Request for advice: ASR Error when starting in the morning.

 

I have an Octavia SE TSI 1.4 MkII 2012 that often gets an ASR Error when I turn the ignition to start, mostly on a cold morning, below 4C. The engine does not start while the ASR lamp is on. 

 

It take a few tries to clear the error and the solution is never consistent and includes, remove the ignition key, replacing it, releasing the handbrake, putting a foot on the brake pedal. Simulating a full lock and unlocking of the vehicle. Or any combination of those.

 

Once the started there are no issues and the vehicle starts fine during the day.

 

My guess is it may be related to a sensor that feeds the ASR control. Or perhaps a mechanic issue on the handbrake or brakes.

 

Has anyone had this and provide some tips for determining the root cause?

 

Regards

Jeremy

May be related to this post: 

 

I'd suspect the battery, especially as a failing battery is worse on a cold morning.

 

 

Edited 28 April, 20242 yr by bigjohn

I check the battery with Bosch diagnostics at Kwik-Fit - no issues, fully charged and able to handle the load - so doesn't look like it is battery related.

 

Below is a shot of the MFD error from this morning's start. It eventually started after 10 attempts.

 

Edited 29 April, 20242 yr by wildcard_jed
Update information on the battery test

Hello, welcome to the forum.

Considering the vehicle is not in motion, I suspect the ASR fault report may be a red herring. I suggest getting a check done for any fault codes.  

I agree it looks like a faulty battery but the same condition can appear with a good battery if there is a poor connection (including earth) anywhere between the battery and the starter.

Look for corroded crimps and signs of black copper where the cable(s) is crimped and obviously, loose connrctions.

When you attempted to start, did the starter turn over? If not then look at the small wire going to the starter motor.

 

Thanks for the suggestions @Warrior193, Bosch diagnostics was run and an error was cleared on the engine ECU (the guy was to quick to let me photograph the error that was cleared).  He suggested that there may be a faulty connection between the ASR on/off button on the console panel and the relay switch that connects to the ECU. He said in his opinion it might be a job for an auto electrician to investigate.

 

With the error in the engine ECU now cleared perhaps this ASR error issue will go away for now - let's see.

 

In the meantime, I will inspect the wiring route from the battery to the starter as suggested by @pikpilot.

 

 

I can report that the situation is not improving and yesterday, during the day, it took 15 attempts to eventually get all the warning lights clear to start. Sadly my next step will be to go down the auto electrician / diagnostics rabbit hole.

 

Does anyone know which ECU controls the ignition sequence and pre-check (e.g. the clutch depress check).

 

Edited 25 May, 20242 yr by wildcard_jed

Good news! Issue solved but without explanation of the root cause. 

 

If I lock the car using the safelock function, i.e. 2 presses of the key fob lock button within 2 seconds, then the car starts first time with no issue. - no ASR error!

 

I cannot explain why this may be - perhaps a faulty ECU? I look forward to any explanations.

 

 

This should not be affected by how you lock the door.  When you open the drivers door after being parked a few hours the fuel pump primes the system ready for starting when you open the drivers door.   Before any key in Ignition or keyless starting.   Listen closely next time as you open the door. 

Update:

1. This condition occurs in a range of temperatures and not always in the morning, but always when starting.
2. ANCEL VD500 V/A Diagnostics run on the ECU (MED17.5.5) reveals error code 01674 "ECM/PCM Power Relay De-Energized Perfromance - Too" (attached)

Edited 28 June, 20241 yr by wildcard_jed

Is there any way to scroll to the rest of the fault description? Too .......

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/P068A/001674#:~:text=Performance Too Early-,P068A%2F001674 - ECM Power Relay Load Circuit%3A,De-Energized Performance Too Early

Update: Issue was investigated by Medlicott Motors (CW12 1NJ, Congleton) and eventually found some evidence of copper oxidisation on contacts inside the engine compartment fuse box. Cleaned up and put back together. So far the error has not repeated so this may be the root cause. 👏😃

The issue has re-appeared, this time I have read the following error of the ODBII - "01314"

 

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/01314

 

I am wondering if there is a relationship to this post from 2023 below:

 

I sent the car to https://www.votexltd.co.uk/ who recommended replacing the R1 and R2 relays. As a test, I swapped the R1 and R2 relays with each other and have not a problem since!

Clearly one of them is faulty and needs replacing, just need to figure which one

Does anyone know which relay is responsible for ignition?

Edited 7 June, 20257 Jun by wildcard_jed