EGR valve problem with scout 2011 TDI CR 140

[Adamwins]

New to all this forum stuff (apologies if this should go elsewhere )

my 2011 scout 4x4 (with same engine as a yeti to my HUGE surprise- wouldn't have guessed that!) often goes into limp mode which we "cure" by switching off and then on! Yup inconvenient i know!

So fascinated to read a blank plate inserted will cure the problem as have been quoted hundreds and up to 1k as well to fix! Does this have an impact on road legality and MOT?

Should I then remap enngine to ensure light on dash goes out (and gain some performance) or just buy a code reader and delete the code? Will the remaining soot and rubbish gradually disperse through engine or get worse?

As you can see I'm in a dilemma as not a mechanic (can do DIY though!) but can't afford 100's to resolve! If EGR wasn't hidden under engine, I would remove and clean myself, but can't find a how to on threads, BUT still looking!

Any advice to a newbie much appreciated!

Cheers

Adam

[Stevie D]

Find somebody local to you with vcds and get the codes read - post them here and I'm sure a grown up will be able to help. 

 

The EGR is hard to get to on the scout due to extra transmission bits.

 

Steve

[Gissin]

limp mode could be caused by sticky vanes on your turbo, but either way blanking off your EGR valve wont solve your problem as its already there.

 

need to find out the code as mentioned above before looking for answers

[Adamwins]

thanks for those useful comments- codes coming up from my INKEY OBDII are "P0403 $7E8 Exhaust gas recirculation "A" control circuit"

 

I have blanked off the front pipe as accessible  and cancelled codes above but still stuck in limp mode! anyone know of someone in the Alnwick area (north of newcastle) who could wipe it- I think this is with VCDS? Need to crack on with it as off to France in 3 weeks!!

As always any help much appreciated!

 

[sandspider]

Hi Adam

 

What happened with this in the end? I have the same problem, but only a generic "EGR flow circuit malfunction - P0403" error... Would be interested to know how you fixed it?

 

Thanks.

[paddypaws]

I would be interested to know if these cars with P0403 errors have had the EA189 emissions 'fix'.

[sandspider]

Mine has.

 

Skoda are (apparently) going to look at it, and depending what the problem is, see if they'll contribute to the fix costs... We'll see, but I'm not holding my breath.

[paddypaws]

Many EA189 'fixed' vehicles having similar issues many have had free repairs.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/955027937948541/

[sandspider]

Thanks, I've applied to join the group. Mine wasn't serviced by Skoda main dealers, which seems to allow them to avoid responsibility (according to the Skoda website anyway - states Skoda parts have to be used. Though if the garage in question used equivalent quality parts I can't see a problem).

 

Fingers crossed though...

[Adamwins]

I did manage to get it solved! There's a link on briskoda to buying a plate for one of the engine pipes that goes back into the engine (front middle) advice from the forum was to buy this blocking plate from a chap in Poland £7. This stops exhaust fumes going back into engine which will be causing limp mode to engage. Did this fitted myself perfect fit! Anyone can do this simple diy.

Then an electronic fix is needed to the engine management system. I had this done in ashington in north east dpf doctor. Took 2 hours and £275. Well worth it issue solved. Usually get 53mph, often 60+ on long sensible driving runs- did 2000 miles in france straight after this no problems. Spend a few quid and get it done but my advice is to avoid Skoda and drive it "like you stole it" which will clear out your dpf. Good luck!

[sandspider]

Thanks Adam, sounds good.

 

Do you know if dpf doctor rolled back the emissions fix too? Or just told the engine to ignore the lack of egr?

[Tinbum]

I had the P0403 error code come up on my 2011 Octavia 4x4 just after I bought it second hand with 140,000 on the clock.

 

As its a big job to replace the EGR I invested in a can of Bardahl EGR cleaner, I was very sceptical but  that was 2 years + and 30,000 miles ago and its been absolutely fine since.

[sandspider]

Thanks Tinbum

 

I assume that's a cleaner you just spray into the air intake, you don't have to remove the EGR to clean it? (As getting the EGR out is the time consuming part)

 

Interesting. I got the impression from here that the spray EGR cleaners aren't up to much, and can damage the engine. Mine has only done 77,000 miles, so I'm hoping it will last a long time yet - don't want to try anything that could risk that, though I'd much rather spray £10 worth of cleaner into the intake than pay £700 to have a new EGR valve fitted!

[Tinbum]

Yes just spray into the inlet hose after the airflow sensor- following the instructions fully, though I only used half the can when you are supposed to use the full can.

 

I'd only just bought the car and was doing a 600 mile round trip, mainly motorways, and was about 20 miles from home when it went into limp mode. I was very sceptical but as I do all my own servicing I thought it worth a try.

[Adamwins]

So I couldn't use a spray as the egr on my scout means you have to get to the subframe to access it, not something I wanted to pay about £700 for! I think it's easier to access on Octavia 4x4 ( separate model to scout!)

With regard to the electronic fix it is a bypass- everyone I spoke to said don't do the Skoda update as they seem to cause more problems!! 

[Tinbum]

Not the inlet hose of the EGR valve, the air inlet hose to the engine just after the airflow sensor! The 4x4 Octavia CR has the EGR at the back of the engine exactly the same as the Scout- there is very little difference between them.