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ElectricalHigh severity

Td5 engine cuts out or will not run after rain or washing

Safety or reliability risk. Fix promptly.

Symptoms

Erratic running, warning lights, engine cutting out or refusing to start, often after heavy rain, a jet wash or a wading trip.

Likely cause

Water gets into the seat box or along the loom into the engine ECU connectors, causing corrosion on the pins.

Suggested fixes

Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.

  1. 1

    Dry and clean the ECU connectors

    Disconnect the battery, unplug the ECU connectors, dry them and clean the pins with electrical contact cleaner. Refit with a light coat of dielectric grease.

    Difficulty:
    Easy DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)
  2. 2

    Find and seal the leak

    Check the seat box lid seal, door seals and bulkhead for leaks above the ECU. Fix the source or the fault will come back.

    Difficulty:
    Moderate DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)
  3. 3

    Have the ECU tested or replaced

    A corroded ECU board needs specialist repair. A replacement ECU must be coded to the vehicle and immobiliser with a diagnostic tool.

    Difficulty:
    Specialist job
    Cost:
    £££ (Over about £300)

This is general guidance gathered from owner experience and workshop practice, not a substitute for a workshop manual or a qualified mechanic. Costs are rough parts-only guides. Brakes, steering and suspension work affects safety, so if in doubt have it checked professionally.

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