Citroen Relay going into LIMP MODE

TWICKS

We have a Citroen Relay 2002 with 2.0 (1997cc) HDI engine. It has a Bosch EDC 15C 7 Ecu. It only has a 3 pin diagnostic connector plug. The van GOES INTO LIMP MODE when;
1. It has started ok. It has been out on a run (temperature gauge showing engine has warmed up to midway.) I stop and switch off and usually after about 15 minutes I start up again. It is in limp mode. This has not happened to date if I switch off and restart again within a couple of minutes.
2. Engine has been running ok while driving and then pull over and park for about 20-30 minutes with engine just running on idle RPM It is in limp mode when I pull off(it has has happened once like this.) .
If I let engine cool down usually over night and start again next day it starts ok.

A diagnostic test has been tried on the ECU but could'nt extract any reading via diagnostic port by searching on model or more broader range search. It doesn't seem to be reading anything through this method.
Asking if you have any ideas of what might be causing this problem or ways to identify what it could be by any other means. Many Thanks for any helpful suggestions

forgotmyname

Are you sure it only has the 3 pin socket? Panel to the righ of the steering wheel may pop off and the OBD port will slide out. Maybe 2003 onwards though.

Did your code reader have an external power supply? Try a citroen specialist to read the codes are if you must a main dealer.

TWICKS

Thanks .Yes it only has a 3 pin socket (before current level OBD2 upgrades were made?)Any other diagnostic plugs have been looked for under (part dismantling) dashboard on drivers & passenger side.

AdrianC

So it only goes into limp mode when it's been parked, idling for half an hour? There might be a very easy workaround for this...

tedted

all the 2.0 hdi vans i have had to deal with have a 16 pin dlc connector under the panel below the steering wheel whether its a relay,boxer or ducato.

TWICKS

Re:Citroen Relay going into LIMP MODE
Thanks.It goes into or is in limp mode when I start up again after switching off and leaving for about 15 maybe 20 minutes. If I switch off and start again almost immediately, or after a very few minutes it is ok when i start (not in limp mode) or has been thus far.
Also on one occasion I was driving it and it wasn't in limp mode. I pulled over and parked with engine KEPT RUNNING for about 15 - 20 minutes at idle tickover didn't notice RPM. I didn't want engine to semi cool down and then go into limp mode when restarting, I then pulled off and it was in limp mode so don't know if this temperature related or points to something else ? .. We couldn't find a 16 pin dlc connector but will have another look.
Also when everything has cooled down overnight or after a good hour and a half (thus far) it has started OK.

CrazyRed

My initial gut feel says crank sensor fault, especially as you say it happens when hot and resolves itself when cold. Could be just starting to become faulty.

Alternatively, as it happens after a period of idling it could be the EGR valve sticking open - this would cause limp mode (but normally that would also show the EML - you don't say whether or not the EML was illuminated when in limp mode).

TWICKS

Thanks.Don't Remember EML coming on but will double check next time it happens and that EML is working. Another important thing I forgot to mention when it goes into limp mode it smokes grey (not black or blue). Also should EML come on if there is an engine problem?

CrazyRed

TWICKS wrote: »

Thanks.Don't Remember EML coming on but will double check next time it happens and that EML is working. Another important thing I forgot to mention when it goes into limp mode it smokes grey (not black or blue). Also should EML come on if there is an engine problem?

Smoking grey? Definitely lends weight to the EGR possibly being faulty.

When you say "limp mode", what exactly happens? Genuine Limp mode will limit the engine's revs, but what I suspect is happening is that the EGR is jamming open and, as a result, the engine's very, very sluggish and down on power, but will rev over 3,000 and this is being mistaken for Limp Home mode.

TWICKS

Thanks. Max revs are about 1800 when it goes into Limp(?) mode.

arcon5

Ye sounds like limp mode to me. Really needs to codes reading - can't you get a basic reader from somewhere