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Ducato Amber Engine Management Light Staying On

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Ducato Amber Engine Management Light Staying On

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The Potter147

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Hi, I've never posted on the forum before, but I'm looking for any advice I can get before I have to fork out mega bucks to sort this problem. The Engine Management Light has been on for over two years, it is not affecting performance nor fuel, however, thanks to the recent changes in the MOT, the fact that it is on is now a fail. I've had a Fiat fault code done and it showed as poss EGR valve either clogged or needing a replacement. Today after further inspection, I was informed my my mechanic that the EGR valve is fine, but the light is still on. He took it out to blow it through and said it was ok. (It seems that they can get clogged up and need a blow through).

The mechanic noticed that the coolant fan hasn't been working, he by-passed the ECU and got it to work, he then suggested that there may be a break in a wire somewhere between the ECU and the coolant fan which is causing the amber light to stay on. The mechanic suggested taking it to Fiat to put it on a diagnostic machine to check the ECU and has suggested that worst case it may need a new ECU.

I'm not sure because who's to say the ECU could be replaced and I find my light is still on.......at my wits' end because I can see it being a lot of money. It's an Autotrail Dakota, 2007, 3 litre engine, 160 bhp, Fiat Ducato. Any advice or pointers would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Bill
 
Possible egr fault doesn’t say much ?Your amber light is on so get a code reader then scan engine ecu whatever p.codes you see on your reader make a note of them then if you want to save some big bills let the powers of this forum advise you what may be wrong
 
The Potter147 said:
Hi, I've never posted on the forum before, but I'm looking for any advice I can get before I have to fork out mega bucks to sort this problem. The Engine Management Light has been on for over two years, it is not affecting performance nor fuel, however, thanks to the recent changes in the MOT, the fact that it is on is now a fail. I've had a Fiat fault code done and it showed as poss EGR valve either clogged or needing a replacement. Today after further inspection, I was informed my my mechanic that the EGR valve is fine, but the light is still on. He took it out to blow it through and said it was ok. (It seems that they can get clogged up and need a blow through).

The mechanic noticed that the coolant fan hasn't been working, he by-passed the ECU and got it to work, he then suggested that there may be a break in a wire somewhere between the ECU and the coolant fan which is causing the amber light to stay on. The mechanic suggested taking it to Fiat to put it on a diagnostic machine to check the ECU and has suggested that worst case it may need a new ECU.

I'm not sure because who's to say the ECU could be replaced and I find my light is still on.......at my wits' end because I can see it being a lot of money. It's an Autotrail Dakota, 2007, 3 litre engine, 160 bhp, Fiat Ducato. Any advice or pointers would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Bill
Click to expand...


Sounds like you need a new mechanic, one who knows what they are doing.

We are of course working third hand but I doubt it is a faulty ECU. A bit more diagnostic work is needed before you spend money on parts. Do you do your own maintenance? Where are you located?


Robert G8RPI
 
For a start earth strap seems to be an issue that brings light up. Not a case of checking it but renewing it. Probably crimping problem.
 
Sorry. Goggs it’s not a crimping problem yet it’s do a diag check on control units then with what codes you can get you work with !would you believe even main dealers sometimes have to contact factory because sometimes pcodes can be misleading can be software ,on modern day vehicles sorry but commercials have now caught up with cars p code can need software updates
 
That’s good it’s worked for you but with the price of diag software and the knowledge from the net get at code reader and scan ecu elm 327 WiFi with iPhone and app will read ecu codes and clear them bonus!!
 
Thanks to everyone for your replies and advice so far. I'll try to get more info tomorrow, I've already got a code PO401, but I ran out of time when I went to collect the van, so didn't get too much info from him. Will try to get more information tomorrow and come back.
100 multijet, what you suggested about disconnecting the black negative lead was already tried, but it didn't work unfortunately. Thanks to you all, Bill
 
The Potter147 said:
Thanks to everyone for your replies and advice so far. I'll try to get more info tomorrow, I've already got a code PO401, but I ran out of time when I went to collect the van, so didn't get too much info from him. Will try to get more information tomorrow and come back.
100 multijet, what you suggested about disconnecting the black negative lead was already tried, but it didn't work unfortunately. Thanks to you all, Bill
Click to expand...

