Fault on 2nd hand car - who pays diagnostics

paul_c123

It is worth reading the codes with a diagnostic computer. There may be one or more codes which give good direction (many codes don't light up the EML or another warning light). Also it will be possible to look at live data and see if its plausible.

It doesn't sound like an "adblue delete".

It could be something is mapped out of the ECU, but its a lot of bother to go to rather than actually fixing it, and only a minority of dealers/garages get involved in that side of things. It is also possible that the supplying dealer knew nothing about it, if this is the case (but they are still liable as the retailer).

How far away is the dealer (the one who sold you the car)?

lisyloo

about 1 hour. They sell all types of cars. I’d be pretty sure they weren’t aware

thanks for your advice,

Can I buy an odb2 reader and plug it in?

paul_c123

From me or from a shop?

PTP123

You've had a result if it's been deleted. More hassle than it's worth

Mildly_Miffed

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81861922#Comment_81861922

Two months after buying a 12yo car, your CRA expectations are pretty close to minimal.

2014 is before the Euro6 emissions limits were required, so it's quite likely it doesn't have AdBlue.

jimjames

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81863373#Comment_81863373

Is it also possible that there is part of the physical AdBlue system fitted? Hence the OP being able to top it up but the ECU and software weren't updated at that point as the AdBlue wasn't mandatory until later date and this was first part of their introduction to the model range?

lisyloo

I’ve bought an odb2 reader.

The code is P2563 which doesnt appear related. I know it’s had work done before so may be an old code and not related?

the reason why i think it’s using adblu is because the emissions light went out shortly after 5L ad blu was added.

There is meant to be “ad blu” range in the dash where it gives, range, avg consumption. This is entirely missing, not zero not dashes but missing from the list you scroll thru.

the problem with no sensor is knowing when to fill it up and how much to put in because you can’t see the tank at all or how full it is (like a fuel tank).

I may call the garage that sold it and seat for advice.

It has an ad blu tank and emission light went off when adblu added but no light, warnings or range at all.

Ibrahim5

Wow. Now you have bought an OBD2 reader you will be able to charge people £100s for 'diagnosing' their cars just like mechanics do.

lisyloo

just wanted to come back and update this (often advice on here is overly negative).

I paid for diagnostics in March

All warranty claims were denied.

Asked the garage to do repairs.

They did, one month later turbo boost failed again (I suspect they changed the turbo boost control valve but there was an underlying issues).

I paid second time for diagnostics in May. None of the 3 fault were fixed.

I wrote a letter before action with advice from RAC legal cover. Within an hour a full refund was agreed.

2 weeks later collection was arranged and a full refund of purchase price (7 months later) was paid on the spot.

I had paid for train travel and diagnostics but given the car had depreciated about £1000 I did not argue with a full refund.

the faults were turbo kept failing (£6k had been spent by previous owner on new turbo amd exhaust in 2004) so unknown underlying issues that hadn’t been found after £6k spent.

Auxiliary heater needed replacement (part £1100)

Sliding door doesn’t shut properly intermittently and show motor overload due to suspected slight alignment after suspect (signs of) accident. Need body work repair.

the garage have put it back up for sale.

i have since purchased another vechicle with full AA inspection from garage 3 miles away so its not far to go in case of faults.

Mildly_Miffed

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81863256#Comment_81863256

Apart from the minor detail of the vehicle now being illegal and unroadworthy, and an MOT fail if the removal of the emissions kit is detected.