Berlingo Multispace 2012 Error codes P14A4, P1490, P242F

[legepe]

Hi all...
I have the following error codes
P1490- particle filter detected to be overloaded
P242F- particle filter detected to be clogged
Also, have P14A4 (EGR Heat exchanger by-pass) error
I did add 1ltr Eolys DPF/Diesel Particulate Filter Fluid DPX 42/176 a few thoushand miles ago (around 5000 possibly) but never reset level and simply drove with light on, then decided to top up level and put around another litre in and reset it with diagbox
It was ok at first but triangle light started to come on and message something about clogging then it would go off and a little later come on again.. and so on... Then engine management light come on and would just message engine fault
I took dpf off and blow it out with air.. it didnt seem that dirty - to cause block that is
Ive put dpf back on and was going to take off egr valve to see if something is obvious there.. and maybe give a good clean, However, does anyone know where the egr is located? I can find many videos on youtube but theyre all different to mine! See pic of my engine - partly stripped down
Any advice very much welcome
legepe

[Hell Razor5543]

The problem with a DPF is that there are particles that cannot be burnt off, as well as something in the additive itself (Cerine, I believe). This means that, after a lot of miles, the DPF either needs to be replaced or deep cleaned (and then the relevant system need to be told the DPF has been replaced, so it can start fresh).

[legepe]

Hi and thanks very much for the info Hell Razor5543, but before I start deep cleaning the dpf or replacing it I would like to expore other possible issues that Im thinking could be bringing up the faults that Ive got using diagbox
I would like to take off and inspect the EGR valve, but can someone please tell me where it is located?

[Hell Razor5543]

Well, something useful to know is the mileage of the vehicle.

[legepe]

Well, something useful to know is the mileage of the vehicle.

Mileage = 99k

[Hell Razor5543]

Depending on how the vehicle has been driven that could be getting close to the expected lifespan of the DPF. However, if you hang on a while, people with a lot more knowledge than I will be able to offer you clearer information.

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi all...
I have the following error codes
P1490- particle filter detected to be overloaded
P242F- particle filter detected to be clogged
Also, have P14A4 (EGR Heat exchanger by-pass) error

In order to get a some meaningful responses, consider updating your profile to show the vehicle model and year as a minimum, as there is nothing in the title either, so nobody has any idea what you have. Better still, pop the VIN up here (which is preferred) so we can liken the fault codes directly to the relevant engine ECU.

I suspect from the picture you have a C8, but we need the VIN to assist further.

[legepe]

Hi all...
I have the following error codes
P1490- particle filter detected to be overloaded
P242F- particle filter detected to be clogged
Also, have P14A4 (EGR Heat exchanger by-pass) error

In order to get a some meaningful responses, consider updating your profile to show the vehicle model and year as a minimum, as there is nothing in the title either, so nobody has any idea what you have. Better still, pop the VIN up here (which is preferred) so we can liken the fault codes directly to the relevant engine ECU.

I suspect from the picture you have a C8, but we need the VIN to assist further.

Very sorry!! I really didnt mean to leave out such vital information..!
It is a Citroen Berlingo Multispace 2012
VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

I am guessing I cannot change title?

[GiveMeABreak]

I'll sort this for you, don't worry.

Titles now Updated.

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so looking at the fault descriptors:

So as you can see everything is leading to the particle filter being blocked. 99k miles can be the life of a filter - depending on driving conditions of course.

You can look at having it cleaned (some auto centres and garages provide this service now), or replaced. A clean will never be the same as a new one of course, as the contents that can't be burned off are engine debris, ash and Cerine which get deep into the walls of the filter.

Fault Code:	P1490
Description of Fault:	Particle filter: Detected overloaded. Possibility 1 For a volume flow passing through the particle filter of 300 000 l/h, the differential pressure is greater than 320 mbar for 3s Possibility 2 For a volume flow passing through the particle filter of 800 000 l/h, the differential pressure is greater than 460 mbar for 3s Possibility 3 For a volume flow passing through the particle filter of 1 200 000 l/h, the differential pressure is greater than 500 mbar for 3s The following conditions have to be met: Volume flow passing through the particle emission filter more than 90 000 l/hr Do not be in particle filter regeneration
Conditions for Fault to clear:	Driving for 5 minutes
Downgrade Modes whilst Fault is active:	None Specific.
Symptoms:	Absence of automatic stopping of the internal combustion engine (Vehicle equipped with "stop and start") Problem with automatic restarting of the internal combustion engine (Vehicle equipped with "stop and start")
Suspect Areas:	Particle emission filter clogged or over-loaded

