Driving around 70–80 km and then shutting the engine off?

2018 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
20,000 MILES • MANUAL • DIESEL
Avatar
NEMANJA0710
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
MAN van, year 2018, 2.0 engine, 103 kW.
The van starts normally, but after driving around 70–80 km and then shutting the engine off, it will only crank and will no longer start.

As soon as I perform “Clear DTC”, even though there are basically no relevant fault codes stored, the problem disappears and the van starts normally again.

The van has only 26,000 km.

According to live data, it seems like the engine ECU is somehow not allowing the injection system to begin building fuel pressure. After “Clear DTC”, the van starts normally again.

What could be causing this problem?
May 14, 2026 at 1:26 PM

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

Capture a complete scan and live data during the no-start before clearing codes again. Ask the diagnosing shop to compare the failed-start state with the subsequent successful start, including available start-authorization and fuel-pressure data. Verify the vehicle identity and ECU configuration before pursuing software or module replacement. The fact that a scan tool accepts a clear command does not establish software tampering, and the reported restart does not prove ECU failure.

Guidance references and applicability

Source discussion: question 1712747 https://2carpros.com/questions/vw-crafter-20-103kw--1712747 Supports the reported history and outcome only. Follow-up guidance is editorial synthesis; unverified specifications and diagnoses are not adopted.

Read the replies · Discussion summary and reported outcome

AI-ASSISTED GUIDANCE · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,583 POSTS
This can be many thing but I would try unplugging the MAF sensor when the engine will not start to see if that works, when this sensor gets hot it can stop reading which will tell the engine computer the engine is not taking in air, in this case the ECU will not allow the fuel pump to turn on which makes the engine not start. When you unplug it the computer will substitute a default value and allow the engine to run. The sensor is located in the air intake tube of the engine, also is this engine a turbo? Also, make sure the fuel filter/water separator has been serviced. Can I ask what the code numbers were?
May 15, 2026 at 8:51 AM
Avatar
NEMANJA0710
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
You can. I started suspecting that someone may have tampered with the software, because the only fault code I had was related to the IBS battery terminal. After I fixed that, there were no more fault codes, yet the computer still accepts “Clear DTC,” which is really strange.
May 18, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,583 POSTS
Yep, It sounds like it or the ECU is bad. You might want to try tapping on the ECU as the engine is running to see if the engine stalls.
May 19, 2026 at 7:27 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Discussion summary

Driving around 70–80 km and then shutting the engine off?

The owner described a 2018 MAN 2.0L diesel van that would crank without restarting after a longer drive and shutdown. Clearing DTCs reportedly allowed it to start again. The owner reported repairing a battery-sensor-related fault, but no relevant remaining code or confirmed cause of the restart problem was supplied.

Reported outcome: No lasting repair was reported.

The listing and narrative identify the vehicle differently. No actual failed-start pressure readings, authorization states or software verification were provided.

Read the original discussion

AI-ASSISTED SUMMARY · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle