2012 308 SW 1.6 E HDI Injector problem/s

[Peejo]

I'd like to preface this by saying, this is my first car, having passed my test just one month ago. I'm not experienced with car mechanics, but after researching thoroughly I deemed an injector replacement well within my remit, though not a mechanic, I am very handy with tools and filddy bits.

On my way from Dublin, exiting a toll booth, my car suddenly fell into limp mode. ESP light comes on (disabled). I pull over on hard shoulder and switch the car off as I am unable to maintain safe speed (40mph vs 75mph). I wait a few minutes and start it up again, ESP/ASR system faulty on the central dash display and now an engine light as well as ESP. I limp up to the next exit and enter Drogheda to find a garage to see about a quick diagnosis.

Diagnosis revealed issue with injector 2, and an overloaded DPF (or FAP I think he called it?), and ESP/ASR (or maybe ABS) unable to accurately read engine torque. Oh, and the mic for Bluetooth calls on the radio has malfunctioned as well.

Unable to get it seen any time soon I had to limp it all the way to Belfast to get it home. Called every mechanic I could and all booked up till December/January, just for a very costly inspection. I need this car for work, so I realise I must do this myself. Limped to euro car parts, got a compatible Lucas injector, got all the tools, got home and got to work on getting the air box out to get at the injectors.

Then I broke the leak off pipe - and that's where I'm at now, awaiting new leak off pipes (ordered 2, just incase).

I'm wondering does this all sound typical of an injector failure, or have I or the mechanic who diagnosed maybe missed something or jumped the gun? I've read it could be wiring but that almost sounds more annoying to fix. Thankfully, I can return the very expensive injector if it is unused in that case.

When working on the car, a neighbour who happened to be a mechanic from Syria asked what was wrong and got straight to work with me. He confirmed injector 2 the problem by running the engine and unplugging each injector to see the engine's response. I was desperate so I didn't question this method albeit very brazen, but it was reassuring when the car had no reaction to injector 2's electrics being unplugged. When I broke the leak off pipe, he ran us straight up to a scrap yard in his car to source another , unfortunately missed a compatible leak off by two hours! Scrap man said folks are in for them all the time.

Anyway, beyond stressed and heartbroken as I need this car for work. I always wanted a Peugeot, and just got the hang off driving it confidently after learning in a completely different car that made stepping in the Peugeot feel quite alien at first. The V5 in my name arrived the day the injector died to run salt in the wound as well.

Any tips or pointers much appreciated.

[Peejo]

Also worth noting that the car showed absolutely no signs of any issues prior to this. Started first time, every time, no chugging or misfiring or any quirks that I either my father, and Peugeot experienced friend could identify. He had multiple Peugeot's with this engine in work vehicles before. He had ran a proper diagnostic on it about a week after I got it and showed no glaring problems, especially none pertaining to injectors.

[RichardW]

Welcome along, sorry to hear of you woes!

Injector failure on this version of the DV6 engine is common, and often as you found out, without warning. Note that no 2 is second from the flywheel end.

You shouldn't really unplug these injectors with the engine running, they can stick open.

You may also have caused some DPF problems by driving it, as it won't have been regenerating. Depending on how blocked it now is, it may need cleaning - if there's a lot of soot it may not allow a regen; or if it does it may damage the filter. Ideally you want to read the pressure and soot loadings before you take it on a drive.

[Peejo]

Hi thanks for the reply:)

Yeah that'll be the only and last time the injectors are unplugged like that lol. The guy is a mechanic with a shop in Glasgow and at the time I really had no choice but to trust him to have any hope of the car getting going again.

Is the ESP system disabling with injector failure expected behaviour? Just praying that two issues didn't just materialise at once.

[RichardW]

Yes, that's normal, the data flow to the ABS ECU is interrupted when the engine ECU sets a code, and that causes the ABS to set a code.

[Peejo]

Okay, got you!

Will I need someone to code the new injector as well?

[Peejo]

Job done. Injector and leak off replaced and driving better than when I got it:)