Help!! 2003 Peugeot Boxer 2.0 Black smoke after cleaning

[Bluebadger66]

Hi,

We've got a camper with a 2003 Peugeot Boxer 2.0 diesel engine. Only 24,000 genuine miles.

Since we bought it last year it has always been quite slow to drive. Can get to 60mph on the flat but as soon as you get to an incline it really struggles. Our mechanic thinks it is probably a turbo problem.

We put Archoil Turbot Cleaner in the fuel tank and it seemed to be a little faster for a while but then went back to normal.

This weekend we used Eco-Tec turbo and EGR cleaner as per the manufacturer's instructions. Took it for a spin on the dual carriageway and it was very slow. When we got back we noticed that there is oil around one of the injectors, but this seems to be coming from the rocker cover.

Someone suggested that it could be the MAF sensor, and to unplug it and take it for a short drive with it disconnected. I did this today with a cold engine and got about 1/2 a mile down the road and it lost all power and was billowing out black smoke, so I immediately stopped and reconnected the MAF sensor, but the smoke has continued and the engine now wont rev much over 2,500. It didn't even have enough power to reverse it onto the driveway.

It sailed through the MOT a few weeks ago without even an advisory!

Can anyone please help with what could be wrong?

TIA, Martin

[Hell Razor5543]

There are a number of things it could be, but we would be guessing somewhat. Something that could help narrow down the possibilities is the VIN (which will be automatically obscured so only Moderators can read it), as then a Moderator could look up exactly what your camper had when she rolled out of the factory. Then, with the details available, they can start working towards possible causes.

You will, almost certainly, need to get her onto a diagnostics session. A generic reader almost certainly will not be able to help, and a dealership diagnostics run can cost a few quid. However, there are Forum members with Lexia clones that can work, and who are willing to help out. The following link shows those members;

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=56452

Oh, to the Forum, by the way.

The reason she (currently) won't rev over 2,500RPM is because she saw something major was wrong ("where the hell has the MAF gone???!!!"), and has gone into limp mode. Unless something else hiccups (or she 'feels' the problem was a major issue) she should, after a few runs, go back into normal mode. (Limp mode is to get you home rather than leave you stranded miles from anywhere, but in a reduce power state to prevent/limit any further damage).

[Bluebadger66]

Thanks James for a great reply.

I thought it was probably in limp mode from unplugging the sensor. I shouldn't have done it. I also think this is the cause of the black smoke as it wasn't doing that the other day.

As for the VIN number, I've just put it in a couple of online checkers and it isn't recognised although the plate under the bonnet matches with the V5C. If there is a moderator who can help me please, my VIN number is VF3**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff].

When you say take her for a few runs, how far do you reckon? Because Hindhead is so hilly we will only be able to literally go round the block. I'd like to see what she does when coming out of limp mode before diagnostics. Is the limp mode something that can be reset?

BTW. I notice that you're from Reading. I was born in Reading and lived there until about 3 years ago. Still got a house in Tilehurst if you want to buy it lol

Thanks again,
Martin

[Hell Razor5543]

Typically (assuming the ECUs are 'happy' it is a temporary fault) it should clear after 5 runs. It might do it after starting the engine a few times, but it might need a few runs.

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so BOXER 2 MEDIUM CHASSIS CAB TYPE 10 2.0 HDi 90 Manual gearbox 5

No DPF, build date October 2002, with DW10D engine