Limp mode?

[Octavia Nik]

Every now and then my T2 goes into what I know as limp mode, no power, doesn't wanna rev at all. Turn it off it cures it :s really odd, no check engine light either! I'm wonderIng if it as something to do with a coolant temp sensor, as the temp gauge only goes up about 10% of the way, but the engine gets hot and the heater works perfectly?! Really confusing !

 

[clivvy]

Every now and then my T2 goes into what I know as limp mode, no power, doesn't wanna rev at all. Turn it off it cures it :s really odd, no check engine light either! I'm wonderIng if it as something to do with a coolant temp sensor, as the temp gauge only goes up about 10% of the way, but the engine gets hot and the heater works perfectly?! Really confusing !

ok, what do you mean by 10%, 7/8 on an analogue clock? if so, thats ok, you probably have an 85 degree thermostat (or whatever it is) but you can upgrade it to an 88 degree which will raise the needle, and of course the temp from the fans etc.
now then, limp mode. Can you confirm your EML actually works? Turn ignition to on, EML should light up bottom left of the dash. If you can confirm it works, but it doesnt light up when you lose power, then that is odd but could be a sign of an electrical fault.

Ok, loose power, do you mean it doesnt go, at all? any revs on the counter as you put your foot down? Any smoke out the back? How long do you turn it off for before turning back on? (could be igniton switch)

 

[Octavia Nik]

It'll keep driving and running but there's literally no acceleration at all even at wide open throttle the eml does work, just at a loss as to what it could be as it doesn't come on. The needle sits about 4-5 mm above minimum, whereas I'd expect it to sit halfway? Turning it off and on again cures it. What's an ignition switch, like the key barrel bit?

 

[clivvy]

It'll keep driving and running but there's literally no acceleration at all even at wide open throttle the eml does work, just at a loss as to what it could be as it doesn't come on. The needle sits about 4-5 mm above minimum, whereas I'd expect it to sit halfway? Turning it off and on again cures it. What's an ignition switch, like the key barrel bit?

righty-ho.

MAF firstly for the power. Can you confirm if its Hitachi or Bosh? It sits just after your air filter.

as for the temp gauge, that is a little low actually, my advice is, change the thermostat, which I think you plan to do, I suspect that will fix it. If not, as you say, could just be the temp sensor, and thats a very easy fix.

ignition switch is what sits behind the barrel, dont worry, its a very easy fix. IF this is the issue, you simply buy a new one, remove the steering cowling below, there s one bugger of a screw holding it on, undo that, drop it out, slot in the new one, tighten the screw, go for a drive, preferably off road.

what happens is the ignition switch gradually burns out, and as you can imagine, the circuit breaks. This happened ot me, but the tell tale sign is starting issues, as opposed to issues whilst driving.

 

[Octavia Nik]

Hey mate it's a Bosch MAF. I was thinking clean it with a spray of iso alcohol? That's an easy thing to check though so that's on my list now

Ignition switch and CTS sound not too scary, I think I'll be able to check them, and the stats getting changed tomorrow along with coolant flush and change!

Thank yu so much for all your advice, really means a lot. I'm a natural born worrier when it comes to cars (doesn't help when mechanics tell me a perfectly clear and tidy motor is shagged lol) and it really helps to have friendly knowledgable people on hand. What a fantastic club, know I keep saying it but it's awesome!

 

[clivvy]

bosh maf, ok, this one is the cheaper one to buy, so IF it is on its way out, your looking at around £35-£45 ish I THINK. They have a self cleaning system that simply heats up the element inside. So, take a look by all means, but be careful cleaning this one. If you do, ensure its totally dry, otherwise when it starts to self clean......

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NISSAN-TE...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3cbe47de42

the MAF is really just the little jobby sticking out the top.

Ignition switch is simple to do, so if you come to do it, we are online to help you out. Again, try not to worry (ha, that coming from a fellow worrier). I have had that much go wrong with mine, i have just about stopped worrying now. Dont get me wrong, these cars arent riddled with problems, your either lucky, or you aint, i aint! Still, means i have learned a hell of a lot about my car-I found that mine had an easy life up until the last owner, who abused it. anyways, I reckon you can relax a little, fix these little niggles, and you'll have an extremely nice motor for many years.:clap

 

[Octavia Nik]

That's grand. You are my saviour lol! I'm persevering with her as, you said, itll be a lovely motor for years

Thanks once again

 

[Timbo_1975]

Every now and then my T2 goes into what I know as limp mode, no power, doesn't wanna rev at all. Turn it off it cures it :s really odd, no check engine light either! I'm wonderIng if it as something to do with a coolant temp sensor, as the temp gauge only goes up about 10% of the way, but the engine gets hot and the heater works perfectly?! Really confusing !

Will be your MAF beginning to drift out of spec (Bosch systems only)..

Cleaning it with carb cleaner may give it abit more life...

 

[Octavia Nik]

A few updates! New 88c stat fitted today, she warms up a treat. Also changed the coolant, changed the pollen filter as well. We checked the coolant temp sensor and my dad tested it with a multimeter, and the readings were well within spec... So I think you guys are all correct with the MAF... Gonna get it cleaned with some carb/Iso alcohol. If that doesn't do it then I'll replace it! Really happy now the heter and cooling system is at top notch though. Loving it!

Took it over my mate who is a bit of a Nissan fan's house tonight, he was well impressed!

Just about to post some pics up in the other thread, so keep em peeled!

 

[Octavia Nik]

Happy. Bloody. Days!

Today I spent a few hours on the old girl, cleaned the mini filter (a little bit different on my 98 UKDM T2 to the mistral walk through, but got there in the end!). I also cleaned the MAF out with Wynns carb and intake cleaner, the metal gauze that reduces turbulence before the element was blocked solid with little bugs, detritus and was caked in a thick black oily gunk.

Surprised any air was getting in the engine at all. Cleaned all that, and gave the wire a good blast and allowed it to dry thoroughly.

Started it up (was keener to turn over, first difference. Maybe the mini filter clean did help?), and took her for a drive. Wow. About 50% more torque and power, pulls bloody hard now, and didn't go into limp mode once.

it also idles smoother, nicer off the line and better on fuel.... So in a week it's gone from being a slightly smelly family car with no heater and running problems to an immaculate smooth powerful truck with a fab heater! All thanks to this forum and you're advice. Thanks guys, massively made up with the T2 now!

My boy is too...

Nik

 

[clivvy]

Nik, thats brilliant mate, I am really chuffed for you!! That boyo looks well proud of his dads motor!!

Glad it was as simple as the MAF enclosure gunked up, just goes to show what your average joe misses on their cars, little bit of work and back to good as new! nice one. I have to say, I really need to check if I have a mini filter too!! Always wondered, never checked due to other problems (now fixed at last)

they are really good trucks, I have to say, I love mine, despite it being wiffy and dirty. They are worth the effort you are putting in mate, its cool reading your various posts, keep it up!