2001 V40 in Limp Mode

DWeed144 · Feb 17th, 2015, 18:38

Hi All.
I have been offered a 2001 V40 at a very competitive price. The problem is, the car is in Limp mode.
Some details:
2001 V40
1.8 Petrol
80,000 miles
Owner says it just had MOT and recent service then went into limp mode.

One mechanic told him it was something to do with the throttle, and another said it was something wrong with a 'sealed unit' costing £600.

I know both of these suggestions are vague - just what the owner was able to tell me.

Does this ring any bells for anyone? It seems like a great condition car except for that, and if I can fix it myself that would be great...

Thanks in advance!

Reuben

gatos · Feb 17th, 2015, 18:51

Do you have the 1.8 Volvo engine or the Volvo 1.8i with the Mitsubishi engine? Also, where about London are you?

DWeed144 · Feb 17th, 2015, 18:58

I'm not sure as I haven't bought it yet! Its a 1.8SE, not sure if that helps figure out what engine.. The car is in surrey.

gatos · Feb 17th, 2015, 19:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWeed144

I'm not sure as I haven't bought it yet! Its a 1.8SE, not sure if that helps figure out what engine.. The car is in surrey.

Ask the seller if it is the 1.8 Volvo 1783cc engine, or the 1.8i GDI 1834cc engine?

If it is the 1.8GDI then my guess would most probably be the throttle body, as it is a common fault. If it is the Volvo engine, then I would suspect the lambda sensor, as they are the ones that normaly cause the problem. It is only a guess, but both are reasonably easy to fix. You might be able to repair the throttle body, or you can get a 2nd hand throttle body for under £100.

Have you got any photos of the car? Either the rear, or the engine bay

DWeed144 · Feb 17th, 2015, 20:00

Thanks Gatos.
Sounds like I should buy it!
I don't have photos so will check tomorrow.

DWeed144 · Feb 26th, 2015, 14:00

Hi Gatos,
I am buying it! It is the GDI and it seems like it is the throttle body. Been reading up on it. Is removing and cleaning the best policy? Or should I get a cheap second hand one?
Also, as I will be driving it away on saturday is there anything I can do to get it running enough to drive 40 miles, or will I need to be calling on the services of the AA? It runs, but not very happily, hunting for idle and seriously lacking any power. Would a little clean with a rag and carb cleaner help before setting off?

gatos · Feb 26th, 2015, 17:18

If you are lucky enough, the throttle body might be dirty and a good clean will sort it out. If however, it it the magnets inside the throttle body, then you might be able to glue them back on. Worse case scenario, the complete throttle body is damaged, then a replacement should solve your problem. I have a spare throttle body, in case you need one, so don't despair.

With regards to driving it, it is hard to tell without seeing the car. You will find out that the car may have difficulty pulling away etc, but with a bit of luck, you might be ok cruising at low speeds. Traffic lights and start and stop, will be the problem here....

Let us know how you get on and if you need any further help

Forgot to add. Check this video of how to check if it is the magnets that have failed on the throttle body. It is a great diagnostic video for the exact same throttle body as yours

+ YouTube Video

druid · Feb 26th, 2015, 18:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatos

If you are lucky enough, the throttle body might be dirty and a good clean will sort it out. If however, it it the magnets inside the throttle body, then you might be able to glue them back on. Worse case scenario, the complete throttle body is damaged, then a replacement should solve your problem. I have a spare throttle body, in case you need one, so don't despair.

With regards to driving it, it is hard to tell without seeing the car. You will find out that the car may have difficulty pulling away etc, but with a bit of luck, you might be ok cruising at low speeds. Traffic lights and start and stop, will be the problem here....

Let us know how you get on and if you need any further help

Forgot to add. Check this video of how to check if it is the magnets that have failed on the throttle body. It is a great diagnostic video for the exact same throttle body as yours

+ YouTube Video

That video is excellent and worth watching, i had tickover trouble on mine and ended up cleaning the throttle body, now, it's sweet. Lot of people say burn it! but only a few really mean it.

happy diver · Feb 26th, 2015, 19:52

Is the current Oxford defn of limp mode any time a car doesn't work properly

v40alex · Feb 26th, 2015, 19:55

I'd have thought it's when you get a puncture?

Feb 17th, 2015, 18:38	#1
DWeed144 Member Last Online: May 31st, 2023 15:50 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: London	2001 V40 in Limp Mode Hi All. I have been offered a 2001 V40 at a very competitive price. The problem is, the car is in Limp mode. Some details: 2001 V40 1.8 Petrol 80,000 miles Owner says it just had MOT and recent service then went into limp mode. One mechanic told him it was something to do with the throttle, and another said it was something wrong with a 'sealed unit' costing £600. I know both of these suggestions are vague - just what the owner was able to tell me. Does this ring any bells for anyone? It seems like a great condition car except for that, and if I can fix it myself that would be great... Thanks in advance! Reuben

Feb 17th, 2015, 18:51	#2
gatos Premier Member Last Online: Nov 15th, 2022 21:34 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: London / Essex	Do you have the 1.8 Volvo engine or the Volvo 1.8i with the Mitsubishi engine? Also, where about London are you? __________________ Current car: 2002 S40 1.9D, 1992 240SE Nullius in Verba

Feb 26th, 2015, 19:52	#9
happy diver Active Member Moment Last Online: Apr 29th, 2023 05:58 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Brisbane: perfect for one day, asleep the rest	Is the current Oxford defn of limp mode any time a car doesn't work properly __________________ 20,000 leagues under the sea diving to adventure in a silent world with my ceiling the waves...Emile

Feb 26th, 2015, 19:55	#10
v40alex I do like a V40 Last Online: Dec 1st, 2018 19:03 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: North Surrey	I'd have thought it's when you get a puncture? __________________ Current: '02 V40 1.9TD, '02 V40 T4 Previous: '00 V40 1.9TD, '99 V40 1.9TD, '97 V40 2.0CDi, '87 240DL

Feb 17th, 2015, 18:58	#3
DWeed144 Member Last Online: May 31st, 2023 15:50 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: London	I'm not sure as I haven't bought it yet! Its a 1.8SE, not sure if that helps figure out what engine.. The car is in surrey.

Feb 17th, 2015, 20:00	#5
DWeed144 Member Last Online: May 31st, 2023 15:50 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: London	Thanks Gatos. Sounds like I should buy it! I don't have photos so will check tomorrow.

Feb 26th, 2015, 14:00	#6
DWeed144 Member Last Online: May 31st, 2023 15:50 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: London	Hi Gatos, I am buying it! It is the GDI and it seems like it is the throttle body. Been reading up on it. Is removing and cleaning the best policy? Or should I get a cheap second hand one? Also, as I will be driving it away on saturday is there anything I can do to get it running enough to drive 40 miles, or will I need to be calling on the services of the AA? It runs, but not very happily, hunting for idle and seriously lacking any power. Would a little clean with a rag and carb cleaner help before setting off?

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