Going into ‘limphome’ mode
My 2009 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTI keeps going into ‘limphome’ mode. The problem has been ongoing for six weeks and changing several sensors has made no difference. The ‘Service Vehicle Soon’ light is illuminated on the dash and there is also hesitation at 2000-3000rpm even when taken out of ‘limp-home’ mode by the garage. The fault codes indicate an air leak between the intercooler pipe and intake, as well as a DPF pressure sensor fault. I’ve replaced the pressure sensor and MAF sensor, and had the EGR and feed pipe cleaned (there was heavy soot blocking the pipe). After it has been in the garage, the car will drive normally for 100-200 miles, albeit with hesitation, but then goes back into ‘limp-home’ mode. I would appreciate any advice. Simon Filomeno
There are two clues that suggest to me that you have a DPF problem. The first is that the DPF pressure sensor has been replaced due to a fault code, and the second is that the EGR valve was blocked with heavy soot. It seems likely that the DPF pressure sensor is not faulty but is sensing a genuine excess pressure from a blocked DPF; this is supported by the blockage found in the EGR valve. You do not mention if your garage has carried out a forced regeneration of the DPF. If this has not been done, it would be the first thing to carry out.
There was a service recall on the Insignia 2.0 CDTI that said: “It has been
established that a number of Insignia models with the 2.0 CDTI engine could be affected by engine hesitation or noise from the exhaust system. In the worst case a thermal overload and subsequent destruction of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is possible.”
If your vehicle falls within the chassis range of affected models, it will require programming of the engine control module with modified software by a Vauxhall Authorised Repairer. The work should be free of charge.
To summarise, I would first contact your local Vauxhall dealer to check if your vehicle falls within the affected chassis range. If not, I would ensure your local garage has the equipment to perform a forced regeneration and get them to do one. Finally, I would try using a DPF additive such as this one – http://bit.ly/2cqpcb8 – which may help the situation.