could be. Presumably the problem would be in the key itself, so the spare key should be OK. I will make a point of having the spare key with me, so I can try it if and when the problem recurs. Good tip, many thanks, Urrell.

Car is a 2011 Yeti 2.0TDi SE DSG 4x4, 59,000 miles. Has been totally reliable over last 6 years, but then a few days ago refused to start. Engine spinning over freely, just not firing. After fiddling with the key, it did eventually start and has been starting and running perfectly ever since. Ran a VCDS scan which brought up lots of error codes for the time of the failure to start. These mostly involved "01314 Engine Control Module, 004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent". But the engine itself showed no faults, in spite of the summary saying "01-Engine - Status: Sporadic communications error 1000". I saved the scan (of course) and cleared the fault codes, and am now waiting for the problem to happen again Meanwhile, I removed the ECU (which I assume is the same thing as the Engine Control Unit), after a struggle. (Managed to unscrew those wretched security screws with the aid of water-pump pliers - not a method I've seen suggested before). There was no sign of water entry to the connectors, and all the contacts looked bright and clean. So put it back together and now waiting for the problem to happen again, Not sure what else I can do. Hoping desperately not to have to throw myself on the mercy of the dealers. I can post the complete scan if required, but didn't want to clutter up the forum. Would be very grateful for any suggestions.