EN
Quote by email tel +33 2 77 18 63 88
techtronic-logo

Ford immobiliser
and CAN errors

Download the shipping procedure

Your Ford won't start?
Immobiliser and CAN errors

The most common Ford fault — and it can be repaired

Ford electronics repair at Techtronic

On many Fords, the PATS immobiliser is built directly into the instrument cluster. Over time, an internal fault in the cluster breaks communication with the engine ECU over the CAN network: the ECU then refuses permission to start, even though the key, the battery and the starter motor are in perfect condition. The exact cause varies from one cluster to another — which is why every cluster undergoes a full analysis of its circuit before any work: we deal with the real source of the fault, not just its symptom.

Typical symptoms:

  • The engine does not start, or only at times;
  • The red immobiliser warning light flashes or stays on;
  • "Engine malfunction" or "ABS / ESP fault" messages;
  • Needles dropping, display going blank intermittently;
  • Power steering fault, reduced acceleration;
  • The engine starts and then stalls immediately.

Commonly found fault codes:
U1900 P1622 U0155 U0140 P1260 U0423 U0131 P1935 P1936

Request a quote Shipping procedure

Case 1: the instrument cluster

This is the most common cause on the Focus, C-Max, Kuga, S-Max and Galaxy: the PATS is housed in the instrument cluster, and an internal fault in the cluster prevents starting. Each cluster is individually diagnosed on the test bench before repair.

  • Repair of your original instrument cluster: mileage and coding preserved
  • Plug and play refitting, with no dealer synchronisation needed in most cases
  • Full check before return

Case 2: the engine ECU

On other models — Transit, Transit Connect, Fiesta, Mondeo — it is the injection ECU that goes into immobiliser fault mode, often after a weak battery or a jump start.

  • SID202, SID206, SID803, SID804, EDC16, SIM210 ECUs
  • Repair or resynchronisation of the immobiliser
  • Your original ECU kept, with no coding required

Commonly affected models

Focus II (2004-2011), C-Max (2003-2010), Kuga I (2008-2012), S-Max and Galaxy (2006-2014), Fiesta, Fusion, Mondeo, Transit and Transit Connect (2005-2010).

Your model is not listed? Send us the fault codes read with a diagnostic tool and the reference of the instrument cluster or ECU: we will confirm the diagnosis and that we can handle it before you send anything. A preliminary diagnosis is essential — some CAN faults come from the wiring harness, a fuse or a power supply, not from the module itself.

Frequently asked questions

That is exactly the pattern of this fault: the blockage comes neither from the key nor from the battery, but from communication between the instrument cluster (which hosts the PATS immobiliser) and the engine ECU. An internal fault in the cluster is enough to cut off permission to start.
U1900 indicates a communication error on the CAN bus. On Fords of this generation, it most often points to an internal fault in the instrument cluster — but not always: a damaged wiring harness, a fuse or a faulty power supply can produce the same code. That is why we ask for the complete list of codes read before you send anything.
Yes: we repair your original instrument cluster or ECU. Mileage, coding and configuration remain intact — in most cases the module is simply refitted as it is.
The module is repaired, tested and sent back within 48 hours of arriving at the workshop. We can also take in the complete vehicle in Boulleville, from diagnosis to repair.
Yes, like all our electronic repairs: each module is tested after the work and guaranteed for 12 months.

‹ All our automotive electronics repairs

TECHTRONIC is located between:

Caen / Rouen and Le havre

Request a quote Shipping procedure