Ford C-Max: Cold Start Problems & Fixes

Here's a Ford C-Max TDCI, manufactured in March 2004, with 140,000 km on the clock, that won't start when cold. VCDS in OBD2 mode shows a fault code P1213. The engine is likely from PSA.

Only with brake cleaner (I know it's a harsh substance ), does the thing start up as if nothing happened. You don't see any air bubbles in the lines before or after the start.

Engine runs smoothly, full power output, no signs of black smoke.

Once it's been running for at least 2 minutes, it starts up without any problems!
GSK, all I/O, attempted forced pre-heating - nothing started.

Injector mass comparison test performed on a running engine, results are normal.

Is anyone familiar with the FC P1213 error code, or cold start problems, specifically with 2.0 TDCi engines?

Hello,

Have you tried enabling the checkmark in the OBD2 screen to convert the error codes? As far as I know, if there's a fault with injector 1, it should indicate a short circuit.

Best regards, Rainer.

Does the checkbox "Convert manufacturer-specific error codes to VAG error codes" mean what I think it does?

I haven't done anything yet. Right now, the Ford starts and has no error codes, but I have to wait for the engine to cool down.

Where did you get the FC code from?
According to Google, the search term "Kreislauf Einspritzdüse Anlassen" translates to something like "circulating injection nozzle starting," and there are very few useful topics related to it.

If it's indeed a short circuit in cylinder 1, I'll measure the resistance of all the injectors while the engine is cold, before starting it.

Quote:

Does the checkbox "Convert manufacturer-specific error codes to VAG error codes" mean what it says?

That's exactly what I mean!

Best regards, Rainer.

Can you read out the temperatures via EOBD?
Have you tried disconnecting the temperature sensor to see if it starts (better)?
What happens after prolonged masturbation (20 seconds)?

Best regards,
Micha

Wiesel wrote:

Can you read the temperatures via EOBD? Have you tried disconnecting the temperature sensor to see if it starts (better)? What happens after prolonged masturbation (20 seconds)? Best regards, Micha

The temperature readings are plausible according to the EOBD data. Whether the engine is cold or warm, the values are consistent.
Even if you hold the power button down for longer than 30 seconds, nothing happens, and the same applies if you remove the temperature sensor connector.

Too bad.
It's likely that a Siemens MSTG (SID 803) is installed, and it seems they don't have...
"Safety functions" that Bosch integrates.
Since it starts with brake cleaner and then continues to run , it seems that only the fuel...
to not be approved for initial release
However, I also have no idea what's hidden behind the cold start unit in Ford or PSA vehicles.
Are the glow plugs working properly and are they being activated?

Best regards,
Micha

As mentioned before, the GSK units are working properly. When the temperature sensor is disconnected, they start glowing.

Interestingly, it starts up without any assistance this morning as well, at approximately 15 degrees Celsius.
The error has not reappeared since then . I drove it around today, loaded and unloaded with the engine running, and then parked it at my place. I started it again after 1 hour, then again 5 hours later, and several more times. Everything was fine. I'm going crazy with this Ford. I will continue to monitor it, as it will be with me for one week.

Please forgive the silly question, but does that mean I can also read out other cars with the current VCDS version? I haven't dared to try that before...

What can be found in our landlord's shop, without much speculation...

"Quote:"

VCDS enables cross-manufacturer diagnostics via OBD2.

I probably overlooked that .

Octavia_4x4 wrote:

Please forgive the silly question, does that mean I can also read out other cars with the current VCDS version? I haven't dared to do that so far...

Sure, that's possible! What's the purpose of the OBD2 button? Nothing can break.

The funny Ford still starts perfectly fine, which is quite amusing.