Hi,
Do you do your own maintenance?
Where are you located?


If you want to do your own Diagnostics I strongly recommend Multiecuscan (MES) www.multiecuscan.net and a USB ELM 327 interface, NOT a phone app. MES is much more capable and reliable. It does cost €50 to register but worth every penny.


Robert G8RPI.
 
P0401 code is egr insufficient flow.
It's not possible to check egr by just blowing through it.
I suggest clearing the code and making sure the warning light goes out. If light goes out but then comes back on when vehicle driven , next step is fit a new egr valve . I recommend a new valve not a used valve.
Get valve from good name manufacturer.
 
g8rpi said:
Hi,
Do you do your own maintenance?
Where are you located?


If you want to do your own Diagnostics I strongly recommend Multiecuscan (MES) and a USB ELM 327 interface, NOT a phone app. MES is much more capable and reliable. It does cost €50 to register but worth every penny.


Robert G8RPI.
Click to expand...
Hi, I wanted to buy a code scanner but when I looked for the Elm 327 interface from Amazon, I queried its compatibility with a Fiat Ducato and was told it was not compatible and was directed to an Italian Amazon site and different version. Unfortunately all the information was in Italian so I couldn't read it. Did you get your interface from Amazon and can you tell which one it was please.
 
wallbri said:
Hi, I wanted to buy a code scanner but when I looked for the Elm 327 interface from Amazon, I queried its compatibility with a Fiat Ducato and was told it was not compatible and was directed to an Italian Amazon site and different version. Unfortunately all the information was in Italian so I couldn't read it. Did you get your interface from Amazon and can you tell which one it was please.
Click to expand...

Hi This interface
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-Alf...-OBD2-interface-for-Multiecuscan/281166266540
And a registered copy Multiecuscan will work with a 3.0l diesel Ducato.
Note the interface says modified for Multiecuscan. Others on Amazon and ebay that say this should be OK too.
HTH,
Robert G8RPI.
 
This post contains affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Never had egr fail on 3.0l. The problem for that code is normally the little boost solenoid valve. It supplies the egr with vacuum to open/close. Check the pipe to the egr and the boost valve. If the valve isnt buzzing/vibrating when touched then its not working and supplying the egr. Best way to check is to check the vacuum inputto the valve from the main vac supply, then check vac supply to egr...if its lower its know good.
 
The cooling fan bearings normally wear or seize and cause the main 40amp fuse to blow. Always brings engine light on.
 
Thanks Robert gr8pi for the info,
I have ordered one.
I recently purchased a Vgate VS600 but although it seemed to connected OK it didn't read any information. I tried it on my Toyota car and it worked fine on that. I have sent emails to the support address but as yet haven't had a reply
 
rolandbrindley said:
Many of these unwanted warning lights can be put out if you can get the dash out from behind and simply cover up the offending light with some black substance. If the car is running fine why spend money?
Click to expand...

Because that would fail a UK mot
EML abs ect lights need to come on on when your turn the key then go off again when the car is started or else it's fai you cant cover the light up
 
Last edited:
Simply Cover up with tape ?the best brains in the world design and build these management systems to warn you that some actuator or sensor not working affecting fuel emissions or safety and u can simply cover the warning lights with tape if your brake pad warning light is on simply cover it with tape and if you don’t stop then crash simply remove tape and claim light just come on ?if warning lights comes on get it fixed !, tape on warning lights ,never read such rubbish !you advise to tape ?what steering system or abs causing injury the the average person won’t know what these lights mean cover with tape the infamy !!
 
On some makes engine management warnings can come of because the oil change period was exceeded and the owner did the change himself, and there are many other innocuous reasons for warning lights coming and staying on. I don't know about UK testing but here in Spain it's a drive-through test, they spend little or no time looking at your dashboard Xmas tree, often don't even stop the engine. If it's an important one such as brakes they may spot a warning, may not, because they are actually never in the car except to press the throttle for the emissions test which is also quite a summary and very rapid process. Some just reach their right leg in to press it without getting in at all. Testers here are not stupid but are understanding people, knowing that some people prefer to do their own maintenence rather than take it to some main again and pay through the snout for a service not worth twopence. It may be much tougher in UK, but some MoT garages there are doing OK out of testing and the follow-up repairs, too OK some would say.
 
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