Hi all,

I have a 2010 S-Max which I've owned from new.  It's recently started having a number of issues that I'm trying to fix in a bid to get another couple of years out of it.

Issue 1

Alarm, wiper, indicators going haywire - traced to moisture in the cabin BCM (under the glove box) which appears to be coming in via the loom that connects with the large green connector.   I've taken the BCM out, opened it up, dried everything and carefully cleaned up the very small amount of corrosion that was on top of the circuit board.  Refitted and dry everything seems to work again.

From a bit googling, I understand this 'may' be caused by an issue where the screenwasher pump actually pumps water back through the wiring loom into this connector.  This seems kind of crazy but I wondered if anyone is aware of this being a known issue?

Is replacing the screenwasher pump much of a job?  (I'm reasonably handy but if it's going to be a real pain in the neck, I'll get a garage to do it)

Issue 2 (hopefully solved now)

Damp carpets.  Traced to water getting in to the boot area via the seam where the roof joins the rear quarter panel.  I believe this is a well known issue.  'Captain Tolley's Creaking Crack Cure' didn't fix it at all, some strips of butyl mastik did.   Interior seats and carpets now stripped out and dried so hopefully this issue is sorted.

Issue 3

Remote key fobs no longer working or detected when inside the cabin (I have tried replacing the batteries in the fobs).  Perhaps this is related to the moisture in the BCM as it all seemed to happen around the same time?

I've found what looks like a remote antenna module in the center of the floor - is the the keyfob antenna?  I don't think this ever got wet, but maybe it's failed?

But can anyone confirm if there is another keyfob antenna/module anywhere else - possible in the headlining? I've already had the central roof console out but couldn't locate anything around there.

 

I have done my best to search the forum and web for pointers on these issues but I'm struggling to sort the 'signal from the noise', so apologies if these questions have been asked a million times before.

Many thanks in advance for any advice!

Cheers, Ross.

Have a read of this thread.

S-Max and Mondeo share many parts and by default many problems !! 🤔

 

That thread above may well summarise the bulk of your problems.

The washer pump solution seems (may) be to cut and solder the wires near the pump and/or replace the pump with a different after market one and, again cut and join its connector to prevent any further water/screenwash intrusion. I'd go for replacement, it is under nearside wheelarch shield?

The BCM issue is the most worrying, as I believe it needs replacing and reprogramming (unless the damage is slight and can be cleaned?)

Ours was OK when last inspected but I think it should be added as an easy regular service item to avoid this potentially expensive issue? I'm even thinking of cutting the wires near the BCM and soldering to prevent it?

If it is related to Issue 3 that may be resolved, if that is a separate problem, I haven't had it so don't know.
Let us know how you get on!

Thanks for the replies guys and for confirming the likely cause of the water ingress into the BCM.

The circuit board cleaned up well with some careful work with earbuds and isopropyl and everything seems to be fine - except for the keyfobs not working.

I wonder if the fobs maybe just need 'resyncing' with the car now?   I've got an ODB cable and Forscan - anyone know if I can do that myself with that?   Otherwise, is this something a Ford dealer can try?

I've pulled the two fuses to nerf the front and rear washers for the time being and I'll get a new pump to refit - my understanding is that this shouldn't be too hard - getting to it after removing a panel under the front of the car's engine bay.

Is it wisest to go for an OEM pump?   Or are the aftermarket ones basically the same but cheaper?

Thanks again.

1 hour ago, RndSmax said:

Is it wisest to go for an OEM pump? 

If you can afford the the cost then I'd recommend a genuine Ford replacement. A cheaper part might just end up having the same problems in a couple of years.

Use FORScan to first diagnose why the keyfobs are not being detected.

Checked it all with FORScan and no DTC errors reported - maybe it's just a case of getting the key fobs re-sync'd to the car?

I'm guessing that might be something I can try with a full FORScan licence?