Intermittent no crank and shuts off while driving

2010 FORD FOCUS
187,543 MILES • 4 CYL • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 754 POSTS
The vehicle is behaving strange, some it won't make attempt to crank while trying to start the engine after leaving the vehicle for a while and try again it will start. Sometimes, with the vehicle moving on the highway,it will just tripped off suddenly, at this point it won't make attempt to crank.
Also with the vehicle moving on the highway, series of dashboard light will display at this time, the speedometer and tachometer will go back to zero while the vehicle is still moving.
I scanned the vehicle but I couldn't see any codes on it memory. What could be the problem?
Apr 16, 2021 at 1:43 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

Did you scan the entire can-bus system? CAN stands for controller area network. All modules/computers are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will reach all modules. Here is a video showing it being done:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

Next, check the battery terminals. Make sure they are clean and tight. Confirm the ground from the battery to the engine and body are in good condition. Make sure they aren't loose or corroded.

I attached a pic below indicating ground locations from the battery.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
Apr 16, 2021 at 9:05 PM
Avatar
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 754 POSTS
Thanks you, I will get back to you.
Apr 20, 2021 at 12:16 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. I will watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe
Apr 20, 2021 at 7:41 PM
Avatar
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 754 POSTS
Good evening, I have scanned the CAN BUS system. It passes all the control unit except three.
1. Instrumental cluster.
2. ABS.
3. Power-train.
The snapshot is shown below.
Apr 29, 2021 at 3:02 PM
Avatar
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 754 POSTS
The first picture sent above is for the Instrument cluster (fault code), the second is for ABS, and the third one is for the power train.
Apr 29, 2021 at 3:06 PM
Avatar
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 754 POSTS
I measured the resistance between the CAN L and CAN H it was 62 ohm.
Apr 29, 2021 at 3:10 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
The U2012 is related to a can communication with the ABS, so I don't think that is causing the vehicle to stall. The one related to the AC wouldn't either. The code that I have the most interest in is the U2510. That deals with the (PATS) passive anti-theft system. That can cause a no-start.

I suspect the PATS system is not recognizing the key when the problem is happening. Have you tried a parameter reset with the keys/PATS?

Take a look at pic 1. It defines the code I'm questioning. The remaining pics are where it takes me for the reset.

I'm not saying it isn't a problem with the CAN, but it seems to point in the direction. At least that my theory at this point.

If you look at pic 4, it shows what to do if you have a U2510, and that is what I mentioned above.

As far as the resistance you listed, it is within spec.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.



Apr 30, 2021 at 6:06 PM
Avatar
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 754 POSTS
Thank you sir, I will get back to you sir.
May 3, 2021 at 3:01 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. Take care of yourself and let me know what you can.

Joe
May 3, 2021 at 6:12 PM
Avatar
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 754 POSTS
Hello. checking the vehicle, I realized that once the instrument cluster is pushed somehow, the symptoms will manifest. At the point of the manifestation, I measured the termination resistance it was 119 ohms, the voltage at Can H was 4.4volts while on Can L was 4.1volts. shaking the instrument cluster again and again it might normalize at this point the termination resistance was 60 ohms and the voltage at the CAN H was 4.4 and the was 2.1, with these the vehicle is functioning properly.
May 4, 2021 at 10:50 PM
Avatar
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 754 POSTS
This is a short video clip on it.
May 4, 2021 at 10:57 PM
Avatar
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 754 POSTS
The instrument cluster has been replaced before now but the symptoms still persist although it was used one, there was no warranty. Is there anyway that it can be tested at the point of purchased?
May 4, 2021 at 11:02 PM
Avatar
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 754 POSTS
All those tests are carried out at the DLC .
May 4, 2021 at 11:04 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

Based on the resistance prior to moving the cluster, it sounds like a partially broken or corroded connection. Also, based on the video, the cluster is bad and causing the issue.

Have you confirmed all to be good?

Joe

May 5, 2021 at 7:43 PM
Avatar
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 754 POSTS
There is no corrosion sir nor partial contact.
May 5, 2021 at 9:46 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

I went through everything related to the 2510. It walks me back to the parameter reset. Have you done that?

Take a look below. I started with the code and worked through until it took me to the test required.

Let me know.

Joe
May 6, 2021 at 7:32 PM
Avatar
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 754 POSTS
Thank you sir,
I will get back to you sir.
May 7, 2021 at 10:47 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
You are very welcome. Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
May 7, 2021 at 6:51 PM
Avatar
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 754 POSTS
Good morning sir, which of the wires is for the can bus at the instrument cluster and how would the signal looks like when observed on oscilloscope?
Aug 4, 2021 at 11:40 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon,

I attached the connector for the cluster. I highlighted the wires for the CAN network.

You have the correct resistance for the line which indicates there is not an issue with that line.
Whatever module it is connected to is pulling down the line causing the issue.

It is pointing right at the cluster and you verified it by moving it around.

Inspect the connector for any damaged or corroded wires.

Roy
Aug 6, 2021 at 1:58 PM
Avatar
BLESSING EWOBOR
  • MEMBER
  • 754 POSTS
Thanks you very much.
Aug 6, 2021 at 6:29 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Aug 6, 2021 at 11:48 PM