VW Crafter EV Starting Issue: Terminal 15 Problems

Having dealt with a similar starting issue on my 2017 VW e-Golf, I can share some relevant experience. I have moderate experience with EV troubleshooting, though I rely on professional help for complex issues. When my car would not start, the problem also involved the ignition switch circuit. The initial symptoms were identical, the car would not turn over and showed similar error codes. After some basic checks, the workshop discovered a faulty connection in the power supply wiring harness leading to the ignition switch. The repair involved: 1. Complete diagnostic scan 2. Testing the circuit break points 3. Locating and repairing a damaged wire connection 4. Verifying the starter solenoid operation 5. Final testing of the ignition system Total cost was 95€ for parts and labor. The fix has been reliable with no recurring issues for the past year. To better assist with your specific case, could you share: What error codes are stored in memory? Does the dashboard light up normally? Are you hearing any clicking sounds when attempting to start? Have you noticed any intermittent electrical issues before this? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or points to a different component in the starting system.

Latest service was performed at 165000KM. The relay switch ended up being the culprit. After getting a proper diagnostic scan, it showed the ignition switch was receiving power but the signal wasnt continuing through the circuit. A closer inspection revealed corrosion on the relay contacts. The mechanic replaced both the main relay and cleaned the surrounding battery terminals as a precaution. Total repair came to 285€ including diagnostic time. The car starts perfectly now with no error codes showing. Worth noting that the corrosion wasnt visible until the relay was removed, so a visual inspection alone wouldnt have caught this. The circuit break test was what pointed to this specific component.

Thanks for the update on your Crafter EV repair. Your experience matches what I found with my e-Golf when dealing with relay switch issues. Good to hear they caught the corrosion, these hidden connection problems can be tricky to diagnose without proper testing. The circuit break testing really is crucial in these cases. When my power supply issues started, a basic visual check also missed the root cause. The 285€ repair cost seems reasonable considering the diagnostic work needed to pinpoint the relay problem. A tip for others reading: if your car won't start and you suspect Terminal 15 issues, always get a proper diagnostic scan first. Looking for visible corrosion alone isnt enough, as both our cases proved. The starter solenoid might appear to work fine even when relay contacts are compromised. Have you noticed any other electrical improvements since the repair? In my case, fixing the relay also resolved some minor issues I hadnt even connected to the starting problem.

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. Just wanted to close this thread with a final update that might help others. After the relay and battery terminal service, I noticed several improvements beyond just the starting issue. The voltage drop that was causing occasional dashboard flickering is completely gone. The wiring harness inspection also revealed some early wear that we addressed before it became a problem. For anyone finding this thread later: if your EV shows similar symptoms, definitely get the relay checked even if the starter solenoid appears to work. The ignition switch circuit can be compromised without showing obvious signs. The diagnostic fee was worth every cent to avoid replacing parts unnecessarily. My 2019 Crafter is running better than ever now at 165000KM. Will be making relay inspection part of regular maintenance going forward, especially checking for hidden corrosion that visual checks might miss. Thanks again for the input that helped solve this starting issue. Marking this thread as resolved.