V50 Engine 2.0D : DPF change permanent fault code

[mylittletony]

Hi folks
We've been buzzing around in my wife's v50 for a few years, mainly used locally but occasional long run.
It recently went into limp mode and a professional mechanic friend ran the codes and diagnosed a blocked DPF.

This was duly changed and was pretty much totally blocked (car at 148k) but he found a code he couldn't wipe saying the exhaust pressure sensor was faulty. I swapped this and disconnected the battery to try and erase the code, with no luck.

My friend had a further look today and can't wipe the code so the car is stuck in limp mode. All the wires and pipes have been checked ok and sensor swapped with no change.

A quick read on here suggests I need to find a proper volvo diagnostics computer to clear the code.

Is there anyone in the east grinstead or Tunbridge Wells vicinity who can do this?

Thanks in advance

Tony

[mylittletony]

An update to this:

I've swapped sensors around and had the codes cleared by a forum member but still have the problem. Still in limp mode and no apparent cause...

I'm close to resorting to a genuine DPF (currently has a decent aftermarket brand) and sensor at over £400 in the hope it will solve the problem, but currently worried it won't!

Can anyone help?

[mylittletony]

To keep monitoring this, here's an update:

I switched back to the original sensor (fitted when the car worked ok for 20k odd miles) in case I had bought a duff one. No change.

I managed to get VIDA working and read the codes, I still have ECM-2452 & 2453 as well as 0380 and 2263.

The exhaust pressure sensor reads as follows:

ign on, engine off: 27hPa
at idle: 31hPa
when revved: 50hPa

This makes the ign and idle readings out of spec (they should be 0 and 3-20 respectively), which is certainly one of the causes of the limp mode.

Would these readings point to a faulty sensor or filter?

Thanks in advance,
Tony

[niggly]

Tony, I must be somewhere near you. I use Charlwood Automotive. Just NW of Gatwick. You may already know them.

They've been Volvo indy specialists for about 30 years. They used to call themselves Charlwood Volvo for years but changed their name because they reckon they are are now new MINI specialists as well. I have a Cooper S. They aren't! But capable with Volvos.

I don't know the degree to which they have proper Volvo diagnostics computer facilities, but worth a call?

Otherwise I suppose it's Doves Gatwick or Hildenborough Volvo. My car came from Hildenborough and I use Doves for annual services because my car is still fully 'stamped' and I think it is worth keeping that going. If they tell me I 'need' other things over and above the service items I tell them to leave it and take it to Charlwood.

[mylittletony]

Originally Posted by niggly

Tony, I must be somewhere near you. I use Charlwood Automotive. Just NW of Gatwick. You may already know them.

Very close indeed, I'm in Forest Row!

I took the car to them initially after purchase, but I was under some household pressure to spend less money so I have been using a friend to do the work. Unfortunately, his generic diagnostic machine and using non-Volvo parts has combined into somewhat of an issue.

I'm now trying to reduce haemorrhaging cash on this issue having already paid for a £250 DPF and £30 sensor, both of which appear non-returnable, I want to avoid £300 on a volvo DPF and £100 for a sensor unless one or both are absolutely necessary...

[Bloders2]

whats the reading with the sensor disconnected?
i would expect it to go high or low? this COULD give an indication if its wiring?

[mylittletony]

To keep monitoring this, here's an update:

I disconnected the filter pipes from the sensor and the readings went from:

Originally Posted by mylittletony

The exhaust pressure sensor reads as follows:

ign on, engine off: 27hPa
at idle: 31hPa
when revved: 50hPa

to 27hPa at igh on, idle and when revved. Which says to me that the sensor is buggered, so I'm going to buy a new one from FRF tomorrow.

If it's all linear and the new sensor returns to 0hPa at ign on, then it should be 2-3hPa at idle. Fingers crossed!