C5 mk1 2.2 diesel engine light on

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robert_att
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C5 mk1 2.2 diesel engine light on

Post by robert_att »

Hello,
I am looking into buying a C5 diesel and am interested in one advertised with an "engine managment light" problem.
Apparently, this is intermittent and when it lights the car will go into safe mode.
So:
1 - is this a common problem and can it be cured relatively cheaply?
2 - is it a good idea to drive in safe mode for very long?
3 - what kind of mpg should I expect relaistically from the 2.2 diesel when the majority of my journies are just sitting on the dual carriageway at 60 - 65?
Many thanks in advance!
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Re: C5 mk1 2.2 diesel engine light on

Post by SaabC5 »

Engine management lights can be a host of things, it will need to be put onto a Lexia to identify the fault. At 60-65mph the 2.2HDi will return approx 50mpg.
09 C5 X7 2.0Hdi Exclusive in Perla Nera black (the best colour) :wink:
robert_att
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Re: C5 mk1 2.2 diesel engine light on

Post by robert_att »

How much would the diagnosis cost? Is this a main dealer thing?
Thanks for your help by the way!
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Re: C5 mk1 2.2 diesel engine light on

Post by RichardW »

Early C5s with the 2.2 HDi are best avoided - and ones with EML problems should be avoided like teh plague - you've got to ask why the current owner hasn't fixed it - maybe they just got fed up of pouring money down the drain... If you've got the diagnostic gear, the know how to use it, and the car is cheeeeeeep then it may be worth a punt. Otherwise there are better prospects out there
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Re: C5 mk1 2.2 diesel engine light on

Post by robert_att »

Hmm that bad eh?
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Re: C5 mk1 2.2 diesel engine light on

Post by cachaciero »

robert_att wrote:Hmm that bad eh?
No!

The 2.2 has an undeservedly bad gained mainly due to ignorance . (INMHO)
There are two areas where it is more complicated than the 2.0Ltr of similar age. 1. Swirl valves and turbo vacuum system and 2. Exhaust particulate filter, the dreaded FAP.
Of these two differences 1 is the most likely reason for the EML light + limp mode on an older 2.2 and is easily and cheaply rectified.
2 Will only bring up the EML light if the filter is clogged up. Having said that on an older 2.2 if you have no record of it having had additive top ups and a new / cleaned FAP done then it will likely be getting close to needing work in this area and to maintain it to as new is likely to give you a hole in the pocket to the tune of £500.00 if done by a garage, about half this price DIY.
The cheapest and best solution to this is to remove the FAP all together, you should be able to get this done together with the necessary ECU remap for circa £200. This will give you a more lively and economic engine close to matching the 2.0 ltr in terms of economy with decidedly more poke.

If the price and trim level are right i.e Circa £1300.00 for a 2001 in Exclusive Trim, in reasonable nick and you have some competence with spanners and cars go for it, otherwise a 2.0Ltr might be better slightly simpler and more economical.

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Re: C5 mk1 2.2 diesel engine light on

Post by robert_att »

Thanks, thats a much more positive response!
How would I go about sorting the EML light etc if it is down to "1" above?
The FAP was changed last year apparently so shouldn't be the problem luckily?
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Re: C5 mk1 2.2 diesel engine light on

Post by woodywoodpecker »

robert_att wrote:Thanks, thats a much more positive response!
How would I go about sorting the EML light etc if it is down to "1" above?
The FAP was changed last year apparently so shouldn't be the problem luckily?
Hi mate what year is the car your looking at ?
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Re: C5 mk1 2.2 diesel engine light on

Post by cachaciero »

robert_att wrote:Thanks, thats a much more positive response!
How would I go about sorting the EML light etc if it is down to "1" above?
The FAP was changed last year apparently so shouldn't be the problem luckily?
Basically check the vacuum at various points, but as a quick eliminator, check the position of the swirl valve actuator at idle should be fully forward, if it isn't, then that's part of the problem, wire it fully forward, remove vacuum line to swirl valve EV blank the line then go for a drive and see what happens. Frankly it's easier with a Lexia the usual indication of this is a turbo overboost pressure fault. This has been written up at length on this forum by myself and others do a search on swirl valves and my name should give you a few hits worth reading any specific questions come back and ask.

cachaciero
2006 Toyota Prius T Spirit
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1996 XM 2.1 TD Auto VSX
1995 XM 2.1 TD Auto SX died @ 140K
1987 CX 2.5 Gti Turbo II dead
1984 Ford Scorpio
1981 CX 2.4 Pallas Auto
Renault 21
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Rover P6 2000TC
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Re: C5 mk1 2.2 diesel engine light on

Post by robert_att »

Its a 51 reg.
Thanks for all th info, I now have a bit more reading to do on the forum!
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