C70 Convertible won't start - completely dead? "Anti Theft"?

C70 Convertible won't start - completely dead? "Anti Theft"?

Author
Discussion

Crafty1980

Original Poster:

114 posts

218 months

Tuesday 20th May 2014
quotequote all
Does anyone know much about an error message on a C70 that starts with something like "anti theft..." ?!?

I didn't have time to read the whole message because the message then vanished, the car basically went dead, but the orange "i" on the dashboard was flashing... and the headlights were on... and the radio display was on but no sound out of the speakers... oh and the fans were running...

The fans then stopped...

I decided to disconnect the battery in a vain attempt to reset something. When I reconnected it, the windows opened half way.
Thinking this might be a sign of progress, I then got back in the car and turned the ignition on. The dash lit up as it should with no error messages. Then I went to turn over the engine and heard nothing but a "click" and then a new red "i" flashed up on the dash saying that there was a serious problem with the braking system and to pull over immediately...

Turned off again, tried to turn on again. This time a red "i" message came up about Airbags!!

Can a car have a mental breakdown? I guess with all the software built into them these days there is a chance it could get scrambled?!

Anyone suffered from this?

Anyone know if there is a way to reset the software? (if that is indeed the problem) or reset the car?!

Thanks,

Ben

martinrpeachey

749 posts

152 months

Tuesday 20th May 2014
quotequote all
From your explanation, I know it's the newer Ford Focus based C70 so...

It's possible the CEM has thrown a wobbler - which could prove expensive but it could also be something as simple as a dodgy connection.

Have you had many front seat passengers recently? Possible a child with a passion for kicking the glove box?

I ask because the CEM and fuseboard are hidden under the glove box and a good kick can dislodge something important and cause havoc with the canbus system.

Drop the fuseboard down and wiggle the large cable bundle connections (with the key out of the ignition) and see if it behaves or changes.

Crafty1980

Original Poster:

114 posts

218 months

Tuesday 20th May 2014
quotequote all
Nope, no passengers at all but will try and fiddle with the fuse board in the morning and let you know!

Cheers,

Ben

Leovon

1 posts

88 months

Saturday 22nd July 2017
quotequote all
Hi there buddy did you manage to get the problem resolved with your c70 as I've just brought mine a few days ago and had the exact same problem as you.

Regards
Leo

confused_buyer

6,770 posts

188 months

Saturday 22nd July 2017
quotequote all
Remove CEM from passenger footwell, remove all connectors (they are on both sides) and spray connectors and board liberally with contact cleaner. Let it dry, plug it all back in ensuring everything is seated properly and give it another try.

anonymous-user

61 months

Monday 21st August 2017
quotequote all
My 2008 C70 had a total meltdown like this a year ago, in the end it needed a new CEM. It's behaviour was extremely erratic when it failed, with one electric window switch (OSR) working while all other windows were dear, no lights or indicators, no instruments, but it started and ran.

Bill was £800 from an independent.