@mmi @rod_vw
I hate reading fault threads where the OP fails to report outcome. This is not one of those threads. I will update when resolved.
I don't have access to this van very often (my son's) so posts are over an extended period.
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Update and summary of what I have done so far (two facts not previously mentioned).
The 2018 Crafter still has it's original battery. It sat for 2 months with only one battery charge with doors open frequently while accessories and storage was added - thus generally had a low battery. As I had read that battery issues can produce same symptoms I did not dig deeper until van was in regular use.
During this time it always took about 30 seconds to turnover and start but always started OK.
Yellow engine fault light was always on the dash
Using a cheap diagnostic tool I found the error
P0684 Error Glow Plug Control Module
The van has been driven daily for last two months.
Despite clearing all error codes the yellow engine fault light returned on next re-start
The starting issue is now somewhat different.
On most occasions, the van turns over for about 3 to 6 seconds before starting - longer than I would expect, but I have not compared with another Crafter.
Sometimes after a warm start it starts immediately.
Sometimes from a cold start (summertime) it takes up to 30 seconds turnover before starting. Same as it was when the battery was at a very low charge.
I bought Chinese OBD cable which came with VCDS which returns an "unknown Error Code" - see below
I know that a simple diagnostic might be to buy a new glow plug relay but I am not keen to recommend that my son spends ~£100 with an uncertain outcome.
Note I have changed some data below to xxxxxx as I am not sure if it identifies the specific vehicle. If full data required for any line please let me know.
Address 01: Engine (J623-DAUA) Labels:. 04L-907-309-V2.clb
Part No SW: 04L 906 056 NB HW: 04L 907 445 C
Component: R4 2.0l TDI H01 5239
Revision: 23201001
Coding: 001940106304010800000000000000000000000000000000
Shop #: WSC 00069 790 00013
ASAM Dataset: EV_ECM20TDI03004L906xxxxx 005003
ROD: N/A
VCID: 7AFB47EFFDDF5xxxxx-802E
VINID: 9E606AAAA8E9A9A240047146209Axxxxx
Unsupported vehicle. Please upgrade to a current Ross-Tech interface.
No ASAM data for: "EV_ECM20TDI0300xxxxxx" (VN54)
1 Fault Found:
15908 - ROD - Unknown Error Code
- 00 [00100111]
Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 151773 km