2012 Passat b7 2.0tdi Cuts Out

[heyburt]

Hi there
I have B7 CFFB 2.0 TDI Passat and it has just started cutting out. It will run from cold for 90 seconds before cutting out with an ESC error. The dash is still lit but if you try to restart, nothing happens at all, no cranking. If I take the key out for 5 minutes, I can restart and it runs as normal, but only for 90 seconds before repeating the ESC error. It doesn;t matter if I'm stationary or in gear. Battery is fully charged. I did a code read using OBDEleven and its attached. Aybody have a clue what is happening?

OBDeleven data log

Date: 2022-03-25 10:51

    VIN: WVWZZZ3CZDE005685
    Car: Volkswagen Passat
    Year: 2013
    Body type: Variant
    Engine: CFFB
    Mileage: 341410 KM

---------------------------------------------------------------
01 Engine

    System description: R4 2,0L EDC
    Software number: 03L906018PR
    Software version: 2480
    Hardware number: 03L907309AE
    Hardware version: H28
    Serial number: 00000000000000
    ODX name: EV_ECM20TDI01103L906018PR
    ODX version: 003003
    Long coding: 00190012042501080000

    Trouble codes: 
        No trouble codes found

---------------------------------------------------------------
03 Brakes

    System description: J104   C2 450M V464
    Software number: 3AA614109AF
    Software version: 0023
    Hardware number: 3AA614109AF
    Hardware version: K03
    Serial number: 00000005238213
    Coding: 0002992

    Trouble codes: 
        01314 - Engine control module (ECM) No signal/communication
            static


---------------------------------------------------------------
04 Steering Angle Sensor


    Trouble codes: 
        No trouble codes found

---------------------------------------------------------------
08 Air Conditioning

    System description: Climatronic
    Software number: 3AA907044AF
    Software version: 0202
    Hardware number: 3AA907044AF
    Hardware version: H03
    ODX name: EV_Climatronic
    ODX version: A01010
    Long coding: 0014004803

    Trouble codes: 
        U111100 - Function limitation due to missing message
            static
        B10AF04 - Air quality sensor Faulty
            Intermittent


---------------------------------------------------------------
09 Central Electrics

    System description: BCM PQ47 H
    Software number: 3AA937087G
    Software version: 0464
    Hardware number: 3AA937087G
    Hardware version: 421
    Long coding: 0008000000000000009800801400816403510088426D81606480C7200041

    Subsystems: 
        System description: Wischer 21051
        Software number: 3AC955119  
        Software version: 0612
        Hardware version: 26 
        Long coding: 00B795

        System description: RLS 290512 05
        Software number: 1K0955559AH
        Software version: 0403
        Hardware version: 54 
        Long coding: 0230ED

    Trouble codes: 
        00446 - Function limitation due to insufficient voltage Lower limit not reached
            Intermittent
        00526 - Brake light switch Implausible signal
            Intermittent
        00532 - Supply voltage Lower limit not reached
            Intermittent
        00927 - Terminal 30 right Open circuit
            Intermittent
        00985 - Right Tail Light Lamp Open circuit/short circuit to B+
            Intermittent
        01314 - Engine control module (ECM) No signal/communication
            static
        01516 - Terminal 30 left Open circuit
            Intermittent
        02391 - Terminal 30 reference Open circuit
            Intermittent
        02394 - Bulb for left front parking light Open circuit/short circuit to B+
            static
        02746 - Right daytime running lamp bulb Open circuit/short circuit to B+
            static
        02739 - Right brake/tail lamp bulb Open circuit/short circuit to B+
            Intermittent
        03789 - Terminal 75 emergency running active
            Intermittent
        03678 - Start-stop operation coordinator No signal/communication
            static


---------------------------------------------------------------
15 Airbag

    System description: J234__108 VW10 HI
    Software number: 5N0959655AA
    Software version: 2118
    Hardware number: 5N0959655AA
    Hardware version: 003
    Serial number: 003L7PAQBJRK
    Coding: 0012344

    Trouble codes: 
        No trouble codes found

---------------------------------------------------------------
16 Steering Column

    System description: LENKS.MODUL
    Software number: 3C9953501BN
    Software version: 0140
    Hardware number: 5K0953569AB
    Hardware version: 014
    Serial number: 20120530200345
    ODX name: EV_VW360SteerWheelUDS
    ODX version: A03004
    Long coding: 1182250000

    Subsystems: 
        System description: E221__MFL-TK6
        Software number: 3C8959537D 
        Software version: 0022
        Hardware version: H07
        Long coding: E20000

    Trouble codes: 
        No trouble codes found

---------------------------------------------------------------
17 Dashboard

    System description: KOMBI
    Software number: 3AA920970J
    Software version: 0705
    Hardware number: 3AA920970J
    Hardware version: H05
    Serial number: 00000000000000
    ODX name: EV_Kombi_UDS_VDD_RM09
    ODX version: A04716
    Long coding: 461F00

