Injector life
Q I have had all sorts of problems/failures of components on my 2012 1.6 TDI Caddy van over the last five years. The current problem, is failure of the diesel injectors? Last year No.2 cylinder injector o/p circuit P0202, this month No.1 cylinder o/p circuit P0201. Is there any way that I can use VAG-COM that I can predict in advance the failure of the next injector?
You may have guessed the vehicle went into limp-mode on both times, and I had to nurse it home each time driving between 1000/2000rpm, top speed 55mph. Today I am collecting a spare injector (cost £500) to carry in van with necessary tools and code reader to do roadside repairs if needed!
I wonder could please advise as to any other components that could be causing these failures?
Maurice Geeves A I am afraid that even with VAG-COM it would be difficult to predict any oncoming problems.
The codes you have retrieved do indicate an injector circuit malfunction, and as this has been remedied by the replacing of the injector, it may be presumed that the injector was at fault. However, it may also have been the case that the action of disconnecting the injector connecting plug and reconnecting it to the replacement injector has been sufficient to rectify the underlying problem.
If this was the case, then the loom and connecting plugs may be to blame. Unfortunately, these are Piezo type injectors fitted to your Caddy van and the resistance cannot be checked using an ohm meter. But the loom could be checked using an ohm meter to check for continuity in the circuits. Possibly flexing the loom during testing in an attempt to reveal any weak spot.
As the self-testing of the injectors is very difficult, the only way to be sure would be to send the injector off to be checked and possibly refurbished. One company who can perform this service are www.pfjones.co.uk and can also provide a reconditioned injector far below the £500 cost you have quoted.