311 CDI 2000 model LHM problems

I have a 2000 Sprinter 311CDI camper van that keeps going into limp mode.
Turn it off then it goes away for a short while but is getting worse.
When the van is not in limp mode it pulls like any other 311cdi sprinter van ( I have driven a few, two in work of similar age/miles)

It is driving me and my family mad, as it frustrates us when we go away to the point of not wanting to use the van

My mechanic mate has a code reader and it keeps pulling up the same code saying there is a boost problem (code P1470 I think)

I have fitted a new boost Vacuum transducer, boost sensor, checked all intake pipes and intercooler, checked all vacuum hoses for leakage, and checked through the wiring where it passes in front of the radiator for chaffing/broken wires and it has not even rubbed through the outer cotton sheathing.
I have also put a vacuum tool to check the turbo actuator, this is working well also.
the turbo is boosting as the intake pipes go very hard even when revved at a standstill.

It seems to happen as she is pulling up an incline and as I change up usualy from 3rd to 4th, bang limp mode occurs as if the waste gate is not opening fast enough reading an overboost and into limp mode.
I can drive 20 + miles on flat ground no problem, but as soon as I start to go up hills it happens.

please can any one help me, we are going away in it in three weeks and we are getting desperate!!!

thanks

Sean

Sean clear all ECM DTC's first.
Code P 1470 has six options for Boost Pressure Solenoid/circuit-plausibility;Negative Deviation Positive Deviation;Open circuit, short circuit.
With ignition on less or more, set condition the boost pressure sensor than the ECM is commanding.
Check vacuum supply Boost pressure solenoid Engine Control module.
Turn ignition off at boost pressure solenoid,using a vacuum tee line connected to the vacuum supply line to boost pressure solenoid output-line at boost pressure vacuum unit.
Start engine at idle ,note the vacuum gauge reading! Is the above over 20 inches
Yes or No?

I have over 20 inches of vacuum at the vacuum solenoid input hose, at this moment in time I do not have a tee to put in line between solenoid and turbo, but if I connect the vacumm gage straight to the solenoid outoput hose it reads 15 inches but fluctuates with revs of the engine.
where is the MAF? is it just below the boost sensor in the hose, as I have just swaped this with another out of a 2005 model and still no change goes into LHM.

sean68charger said:

I have over 20 inches of vacuum at the vacuum solenoid input hose, at this moment in time I do not have a tee to put in line between solenoid and turbo, but if I connect the vacumm gage straight to the solenoid outoput hose it reads 15 inches but fluctuates with revs of the engine.
where is the MAF? is it just below the boost sensor in the hose, as I have just swaped this with another out of a 2005 model and still no change goes into LHM.

Click to expand...

Give me some time to think this out
What I want to know is 2000cdi or 1999 manufacture?
Richard

Sean I'm out of time till tomorrow night.
Turn ignition off.
Install a substitute boost Pressure solenoid in place of the vans B.P.S
Please be aware;if the ecm and the B.P.S harness connectors are connected.
Turn ignition on, with a star diagnostic reader or Euro reader European sprinter code-set. check for this D.T.C to set again.
Did the D.T.C reset?
If I hear a single comment from any other member that states you do not need a computer to reset, this will be my last comment on the subject.
Richard

Altered Sprinter said:

Sean I'm out of time till tomorrow night.
Turn ignition off.
Install a substitute boost Pressure solenoid in place of the vans B.P.S
Please be aware;if the ecm and the B.P.S harness connectors are connected.
Turn ignition on, with a star diagnostic reader or Euro reader European sprinter code-set. check for this D.T.C to set again.
Did the D.T.C reset?
If I hear a single comment from any other member that states you do not need a computer to reset, this will be my last comment on the subject.
Richard
View attachment 32682View attachment 32681

Click to expand...

I will have to try and get another pressure solenoid, I have thrown the one that I thought was faulty,
so, if I have not been wiping the fault code from the computer, it is pointless me doing all this checking??
I borrowed a reader and iy has gone back, just thought the computer stored faults not continuously go back to them?

sean68charger said:

I will have to try and get another pressure solenoid, I have thrown the one that I thought was faulty,
so, if I have not been wiping the fault code from the computer, it is pointless me doing all this checking??
I borrowed a reader and iy has gone back, just thought the computer stored faults not continuously go back to them?

Click to expand...

Sorry I am out of time but that dam ecu will store an existing fault under status filter , if the van has a repeat LHM it can reactivate or remain active. Bsically you have to go through each step of the 4 fault problems to work out where the fault may lay. I asume you have no splits in hoses .or other fault codes stored and or stored and active.
Richard

Altered Sprinter said:

Give me some time to think this out
What I want to know is 2000cdi or 1999 manufacture?
Richard

Click to expand...

The van is a very early face lift model on a british w plate so, I would have thought a 1999 model,

the chassiS no. is WDB903663R166152 If this helps

sean68charger said:

The van is a very early face lift model on a british w plate so, I would have thought a 1999 model,

the chassiS no. is WDB903663R166152 If this helps

Click to expand...

I'll pick up tomorrow late afternoon sorry time to go to bed
Cheers Richard

Seen any luck
Next step B.P.S...Solenoid circuit voltage test, Modular internal ,Internal short to voltage. Can you acquire a true ABS zero Miltie meter or or acquire a LED noid test light, for pulse on signal questioning, between EDC and engine control relay harness [Circuit] cavity for pin No30 internal Fused [B+].... and pin cavity [circuit] No 87 Engine control; relay out-put I'll go to Mercedes and get a schematic for the relay cavity if I have time tomorrow.
Richard

Sean,
Check for leaks around the Exhaust manifold gasket on the side of the head. A small leak can send vehicle into limp home mode with no DTC showing. Check the manifold bolts for correct torque. The gasket is in two pieces and can separate after high temperatures and high ks. The exhaust manifold can get warped, popping the studs and releasing the gaskets to leak. Sometimes the leak can be seen as a black carbon stain around the manifold flanges. You may need a torch (flashlight) and mirror to see.
Also the shaft on the vacuum actuator on the turbo vane control has been known to stick and causing Limp home mode. A little crc is all that is needed.

Cheers

Ross

Altered Sprinter said:

Seen any luck
Next step B.P.S...Solenoid circuit voltage test, Modular internal ,Internal short to voltage. Can you acquire a true ABS zero Miltie meter or or acquire a LED noid test light, for pulse on signal questioning, between EDC and engine control relay harness [Circuit] cavity for pin No30 internal Fused [B+].... and pin cavity [circuit] No 87 Engine control; relay out-put I'll go to Mercedes and get a schematic for the relay cavity if I have time tomorrow.
Richard

Click to expand...

Thanks your being very helpfull, stange as it might sound, I think it is a wiring fault as surely it would cut out at any time, or when going over a bump, it only seems to do it when coming off the throttle when the engine is working very hard like up a steep incline, i can get it to do it at almost the exact spot on a steep hill close to my home

Dam you chime in at a crazy time for me..2.03 Am EAST
Voltage must exceed 0.5v on the pins I have the schematics but I shut the work computer down already if you want them I can show them and the tests.
But I'm wondering if you have another code lurking on the The ecu ! Question is your dash edc light showing up after a start or flickering when your having these problems. Sorry mate But I have to go to bed.
PS What speed and rpm are you at and in which gear I'm thinking you have a manual trans.
Richard

Sean,
The conditions you mention are exactly when there are major changes in exhaust pressure. Look to see if there are any leaks in the exhaust system and round the turbo and exhaust manifold.

Cheers

Ross

Oldfartt said:

Sean,
The conditions you mention are exactly when there are major changes in exhaust pressure. Look to see if there are any leaks in the exhaust system and round the turbo and exhaust manifold.

Cheers

Ross

Click to expand...

That is exactly what I thought, no leaks around turbo, exhaust or manifolds.

I have taken the van to a specialist and he plugged in his more detailed pc, the fault code shows overboost everytime and he recons that the turbo itself could be faulty, he recons that he has seen this problem a few times and had to replace the turbo