E220CDI Power Loss/Limp Mode

[MCR86]

Hi,

Before I start to beg for advice on this issue, I've seen a few threads on here that Google's thrown up and also the sticky topic at the top of the sub-forum, but still require some advice please.

Basically, I bought a 2000/X E220CDI Classic saloon manual with 105,000 miles a fortnight ago - love it to pieces! However, after driving for a while (say, around 30/40 minutes usually), the car loses power from the turbo (can be heard spooling up but spools down again straight after) and won't rev past 3000rpm. However, restarting the car seems to 'reset' things again. It did once display a malfunction - 'EDC module' if I remember rightly. Now, it does have a 3-month warranty, so the place I bought it from fitted a new air and fuel filter, as well as getting an auto electrician to read the codes, which then lead to a replacement throttle position sensor and air flow meter being fitted, but seemingly to no avail. The glow plug light also illuminates for about a minute after the car's been started - presumably this isn't normal? Might it be related to the problem?

Any ideas what might be causing the issue, bearing in mind the parts that have already been replaced? The mechanic said he didn't think it'll be a leaky hose as the problem wouldn't be intermittent if it was. Does anybody know of any decent places I can take the car to around the Leeds/Wakefield area, as the place I got it from have basically said they don't know where to take it from now.

Also, as an aside, the ignition barrel seems to have become loose as the key has to be turned a long way to start/stop the engine and can be felt turning a certain distance with the key - might this become an issue, and is it easy to just 'tighten' up?

Thanks for any help and advice that can be given.

 

[mersum1es]

You should get the codes with mechanic who has a star, not universal code reader.

If glow plug light is coming up after start, that's because one or more plugs are gone - and it definitely should be seen via codes too. As well as limp mode, it should trigger a code almost in every cases. Failed glow plugs does not cause limp mode. Glows are not necessarily needed, but get them fixed while car is under warranty.

Proper fault codes, and live data investigation when the limp mode is on, should give a hint what's going on. Very often it's boost pressure related, which on the other hand comes via malfunction turbo actuator or boost pressure leak. Which again may be due to splitted hose or EGR malfunction. Other culprits; Blocked intercooler/cats, swirl flaps jamming etc.

 

[MCR86]

You should get the codes with mechanic who has a star, not universal code reader.

If glow plug light is coming up after start, that's because one or more plugs are gone - and it definitely should be seen via codes too. As well as limp mode, it should trigger a code almost in every cases. Failed glow plugs does not cause limp mode. Glows are not necessarily needed, but get them fixed while car is under warranty.

Proper fault codes, and live data investigation when the limp mode is on, should give a hint what's going on. Very often it's boost pressure related, which on the other hand comes via malfunction turbo actuator or boost pressure leak. Which again may be due to splitted hose or EGR malfunction. Other culprits; Blocked intercooler/cats, swirl flaps jamming etc.

Thanks for your reply. The car is booked in at a German car specialist place who have a Star diagnostic machine on Wednesday, so hopefully that will shed some light on the situation.