Fault Code:	P14A4
Description of Fault:	EGR exchanger bypass: Confirmed jammed shut (cold side). Open position switch of the EGR exchanger by-pass not reached after 1 seconds even though the command is above 5%. EGR by-pass active.
Conditions for Fault to clear:	Driving for 5 minutes from a cold engine, until the coolant temperature reaches 80°C.
Downgrade Modes whilst Fault is active:	None Specific.
Symptoms:	None Specific.
Suspect Areas:	Exhaust gas recirculation exchanger bypass EGR exchanger bypass control solenoid valve Electrical harnesses Turbocharger Turbocharger fixed geometry control electrovalve Vacuum pump Connectors Air leak on vacuum circuit

Fault Code:	P242F
Description of Fault:	Particle filter: Detected clogged. Possibility 1 For a volume flow passing through the particle filter of 300000 l/h, the differential pressure is greater than 650 mbar for 3s Possibility 2 For a volume flow passing through the particle filter of 800000 l/h, the differential pressure is greater than 720 mbar for 3s (Engine speed approximately 4000 revs/min) Possibility 3 For a volume flow passing through the particle filter of 1200000 l/h, the differential pressure is greater than 720 mbar for 3s The following conditions have to be met: Volume flow passing through the particle emission filter more than 200 000 l/hr Do not be in particle filter regeneration
Conditions for Fault to clear:	Driving for 5 minutes
Downgrade Modes whilst Fault is active:	Activation of the cooling fan at fast speed. Warning lamp MIL "SERVICE" warning lamp
Symptoms:	Jerking/stalling Starting problem Lack of power Problem with automatic restarting of the internal combustion engine (Vehicle equipped with "stop and start")
Suspect Areas:	Particle emission filter clogged or over-loaded

[legepe]

Thanks a lot for this information Marc... I did forget to mention too that the cooling fan was working full out speed when I used the vehicle last (when engine management light came on/limp mode)1 wk ago
So if I understand correctly I would be wasting my time cleaning the egr valve... anyways thats if I could find it!
Could I clean the particualte filter myself?
Vehicle is used as a taxi.. but it has only been driven on average every other weekend, and that was before lockdown, thereafter vehicle has clocked very few miles at all (im guessing the lack of use has possibly added to this problem)?

[GiveMeABreak]

Quite possibly - if the filter can't regenerate naturally (passive regeneration) where the exhaust gasses need to be at least 550 °C, then it will try assisted regeneration, which lowers the temperature needed to regenerate to 450 °C. If the car is doing stop and start journeys and never getting a change to regenerate, then the backup strategies kick in from the engine ECU.

It will try different approaches to try and regenerate, by loading the engine using consumer devices like the heated rear window for example and the glow plugs on post injection - all to try and raise the temp. If it fails to do this after so may attempts, then it flags the warnings up about the risk of the filter blocking.

The recommended action is to take the car for a good belt for at least 20 minutes to half an hour and driving at least 40 MPH minimum sustained to allow the filter to try and regenerate.

If the message is ignored then the filter can become so full that regeneration is no longer effective. This can happen at anywhere above 75% full!

Even places like Halfords now offer a clean or deep clean service for the DPF.

The EGR would appear to be sticking from the diagnostic - it does a self-check on close down / start up by moving the valve several times to help prevent sticking, but if that is also a bit chocked, then it may also need a good clean.

The EGR is at the back of the engine amongst all the piping and tubes, so not a job for the feint hearted!

[legepe]

Thanks for info Mark..! Since I have blown so much soot out with air compressor already, and refitted the particulate filter, would it be worth me clearing faults then taking car for a good blast for 30min to see if it clears anything, and with the hope that fault does not come back? Before taking further action with deep clean or replacement?

[GiveMeABreak]

Not really - you are just prolonging the inevitable - you can't blast out the microscopic components - and I'd certainly not use an air compressor - on health grounds alone with all that crap being blown out - you don't want to be breathing that in anytime soon. Apart from that there is a risk of damage to either the filter or the special cement used to hold it in place. These are actually quite fragile devices.

Special chemicals are used to breakdown the deposits as best as possible that need flushing out. The engine ECU does also use the differential pressure sensors to check flow through pressures (although it does not use these alone to determine blockage).

See how you go, but if the warnings persist, you'll need to get it deep cleaned or replaced.

Replacements on the aftermarket can come in 2 types, made from either Cordierite or Silicone Carbide, the latter being the more expensive. They're about £600 -£650 from Citroen depending on whether you want a brand new one or an exchange. They vary in quality on the aftermarket, but 2 examples of the types are here:

https://spareto.com/oe/9803421880

[legepe]

Ok thanks again Marc.. I will probably give the particulate filter a clean and see how it goes.. if I have problems after this.. ill look to replace.. Ill keep you posted...