Technical Ducato limp mode/low power when starting

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Technical Ducato limp mode/low power when starting

KieranF

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Hey, i have a ducato 2012, 2.3 130 multijet

it seems like shortly after starting the van is in limp mode/low power
i've had an engine light basically since i bought it related to the EGR valve but it hasnt caused this problem, and checking again shows no new code. it started happening recently (which kind of prompted me to service the whole EGR system)

the oil levels should be fine and not too many ks on it, as well as the filter

as for the egr problem, i've been told (though not sure how reliable they are) that the fault is probably in the wiring/ecu

anyway, my main question is about what seems to be limp mode, it only happens when it first starts for a few minutes, at the start it wont rev at all above idle, then limited to about 1500, then eventually it seems the restriction is lifted.. anyone have any ideas on what might be causing this?

the code for the egr is p0487, if anyone has any ideas about that too

i'll take it to a professional soon if necessary but i prefer to try and learn and fix things myself first
 
Something worth trying.
Find the small vacuum pipe that goes to the EGR valve toward the rear right hand side of the engine and disconnect it.
Try starting and see what happens. Ignore fault codes and see if the engine starts and runs ok.
If it does run ok then suspect the EGR solenoid valve which (on my 2007 engine) is on a bracket above the engine.

Also check that the EGR valve is not stuck open. On my engine you can feel the metal diaphram and when the valve is operated it moves inward. Mind your fingers though while doing this.

Martin, GM6VXB
 
Hi

Just a few things worth noting.

A 2012 Van may have an electrically operated EGR valve, rather than the earlier vacuum operated one with remote solenoid.

The throttle valve is also involved in the EGR process. If it's stuck closed it will restrict air and therefore power. Alternatively, the ECU may be imposing a restricted power regime to prevent damage (limp home mode).


The fault code will have a generic meaning, but Fiat may have chosen a slightly different one. Sorry, I don't have more information on this. Fault codes are only an aid to fault finding. It would be nice if they said "change X and all will be OK", but it's not like that !

You could have an electrical problem, so check all the connections etc visually. But it could equally be a mechanical problem or something partially blocked/gummed up, so don't discount that.
 
Yeah, it's electronic, not vaccum, hopefully not gummed up as i just spent 3 days taking the whole egr system out and thoroughly cleaning it
 
I'm trying to get the headlight off because i've heard of problems with the loom under the headlight causing this but i cant figure it out without snapping something
 
nothing found so far... im gonna take the plunge and put my wallet at the mercy of an auto electrician
 
I think it might be a glow plug problem? i was readijng some descriptions... i dont get glow plug light ATM, but otherwise the symptoms seem like a glow plug issue
 
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