W220 320 CDI EL power control failure

[Eloc]

First post. Bought 133k S320 with good service history. Car has slipped into limp mode and now is returning el power control failure on dash. I appreciate that there may be many causes of this, but I noticed that the power control error tripped driving to fill up a tank that had just reached the Amber empty light level.

I was surprised how difficult it was to unscrew the filler cap and when I finally managed to, there was a sound of pressure equalising, as if the tank had developed a vacuum. Is this pressure difference normal, or could this point to a blockage stopping fuel from being channelled to the engine. It would appear that the fuel filter was changed on the last service 3k miles ago, but I did see a lot of gunk around the filler cap, so maybe something has been introduced to the tank since? EGR valve was cleaned and refitted just before the error.

Would appreciate any thoughts or pointers. Going to get the codes read at a good local indie Merc specialist tomorrow. And keeping my fingers crossed!

Thanks.

 

[renault12ts]

Welcome.

As you say it could be a number of things:

I've seen it when I ran out of fuel.
I've seen it when an ABS ring broke.
I've seen it when the MAF needed changing.

The only thing to do is get the codes read at your friendly neighbourhood MB indie. If you're lucky he may do it for free.

 

[Eloc]

Thanks for your response. So, the codes point to EGR and it has not behaved itself during actuator tests. Looked clean and new though. Refitted and 12 miles of city driving later she's tripped with the EPC again and no power response. Looks like I am biting the bullet to fit a new EGR.

 

[tjamesbo]

Agreed get the codes read first How about deleting the EGR with the delete mod on here ? search EGR in Title on advanced search, cheaper than a new EGR by a long shot , your not anywhere near alex crow of stowmarket ? he's an expert on this I'd be guessing that its at least 200-300 cheaper than fitting a new EGR certainly in that region ?

 

[Eloc]

I'm in Yorkshire. Find the bypass, as a non techie, curious. Seems extraordinary that the EGR is effectively a redundant part, but had heard of this fix. I've committed to a new MB EGR being fitted, c.£425 all in. If this restores the performance to near standard specs I'll be "happy", she seems to be guzzling diesel a little faster than I would expect at present. Thanks for responding.

 

[Twistedmind]

£5 pound down maplins for the EGR mod bits.

Get rid of it !

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