VW Crafter No-Start: ECU & Engine Software Issues Fix

I had a similar situation with my 2019 VW Transporter diesel. The check engine light was illuminated and the engine would not start. As someone with moderate experience working on VW vans, I initially thought it was an engine software issue too. After taking it to the workshop, engine diagnostics revealed it was actually much simpler, the battery cable connections were corroded and not making proper contact. The technicians cleaned and properly secured all battery connections. The entire repair took about 2 hours and cost 155€. The engine surge problems disappeared completely after fixing the connections. Sometimes what appears to be complex engine software or ECU issues can be traced back to basic electrical problems. To better assist with your situation, could you share: Any warning lights besides the check engine light? Have you noticed any electrical issues before this happened? When was your last battery service? Does the starter motor make any sound when turning the key? Have you recently had any work done on the electrical system? With this information, we might be able to determine if your Crafter is experiencing the same issue or if engine diagnostics might reveal a different problem.

Last service was completed 2500KM ago, so fairly recent. The starter motor is completely silent when turning the key, no clicking or cranking sounds at all. The dashboard lights up normally but nothing happens when attempting to start. This seems different from your battery connection issue since I am getting power to all electronics. Have not noticed any electrical problems before this. Only the check engine light is illuminated, no other warning indicators. No recent electrical work has been done. The battery is only 8 months old. From what you described, this feels more like an ECU failure or fuel injection system problem rather than a basic electrical issue. The complete lack of starter motor engagement despite having power makes me think the engine management system might not be sending the proper signals.

Thanks for those additional details, your symptoms do sound quite different from my battery connection situation, especially since you have full electrical power but zero starter motor response. The total silence from the starter despite having dashboard power suggests a potential engine control malfunction rather than a basic electrical issue. When my Transporter had the corroded battery connections, I at least got clicking sounds from the starter. After dealing with VW vans for years, this pattern often points to either: A failed starter relay, A defective ECU preventing the start signal, Issues with the immobilizer system blocking engine engagement The check engine light combined with these symptoms makes me suspect the ECU is not properly communicating with the engine management system. Engine diagnostics would be essential to pinpoint which component is preventing the start sequence. Given your recent service history and new battery, I recommend having a workshop run a full diagnostic scan. When my ECU had issues previously, it took about 4-5 hours for diagnosis and repair, costing around 450€ including programming. Engine stalling problems disappeared completely after the ECU replacement. Make sure to take it to a shop with experience in VW commercial vehicle electronics, as these systems require specific diagnostic tools and expertise.

Thanks for sharing your diagnosis. After considering the symptoms and your experience, I agree this is looking more serious than just corroded connections. The combination of a completely unresponsive starter motor, illuminated check engine light, and normal electrical power definitely suggests an ECU or engine management system fault. I will schedule an appointment with an authorized VW workshop for proper engine diagnostics since this is beyond basic troubleshooting. The fact that the immobilizer could also be involved means I need specialized diagnostic equipment to properly identify if engine stalling is being caused by security system interference or actual ECU failure. Your repair timeline and cost estimate helps set realistic expectations. I will make sure to request they check the starter relay first before moving to more complex ECU diagnostics and fuel injection system testing. At least I know the battery and basic electrical systems are likely not the culprit given my vehicle status and recent service history. Will post an update once I get the official diagnosis and repair completed. Thanks for helping narrow down the potential causes.