Technical Doblo 1.9 Multijet Loss of Power intermittently - Power Back - Light stays on

[SpainHighlander]

Hello from Spain

I have a DOBLO 1.9 Multijet ….. 166, 000 kms …. 2006 purchased… regularly serviced usually twice per year…. Always use the higher grade / price diesel to fill up.

After filling up, and a few kms down the road, often there is a sudden loss of power, and going uphill is a nightmare, especially on motorways.
ENGINE FAILURE light illuminates on dashboard.

As a general rule, after driving at fast speed (downhill) over a distance of about 100 kms, power returns, and on restarting, the light disappears.
Is this the regeneration that appears in many of the posts ?

Recently, it happened again, and power returned after driving for an hour or so on flat and downhill motorway BUT the light is staying on.
Driving for an hour on a Spanish motorway at 80 kms / hour makes many enemies

I have read through the ‘owner’s manual’, which refers to a DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER …. and says:

“Keep the vehicle running until the warning light turns off”.​

Should I be worried that this warning light appears often ? Or is there a ‘quick fix’ I can do ?

I am almost 80 years old and can do without the stress. Can anyone give me a bit of advice, please ?

 

[jackwhoo]

Engine failure light?

Is the light a yellow one with an outline of an engine?

 

[SpainHighlander]

Hi Jack
That is the one
Thank you for responding
Stewart

 

[jackwhoo]

If the malfunction indicator light (mil) has been on , there should be a fault code stored in the engine electronic control unit (ecu) for why the light was on.
A code reader should be plugged in to the vehicle to retrieve the code or codes . The codes will give a clue to what going wrong.

 

[bugsymike]

As Jack says best to read the error codes to have a better understanding of the problem.

However if your vehicle has a DPF filter and you spend most of your time at low speeds and short journeys, then there is a fair chance the computer is trying do a Regen of the DPF . This is quite a normal thing on "modern diesels" but you do need to help it complete the action properly otherwise the DPF will get so blocked it would need an expensive replacement.
Your drivers handbook should give advise regarding this, but in general terms I find it best to buy some DPF cleaner additive and put in the fuel tank when topping up, instructions will be on the container.
Then with the engine warmed up, do around 30 miles at around 2500-3000 rpm with out stopping if possible, this makes the engine work a bit harder and helps the Regen process. You don't need to go racing, sometimes just using one lower gear, it doesn't mean screaming the engine, just keep it around 2500rpm.
Going fast downhill doesn't really help as the engine is not really under load/working hard then.
If you find this works then it may be an idea to use the DPF additive on a regular basis as modern diesels are not really designed for low speed short journeys.
Another point worth checking is does your engine quickly get up to normal temperature on the gauge?
The reason being is, if the thermostat is stuck open and engine runs consistently cold as in not in centre of temp. gauge around 90 degree Centigrade you will find this aggravates the problem.
I recently had to do all of the above on one of my daughters 2010 VW golf 1.6 diesel which so far is keeping her engine light off.

 

[SpainHighlander]

Hi Mike and Jack
Many thanks for your rapid responses.

The DPF additive (I'll have to make some enquiries about the Spanish name for DPF) sounds like a promising solution.
You can get an idea of how much the vehicle is used by virtue of it being 18 years of age with a low mileage.
The Memsahib is disabled so it's perfect for the wheelchair, and the only long runs are to the hospital or the witch doctor.

El mechanico used the laptop to identify the cause, but unlike Heineken, and because of the vehicle's age, it allegedly does not reach the parts that other beers do...if you catch my drift.

I am really grateful for you chaps taking the time to help folks sort out their problems. You are kind of a lifeline.

I'll let you know the outcome

Fond regards from sunny Spain

Stewart

 

[bugsymike]

Hi Mike and Jack
Many thanks for your rapid responses.

The DPF additive (I'll have to make some enquiries about the Spanish name for DPF) sounds like a promising solution.
You can get an idea of how much the vehicle is used by virtue of it being 18 years of age with a low mileage.
The Memsahib is disabled so it's perfect for the wheelchair, and the only long runs are to the hospital or the witch doctor.

El mechanico used the laptop to identify the cause, but unlike Heineken, and because of the vehicle's age, it allegedly does not reach the parts that other beers do...if you catch my drift.

I am really grateful for you chaps taking the time to help folks sort out their problems. You are kind of a lifeline.

I'll let you know the outcome

Fond regards from sunny Spain

Stewart

In fairness it probably hasn't done bad lasting that long with mainly slow local trips.
I had a 2005 1.9JTD Doblo some years ago, but luckily it was pre DPF unlike yours.
This is the product I used, as they say other brands are available.

 

[SpainHighlander]

Hi Mike and Jack
I felt that I needed to update you as you had kindly given me practical advice.

I bought bottles of STP and poured one of them into the tank immediately before filling up.

The car purred like kitten and I could sense the engine power…unfortunately, this lasted only about an hour and then resumed its lack of power.

1st to 4th gear seem fine and will maintain 2,500 - 3,000 revs even uphill. Conversely, 5th gear causes the revs to plummet with significant loss of power.

I have bitten the bullet and I am taking it to a repair garage on Tuesday (26 November). They will perform a diagnostic test and see if they can deal with it; if not, they will send me to a specialist who deals routinely with this type of problem

I will post updates as it will provide knowledge to help people like myself.

 

[bugsymike]

Hi Mike and Jack
I felt that I needed to update you as you had kindly given me practical advice.

I bought bottles of STP and poured one of them into the tank immediately before filling up.

The car purred like kitten and I could sense the engine power…unfortunately, this lasted only about an hour and then resumed its lack of power.

1st to 4th gear seem fine and will maintain 2,500 - 3,000 revs even uphill. Conversely, 5th gear causes the revs to plummet with significant loss of power.

I have bitten the bullet and I am taking it to a repair garage on Tuesday (26 November). They will perform a diagnostic test and see if they can deal with it; if not, they will send me to a specialist who deals routinely with this type of problem

I will post updates as it will provide knowledge to help people like myself.

Was the STP actually the version that is to clean the DPF as there are several different STP additives to do different tasks.

 

[SpainHighlander]

Hi Mike
Thanks for your interest

I did use the one for cleaning the ‘combustible filter’, which sounds about right.

I’ll be in a better position to give you information after the diagnostic test …
Hopefully, Jose and the team at Soledad Benidorm will be able to clean it

Thanks for staying in touch; it means a lot

Regards from sunny spain

Stewart

 

[jackwhoo]

Fingers xed for you.
Don't be focused on the dpf it could be many other things , hopefully something straight forward.