W210 E320 CDI - Engine Cuts Out at +3500 revs above first gear EPC

[Ashley]

I had the high pressure fuel pump replaced 4 months ago on my 2003 auto estate.

Ever since the above work the engine has cut out when you try and accelerate hard and rev higher than 3,500 revs in anything but first gear or neutral. When it cuts the EPC warning light comes on. If I ease the car past 3,500 revs in top gear it quite happily revs higher and goes up to 140mph and cruises there fine, it's just when you 'ask' for a lot of power 'now'.

If it custs I stop put it into park and it restarts fine but the EPC error remains until key out.

In all other respects the engine is normal and fuel economy is still 50mpg - 56mpg on long runs at 70mph.

I do have a performance chip on the car but it is the same problem without it (actually worse cause less torque causes me to need more revs)

Do any of you uber intelligent people know what could be causing this?

 

[renault12ts]

What's the fuel economy like when cruising at 140?

The best I've ever seen is 52MPG at 56mph...I am impressed.

 

[Dieselman]

Get the codes read.
It could be as simple as a blocked fuel filter, but the high speed cruising points against that, so it's probably the inlet manifold flaps or the turbo actuator sticking.

 

[Ashley]

Thanks Diesel man... I'll get it on STAR soon... I just like to speculate as to what the issues could be first (so I can apportion the right amount of cash) I thought possibly a 'bad' injector not maintaining the correct pressure when 'extreme' pressure is needed and causing the 'EPC to cut the power'. (I've had the inlet manifold motor and flaps replaced previously and that was a different symptom... the electronic brain wouldn't let the engine rev above 2,750 or kick-down... this time the engine actually cuts out but without any 'limp mode' or reduced power)

@ reanault' When cruising at 140mph I get about about 28 - 32mpg (and achy eyes from looking out for the camera's on the rear view mirror of unmarked police car)s

Whilst experimenting I tried a steady 56mph on a regular 55mile run I do and the best I've had is 72mpg on the M4 behind an articulated lorry (the best I had before putting the £400 tuning chip on was 49mpg)

The car has done 130,000 miles. The tyre pressures make a huge difference to fuel economy. I run 235/45 R17'S Goodyear Eagle F1's at maximum pressure (i.e. 32 on front and 43 on back). I've not seen the aircon make a massive difference when on or off (contrary to popular belief)