T-Roc ECU Warning: Common Start-Up Failure Guide

Had a very similar issue with my 2021 VW Tiguan last winter, and I have some experience working on VWs. The check engine light and ECU issue warnings turned out to be much simpler than expected. After seeing the engine control malfunction message, I was convinced I was facing a complete ECU failure, but the workshop found corroded battery terminals and loose connections were the actual culprits. The engine surge symptoms and control warnings disappeared completely after cleaning the battery connections and ensuring proper terminal fitment. Total cost was 155€ for diagnosis, cleaning, and securing all connections properly. Before jumping to conclusions about ECU issues, could you share: Are there any clicking sounds when turning the key? Have you noticed any dim lights on the dashboard? Has the car been sitting unused for extended periods? Did you experience any engine surge or rough idle before this happened? This information would help determine if you might be dealing with the same electrical connection problems I had, rather than a more complex ECU failure. The workshop also mentioned these symptoms are fairly common when battery connections deteriorate, often triggering false ECU-related warnings that can be resolved without major repairs.

Thanks for your input. After 47133km and most recent service done 2 months ago, my symptoms seem different. When turning the key, I can hear a clear click and the dash lights work normally, just the engine stalling persists. My engine light stays solid rather than blinking, and there are no engine surge issues like you mentioned. I have driven it regularly without any electrical problems. Already checked the battery connections, they are clean and tight. Starting to think this might be related to the fuel injection system or engine software rather than just electrical connections, since none of the typical battery-related symptoms are present. Will have it checked professionally to prevent any potential ECU failure from causing more damage.

Thanks for those additional details. Having gone through ECU issues myself, your symptoms do sound quite different from my electrical connection problems on the Tiguan. The steady engine light combined with proper dashboard function but engine stalling suggests this might indeed be related to the fuel injection or engine software. After resolving my issue, I learned that these VW engines can show similar symptoms when there are fuel delivery problems. Since your battery and connections are verified good, and you have normal dash lights and clicking, I would focus on: Fuel pressure regulator performance, Engine software updates that might be pending, Fuel injection sensor calibration The steady check engine light rather than a blinking one typically indicates a less urgent issue, but engine stalling should never be ignored. When my Tiguan had a follow-up issue months after the battery problem, the workshop mentioned that fuel system diagnostics usually take 1-2 hours for a proper assessment. Good call on getting it checked professionally. Would be interested to hear what they find, as these engine software and fuel system issues seem to be showing up more frequently in newer VW models.

Thanks for all the feedback. Based on what I have learned here and the insight about fuel delivery issues affecting these engines, I contacted my dealer. They confirmed the engine diagnostics are indicating a fuel system code and there might be a pending engine software update to resolve similar stalling problems. Got it booked in tomorrow morning for a full check. The service advisor seemed to understand the issue right away when I described the steady engine light and mentioned the normal electrical functions but complete engine stalling. Their initial estimate is around 2-3 hours for diagnosis and potential fixes. Will update once I know what they find, since it seems these fuel system and engine software problems are becoming more common. At least it does not sound like a complete ECU failure, which is a relief considering the car is nearly new.