    Trouble codes: 
        U111100 - Function limitation due to missing message
            static


---------------------------------------------------------------
19 Gateway

    System description: J533  Gateway
    Software number: 7N0907530AA
    Software version: 1632
    Hardware number: 7N0907530G
    Hardware version: H41
    Serial number: 210512F1002227
    Long coding: 462007

    Trouble codes: 
        01314 - Engine control module (ECM) No signal/communication
            static
        00381 - Instrument cluster data bus No signal/communication
            Intermittent


---------------------------------------------------------------
25 Immobilizer

    System description: IMMO         043
    Software number: 3AA959433
    Software version: 0400
    Hardware number: 3AA959433
    Hardware version: 008
    Serial number: VWZCZ000000000

    Subsystems: 
        System description: ELV          029
        Software number: 3C0905861J
        Software version: 0380

    Trouble codes: 
        No trouble codes found

---------------------------------------------------------------
2E Media Player 3

    System description: SG EXT.PLAYER
    Software number: 5N0035342F
    Software version: 0530
    Hardware number: 5N0035342F
    Hardware version: H18
    Serial number: 7662676602
    Long coding: 020100

    Trouble codes: 
        01314 - Engine control module (ECM) No signal/communication
            static


---------------------------------------------------------------
37 Navigation

    System description: RNS315-EU
    Software number: 3C0035279M
    Software version: 0319
    Hardware number: 3C0035279M
    Hardware version: H52
    Serial number: VWZAZ2M5914487
    ODX name: EV_RNS315EUV2UDS
    ODX version: 001705
    Long coding: 040004010400110000019002

    Subsystems: 
        System description: EUR_W_0038���
        Software number: 3AA919866��
        Software version: 0038

    Trouble codes: 
        No trouble codes found

---------------------------------------------------------------
42 Driver Door

    System description: TUER-SG FT
    Software number: 3AA959701A
    Software version: 0534
    Hardware number: 3C0959793C
    Hardware version: 002
    Serial number: 0005068404
    ODX name: EV_TSGFPQ35BRFVW46X
    ODX version: A04001
    Long coding: 0202B7

    Subsystems: 
        System description: J389__TSG-HR 
        Software number: 3AA959704A 
        Software version: 0501
        Hardware version: 004
        Serial number: 00000002944372      
        Long coding: 010290

    Trouble codes: 
        B11EC54 - Motor for front window regulator No basic setting
            Intermittent
        U111100 - Function limitation due to missing message
            Intermittent


---------------------------------------------------------------
44 Steering Assistance

    System description: EPS_ZFLS Kl. 195
    Software number: 1K0909144P
    Software version: 3305

    Trouble codes: 
        01314 - Engine control module (ECM) No signal/communication
            static


---------------------------------------------------------------
46 Comfort System

    System description: KSG PQ47 ELV 043
    Software number: 3AA959433
    Software version: 0634
    Hardware number: 3AA959433
    Hardware version: 008
    Serial number: VWZCZ000000000
    Long coding: 0191020052830E76340494157C085FCE105C01

    Subsystems: 
        System description: LIN BACKUP HORN H05
        Software number: 1K0951605C
        Software version: 1501

        System description: Neigungssensor  004
        Software number: 3C0951171C
        Software version: 0611

        System description: Innenraumueberw.004
        Software number: 3C0951171C
        Software version: 0611

    Trouble codes: 
        00332 - Activation for tank flap Short circuit to ground
            static


---------------------------------------------------------------
4F Central Electrics 2

    System description: EZE_2
    Software number: 7N0907532
    Software version: 1632
    Hardware number: 7N0907530G
    Hardware version: H41
    Serial number: 210512F1002227
    Long coding: 00000008

    Subsystems: 
        System description: Analoguhr    
        Software number: 3AA919204A 
        Software version: 0003
        Hardware version: 004

    Trouble codes: 
        No trouble codes found

---------------------------------------------------------------
52 Passenger Door

    System description: TUER-SG BT
    Software number: 3AA959702A
    Software version: 0534
    Hardware number: 3C0959792C
    Hardware version: 002
    Serial number: 0005064070
    ODX name: EV_TSGBPQ35BRFVW46X
    ODX version: A04001
    Long coding: 0202B6

    Subsystems: 
        System description: J388__TSG-HL 
        Software number: 3AA959703A 
        Software version: 0501
        Hardware version: 004
        Serial number: 00000002941763      
        Long coding: 010290

    Trouble codes: 
        B11EC54 - Motor for front window regulator No basic setting
            Intermittent
        U111100 - Function limitation due to missing message
            Intermittent


---------------------------------------------------------------
53 Parking Brake

    System description: J540 EPB4  VW-86594
    Software number: 3AA907801H
    Software version: 0010
    Hardware number: 3AA907801H
    Serial number: 00000000238295
    Coding: 0022167

    Trouble codes: 
        01314 - Engine control module (ECM) No signal/communication
            static


