citroen Berlingo multispace engine management light

[Qedelec]

Can anyone out there shed some light on the probable cause.
The Engine management light first came on whilst I was driving on a motorway and was accompanied by a reduction in power. I dutifully booked it into my local dealer, to be connected to their diagnostic computer (£54) but before the appointed date, the light went out and stayed that way so no point in paying for no diagnosis I cancelled Then today it came back on so before I book it in again has anyone else had a similar experience.
2006
37,000
1.6 HDI Deisel (I think)

 

[Burnerman]

This could just be the lambda sensor having an off day, if the car is ok now.....however, the original fault code will still be stored in the cars computer so it can still be read.
I usually use an independant fuel injection specialist rather than a main stealer, by the way.
John

 

[Qedelec]

Thanks John.
I the receptionist didn't tell me that they could read a stored code.
One other thought, could this have anything to do with the Parrot HFK that I installed several months ago? Unlikely but you never know.

 

[Burnerman]

I can't see how any hands free kit can upset anything, so we'll put it down to coincidence.....!
If the car is running ok just now, I wouldn't worry too much about it - I get quite a few cases like this, and the last one was a Peugeot 206 petrol.
Diagnosis came up as 'lambda sensor beyond perimeter' or similar. Fitted a new sensor - just the same. Fitted a new cat (old one was well rusted anyway) lamp still on, same diagnostic!
For some reason, I get more problems like this with French cars more than other makes.
John

 

[Qedelec]

The French just don't like us so don't take offence.
Its relit at the moment but as its the weekend the vehicle isnt going anywhere.
Further thought.... I was caning it....just a little, so hope I haven't given it a myocardial infarction (heart attack).

 

[Burnerman]

I think the occasional good thrash for a diesel is a good thing - if nothing else, it gets the cat hot....
If your car has a particle filter then this would self clean after a good run, and the diagnostic would say 'anti pollution fault' or similar.
Lets know if you take it further.
John

 

[Qedelec]

Thanks John, I will see if its still lit on Monday and look for a man with a reader to check the memory.

 

[Qedelec]

Update.
Started her up and the Engine Management Light is still on but the display said 'anti pollution fault'.
Is this indicating the Lambada sensor is at fault as they seem to be about £60 I would love to know that its gonna fix it.

 

[Burnerman]

Time to do a wee bit research before chucking money at your car (speaking from experience here)!
Ask at a dealer if your car has a particulate filter. They should be able to tell you once you quote the registration number. If it has, then ask if its necessary to replenish the Eloys fluid tank. This is a chemical that when added to the fuel, causes very high temperatures to be generated in the particulate filter, burning away all the nasties within.
Most people don't bother though, as the car performance is generally unaffected.
I just have this feeling that even with a new lambda sensor, the results would be just the same.
John

 

[Qedelec]

Thanks again John and my gut is telling the same thing. I will check with several sources as not everyone is as knowledgeable as you.
I just noticed my stupid mistake in my last post, Lambada instead if Lambda, perhaps me and the vehicle can have a dance lol.

 

[Qedelec]

Update.
Have now had the codes read and there are two.
Undocumented, very helpful.
Cam shaft sensor.
So new sensor is on order and she has gone into LHM a couple of time since last post, each time when on high (not maximum) revs.
It sounds like the sensor skips a beat when being asked to submit signals continously.
If any one else gets the Limp Home Mode, I have found that pulling over, stopping the engine until a click is heard, then restarting, restores the engine to full power.