Thread: TD5 limp mode

Limp mode is usually defined as when the M + S lights start flashing on the Auto. Not to sure about on a manual.

Have you tried checking the Nanocom for faults before resetting with the key fob? It could be the fault is self clearing and not permanent.

Sounds like "Driver Demand Error"

Most likely you have the old faithful "Oil in Loom" or a dead sensor (most likely Throttle input)

Do the obligatory check of your ECU for oil at the plugs and get back to us!

Ever since buying the car I have been checking the loom! Nothing in the ECU side there was a little bit of oil from the engine side which I wiped off with an earbud. Have bought the seals am waiting for them to find their way through the Xmas postal system... Nanocom has only ever logged faults on the air sensor when I was fiddling with the lid of the air cleaner; I check error codes in a rather paranoid manner fairly often also. I'll plug the Nanocom in when it next happens before resetting. Would dead throttle sensor not manifest itself whilst driving? I must admit I look at the Nanocom and am not sure what I am looking at most of the time. It helps that my Dad has a TD5 DII also so I can compare things but I don't have a clue what the throttle pots should be - see attached the fuelling graphic from Nancom showing the three throttle pots on the bottom and pot supply and battery voltage. No other symptoms, drives well, not missing. Only other peculiarity is that very infrequently the air conditioner suddenly turns off. I switch it back on and it works perfectly again. Maybe just gremlins having a laugh...

Originally Posted by Panya

Ever since buying the car I have been checking the loom! Nothing in the ECU side there was a little bit of oil from the engine side which I wiped off with an earbud. Have bought the seals am waiting for them to find their way through the Xmas postal system... Nanocom has only ever logged faults on the air sensor when I was fiddling with the lid of the air cleaner; I check error codes in a rather paranoid manner fairly often also. I'll plug the Nanocom in when it next happens before resetting. Would dead throttle sensor not manifest itself whilst driving? I must admit I look at the Nanocom and am not sure what I am looking at most of the time. It helps that my Dad has a TD5 DII also so I can compare things but I don't have a clue what the throttle pots should be - see attached the fuelling graphic from Nancom showing the three throttle pots on the bottom and pot supply and battery voltage. No other symptoms, drives well, not missing. Only other peculiarity is that very infrequently the air conditioner suddenly turns off. I switch it back on and it works perfectly again. Maybe just gremlins having a laugh...

That little bit of oil is enough to cause problems, it will be part of your problem, it sounds to me like the throttle sensor though, as you have no response off idle, oil in the loom doesn't normally cause this, going on personal experience.

Baz.

If you are seeing oil on the plug at the engine, then you have oil in the loom at least on that side. I'd at least take the cover off and clean the injector harness.

Though as Redback says it sounds more throttle related. I do know oil in the harness can give some strange problems.

Originally Posted by Panya

I have read several threads on the TD5 limp mode (whoever thought of that description was having a bit of fun I think...) and wanted to ask if anyone had similar symptoms to mine. I have a 2002 TD5 DII. Bought third hand; various issues sorted like airbags, MAF sensor, Air cleaner lid not properly closing (yes, lots of dust sucked in by previous owner and even by me for a while) no not complaining I thing the car is the cats pyjamas (not sure if I can say dogs b&^%$£s)

Anyway every now and then I turn the ignition on, engine starts but I have no response to the throttle. I have found that the way to cure it is either turn off and turn on again or without turning off just blip the ignition on the starter again whilst the engine is running. Everything is then fine - and I have a Nanocom and have no errors reported, no lights on dash... but am wondering if this is some arcane symptom of limp mode manifesting itself...? Its not causing sleepless nights or anything just curious if this is something simple and has happened to someone before..

I had to have my throttle potentiometer replaced under warranty. I was losing throttle control on occasions, and had to restart to get it back.

This DID leave a fault code in the ECU, though, so your problem sounds more related to oil in the injector harness.

Cheers,

Lionel

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