---------------------------------------------------------------
56 Radio


    Trouble codes: 
        No trouble codes found

---------------------------------------------------------------
61 Battery Regulation

    System description: Batt.regelung
    Software number: 7N0907534
    Software version: 1632
    Hardware number: 7N0907530G
    Hardware version: H41
    Serial number: 210512F1002227
    Long coding: 030F1859

    Subsystems: 
        System description: J367-BDM     
        Software number: 1K0915181H 
        Software version: 0180
        Hardware version: H07
        Serial number: 00000000008900382886

    Trouble codes: 
        02252 - Generator mechanical malfunction
            Intermittent


---------------------------------------------------------------
62 Rear Left Door


    Trouble codes: 
        No trouble codes found

---------------------------------------------------------------
65 Tire Pressure

    System description: RDKBERU30
    Software number: 3AA907273D
    Software version: 0010
    Hardware number: 3AA907273D
    Hardware version: H09
    Serial number: 10000000132956
    ODX name: EV_RDKBERU30
    ODX version: 003012

    Trouble codes: 
        No trouble codes found

---------------------------------------------------------------
72 Rear Right Door


    Trouble codes: 
        No trouble codes found

[philipharmes]

From the fault codes it looks to me that you are intermittently loosing 12v power to the ECU & other modules.

Trouble codes:
01314 - Engine control module (ECM) No signal/communication


Trouble codes:
00446 - Function limitation due to insufficient voltage Lower limit not reached
Intermittent
00526 - Brake light switch Implausible signal
Intermittent
00532 - Supply voltage Lower limit not reached
Intermittent
00927 - Terminal 30 right Open circuit
Intermittent
00985 - Right Tail Light Lamp Open circuit/short circuit to B+
Intermittent
01314 - Engine control module (ECM) No signal/communication
static
01516 - Terminal 30 left Open circuit
Intermittent
02391 - Terminal 30 reference Open circuit
Intermittent
02394 - Bulb for left front parking light Open circuit/short circuit to B+
static
02746 - Right daytime running lamp bulb Open circuit/short circuit to B+
static
02739 - Right brake/tail lamp bulb Open circuit/short circuit to B+
Intermittent
03789 - Terminal 75 emergency running active
Intermittent
03678 - Start-stop operation coordinator No signal/communication
static
All those codes point to loss of 12v power.

The problem will be finding the break/ loose connection as it's intermittent.

Start by checking around the engine bay fuse box, look for anything that looks melted or loose.

Check all the bolted 12v power connections at the front of the fuse box for corrosion, loose connection or sign of melted insulation.

If nothing found, try running the engine while physically pulling around various parts of the wiring loom to see if you can cause it to fail.

You may need to get a copy of the wiring diagram to see which ECU terminals should be live & work back from there.

[heyburt]

Thanks for that Phillip!

I've inspected all easily accessible fuses/relays (not tested them) and wiring including wiggling. Still can't find the problem.

One further symptom is when the car does start then stall after 90 seconds or so, the cooling fans come on after 15 seconds. However the car is cold so it doesn't make sense. It's this an indication of a problem anybody has experienced before? ECU, temp sensor?

[heyburt]

And how easy is it to swap out ECU? Does it include lots of recoding and we'll the immobiliser be a problem?

[philipharmes]

The ECU is one of the most reliable parts of the car & very unlikely to be faulty.
The immobiliser would need re-coding or an ECU with the immobiliser deleted.

There are at least three 12v supplies to the ECU, some permanent & some switched, I suspect one is failing which is giving you the problem.

You will need a wiring diagram to check the 12v supplies at the ECU before & after the failure, then trace from there to find out why one is missing.

[philipharmes]

Have you checked the battery voltage & that it's charging when the engine runs?

[Crasher]

I have seen a few of the ECU's on these suffer water damage. The reason the fans kick in is the controller in the main fan can see the ignition is on so it assume the engine is running but it can't see the temperature signal from the ECU so it assumes to worst and goes into full overheat mode. They drive me mad when they do this and you are trying to work on the engine so I pull the fuse. Following from what Phil said, you need to monitor the power feed at the ECU which means wipers and scuttle trim off (potential for cracking the screen) and them cutting off the ECU chastity belt and opening up the harness to back probe the power feeds.

[heyburt]

Thanks both!

I have not yet ckeced alternator/rectifier function. But the battery is about 3 months old and is fully charged.

Wipers and scuttle trim is off already, and I've started hacksawing a slot into one of the shear headed bolts on the anti tamper ECU frame. Hackswa blade is blunt. Went to Notts to work over the weekend at the house Im renovating and forgot to bring my angle grinder back.... most of my tools are there.

Its reassuring to hear Im heading in the right direction as I wasn't too confident.
Very helpful to read the description of the fans and why they turn on!

I'll report back when I got further.

[Crasher]

Did you fit an AGM battery equivalent to a 096 specification and code it into the battery monitoring unit?