Technical Intermittent amber Engine ManagementLight

[Vespasian]

I have owned this 2007 2.3 multi jet Ducato motorhome for last 9 years and it has been ultra reliable. About 2 months ago the EML started illuminating intermittently.
Sometimes from start up, sometimes after about 5-6 miles and sometimes not at all for a hundred mile trip. I can sometimes appear to cancel it by a combination of removing or changing the key in the ignition.
There appears to be no discernible effect on the engine in terms of power delivery, fuel consumption or emissions (service and Mot 6 weeks ago) In the last month I did a 1000 mile trip in France with the EML intermittently illuminating. I've also noticed that the brake warning light illuminates very faintly (new pads fitted 1800 miles ago and reservoir fluid level good.
I have taken it to my garage this morning and they have reported several historical error codes identifying the throttle body, and recommend a replacement to the tune of £950. They are reluctant to investigate the brake light until this has been done as it may be related and are not 100% sure this action will cure the main problem.
What does the Forum think as I'm reluctant to authorise a replacement that may not cure the issue?

 

[the green vanper]

Hello,

Earths and oxidation due to water ingress. That's what you should start with.

The main earth strap body to engine / gearbox earth strap, preferably attached to a different point on the body. Then, the earthing point by the left headlight.

The earth points tend to rot, same for the cables (they rot on the inside, it's difficult to see at first glance).


Then, the scuttle tray lets water into the engine bay. The ECU is the first module that gets damaged (the connectors), there've been reports that water was getting through the wiring looms event to the BCM.

There are several threads on the scuttle tray repair on this and mh forums.

 

[Vespasian]

Hello,

Earths and oxidation due to water ingress. That's what you should start with.

The main earth strap body to engine / gearbox earth strap, preferably attached to a different point on the body. Then, the earthing point by the left headlight.

The earth points tend to rot, same for the cables (they rot on the inside, it's difficult to see at first glance).


Then, the scuttle tray lets water into the engine bay. The ECU is the first module that gets damaged (the connectors), there've been reports that water was getting through the wiring looms event to the BCM.

There are several threads on the scuttle tray repair on this and mh forums.

Good afternoon,

Thank you for your information and ideas, it is very much in line with my thought processes.

I will be checking the these earth points this week when I can get to the vehicle and will let you know what I find.

The scuttle tray leak issue was was rectified by way of a vehicle recall notice about 8 years ago and the modification kit fitted by Essen Jay Poole.

My background is in the aviation engineering world, predominately rotary, and intermittent faults are always a nightmare. I certainly don't intend investing in a replacement Throttle Body until all other avenues have been explored.

Thanks again for your input and the wiring/location diagrams they are proving most useful.

 

[ZaphodB]

Probably not related to your problem but I saw a throttle body problem video a week or so ago about a Ducato where he was having TB issues and it was down to ingress from windscreen water drain... (see )

But worth checking that area out anyway

 

[diego74]

Hi, if it would be the throttle body you will notice it while driving since the pedal response would be different even you would not be able to accelerate, if you did not notice this then most likely it is not the throttle body itself.

Also throttle bodies can be tested on bench, and the internal gears of these can also be changed.

Hope this helps,
Diego.