Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Car Mechanics

    Diagnostics Doctor

    Jun 18, 2020 7 minutes

    FORD S-MAX

    Intermittent starting issue

    Q There is an intermittent non-starting issue when the keyless start button is pressed on my 2011 Ford S-MAX 2-litre diesel–nothing happens! There is also occasionally a MIL and “Engine Malfunction” message appearing on the dashboard but no-fault codes showing when I carry out an OBD check.

    I have checked all fuses, relays, the keyless start button connections at the PCM (ECU) and most of the wiring but now suspect the PCM (ECU) may be holding the start off for some reason?

    As a temporary measure I have installed a start button that takes live from the battery and puts it straight on to the starter motor solenoid and then with the keyless start button turned on (ignition on), the engine starts and runs with no issues.

    I have done numerous OBD checks using an Autel MaxiSys MS906BT and, after clearing all errors and road-testing, no errors show–but the Engine Malfunction message will still sometimes re-appear. This, like the keyless start button issue, is very intermittent.

    I have checked the keyless start button and the wiring

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from Car Mechanics

    Car Mechanics4 min read
    The ITALian Job
    In the most innocent of cases, I was merely sitting there waiting for the missus to come out of a shop in town recently. Opting not to go inside, I sat there on a bench in a pedestrianised part doing a spot of people watching. Nearby, I could hear a
    Car Mechanics3 min read
    Mileage Matters
    Nowadays, with mileages at every MOT being recorded centrally, available online to anyone, and the most recent mileages printed on test certificates, it is a lot harder for dishonest traders to clock cars arbitrarily. A sudden loss of 30, 40, 50 or 1
    Car Mechanics3 min read
    Rising Tick-over
    Q I promised my stepfather I’d ask you about a new problem on his 2007 SEAT Altea XL 1.9 TDI. I’ve attached a photographic image of the sticker inside his service book with all the details. A couple of weeks ago Geoff (my stepfather) asked my opinion

    Related