Engine Warning Light - Loss of power 3.0 multijet

[Esther_99]

Hi folks,

We're currently in the French Pyrenees and everything was running fine. Base vehicle is a 3.0 Multijet Ducato, 2011 plate.

Started the engine today and got the 'check engine' Warning Light.

Had to move to find services and the vehicle seemed fine until reached a long inline. Usually the 3.0 litre powers up inclines easily, but this time it struggled to maintain pace. It reminded me of our old 2.0 litre motorhome.

Gears 1-3 seemed normal, but 4-6 definitely underpowered.

We still got up to speed in the end and if the road was flat I might not have noticed a difference. I've heard of Limp Mode before, but not sure if that is what this is as we could still cruise along at 80 kph easily on the flat.

There was also a noticeable judder noise when we parked and turned off the engine. We're static again now, and intend to visit a French garage for a diagnostic. However, any thoughts or suggestions for things I can check myself would be welcome. Especially how far I should consider driving to a garage.

Many thanks

Dan

 

[Phill D]

Sounds like the engine has been put into limp mode by the ECU..

unless you have the software and know how you will not reset it from limp mode. best get the fault codes read and go from there.

I would ask for a diagnostics test and then discuss the options. that way at least you get to know whats wrong for the minimum amount ( maybe they will reset it as it could be a simple sensor got a bit upset )

failing that they will give you the low down on fault and costs.. before you agree to an unknown spend.

 

[Spriddler]

I'm no technician but perhaps the thinner air at altitude has fooled the MAF sensor/ECU into limp mode?

 

[WillH]

Throttle body? Similar symptoms on my 2.3 a couple of years ago.

 

[TerryL]

Don't think the 3.0L was affected by the throttle body problems on the 2.3. Also you have to get seriously high, around 7000 ft, before altitude has any effect.

It may well be something "tripped" the ECU into thinking there was a problem and put the van into limp mode. If you haven't got a code reader that can reset it a trick I was told of was to switch off the engine and leave for around 30 secs before restarting. Rev a little to get the alternator on line then shut it down again. Repeat 5 times and the warning light should go out and you should be okay. I don't guarantee it of course but it worked for me and I know of others but it's worth a try before you start traipsing about finding a garage with the right software reader who will want to charge you at least £50.

If it was just a temporary blip that will be the end of it. However if it repeats, or the light doesn't go out, well you're back to square one. Still, it can do no harm and nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say.

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[WillandLes]

I had the same problem with my Ducato 2.3. Loss of power above 50mph.it was a loose connection on the mass airflow filter. You will need to have engine management system checked on diagnostic computer.

 

[Mr Colpot]

We had similar and it was the EGR valve. There are a few possible causes so if it were me I would get it diagnosed.

 

[Esther_99]

Thank you all for your responses.off to the garage tomorrow. I'll see what they say and post here when I know more.

 

[Peter Ashcroft]

sorry to drag up an old thread, but I am currently in Italy and having the exact same problem, did you find a solution?

 

[Speve]

best if you put Esther_99 in front she will then get an alert

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[SIFTA SAM]

sorry to drag up an old thread, but I am currently in Italy and having the exact same problem, did you find a solution?

There should be no need to apologise.

 

[gus-lopez]

I've heard of Limp Mode before,

"Limp" mode is when it ticks over & any operation of the throttle does nothing to the engine revs whatsoever.You just have the eml on with reduced programme on the ecu until codes sorted/read

 

[Esther_99]

Hi folks,

Sorry I should have updated at the time. It was the egr valve, as another poster had said.

Cost was just over 700 euros for us.

Good luck

 

[PeteH]

sorry to drag up an old thread, but I am currently in Italy and having the exact same problem, did you find a solution?

What engine?. My previous, 2.3 showed same symptoms, the RAC came out and his Diagnostics showed an EGR fault, he reset it but warned it might occur again. I subsequently had to replace the EGR. DIY, parts online at about 80quid as opposed to Fiat at 250quid, same item same maker just direct!. Depending on age there is/was an updated item which needed an adapter for the cabling.

 

[Parrot Face]

Had similar probs and it was the ABS pump apparently the Bosch ABS pumps fitted around 2011/12 are suspect.

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[Ivory55]

Had similar probs and it was the ABS pump apparently the Bosch ABS pumps fitted around 2011/12 are suspect.

Everything is suspect on a fiat. Haha