Meaning of 'Diesel Additive Communication Error'

[Davre1]

My 2008 307 Hdi 110 displays 'Risk of Particulate Filter Blocking' and 'Depollution System Faulty'.

I am an absolute Diagbox newbie, but a quick scan shows amongst others the error message 'Diesel Additive Communication Error'.

Can anybody please shed any light on what this message means? Does it relate to the Eolys fluid level, a faulty fuel cap sensor or is it related to the version of Diagbox (7.62) I am using?

Any pointers much appreciated - Thanks

Thanks

[GiveMeABreak]

Before going any further, you haven't clicked next to each of the ECUs that are showing multiple faults recorded.

I.e. The BSI has 3 faults shown, the injection system has 5 faults logged etc. You need to click onto each of these ECUs to expand the selection and show the actual fault codes.

If this is your first scan, I suggest you record the fault codes for each ECU where there are faults as explained above, and provide these here with your VIN so I know what systems you have.

Then, clear each of the faults, go for a drive, then re-run a Global scan and report back which ones remain.

The additive pump is a multiplexed pump and is not showing a fault against it. The communication error relates to the additive level, which may not be an issue, as the level is not physically measured, but estimated.

If you have the risk of particle filter clogged message on the dash, then it is having trouble regenerating the filter -this is often due to short stop and stat journeys which a) may not allow the exhaust gas temperatures to reach the required regeneration temperature required, or that multiple attempts to regenerate the filter have failed (engine switched during a regeneration or just before it was going to be started). The engine ECU has various strategies to allow for this somewhat, by attempting an early regeneration at the next opportunity - but if the vehicle is not allowed to reach those temperatures required it will never happen and lead to the filter clogging up.

In this case, you need to go for a spirited drive on a Motorway, dual carriageway or main road where you are not in constant slow moving traffic, at least 40 MPH and keep the gear in 4th to keep the engine revs up to allow the engine to reach the required temperature for a regeneration to take place.

[Davre1]

Hi Marc - many thanks for your speedy reply.

Let me explain a little more about the fault history, my 307SW Hdi has done around 150,000 miles and for the past 6 years has been used for daily 160 mile round trip motorway commutes to work and back.

The EML and message and warning ‘Risk of Particulate Filter Blocking’ appeared immediately after filling up with fuel one evening. Local garage diagnosed P0483 & P1351 faults. Initially ignoring the P0483, they found the P1351 fault would not clear after substituting a new glow plug relay. I tested the glow plugs and they were all open circuit so I have just replaced all four. Rather than paying for garage to hopefully reset the P1351 fault I took the plunge and purchased Lexia and Diagbox. Hoping that I would be able to reset the fault and all would be good.

These are the faults Diagbox now shows me;

BSI:
B4C1
A4C9
F000

ECU:
P1351
P0483
P0409
P0113
P0104

I suspect P0113 & P0104 were caused by me running the engine to get it hot between each glow change with the flow meter sensor disconnected. So I am hopeful that P1351, P0113 & P0104 will reset once I learn how to drive DiagBox correctly. I tried unsuccessfully to reset faults but I had the engine running and was confused by the ‘after-sales zone must be completed’ message?

After doing my initial scan with Diagbox the ‘Risk of Particulate Filter Blocking’ message was joined by ‘Depollution System Faulty’ !

My VIN is VF3**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff], and at the moment it’s unclear to me which specific Eolys fluid I need and whether my 307 has a pouch or a tank?

I am a little puzzled why P0409 has popped up at this stage when it was not initially diagnosed by my local garage? I plan to take a look at P0483 later if and when I get the EML to turn off.

Apologies for the multiple questions in this reply and many thanks again for your support.

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so a few things in light of the extra info:

With this sort of mileage your DPF has reached end of service life to be honest. It will at this stage need removing for a deep clean or replacing. Over the years, the Eolys fluid that is added to the diesel tank contains a Cerine compound that cannot be burned off. This, along with other engine deposits and ash also can't be burned, and it is these elements that ultimately clog up the filter pores.

So this is probably why you are getting a blockage message now we know the mileage.

Your vehicle has a flexible pouch based system and requires Eolys 176 fluid specifically for this engine and vehicle.

(30) Additive Pouch, part: 9678080680, £211.57 from Peugeot.

However Neo Brothers have genuine 2.2 litre pouches for £83:

https://www.neobrothers.co.uk/car-parts ... 9678080680

[Davre1]

Thanks Marc -

Car is very economical and with no apparent loss of power, so I am wondering that if in the short term a replacement Eolys pouch and sorting out the EGR valve fault might get the EML to clear before the MOT looms?

Longer term what do you think is the best bet a DPF deep clean or an aftermarket replacement?

Thanks again

[GiveMeABreak]

Put it this way:- The filter has done its job admirably at 150k miles and this is past the service life, so it really depends on how long you envisage keeping the car. It would have to be working if you want to keep it or sell it - so you could try a deep clean, but this can carry a risk if not done professionally (risk of breaking up the cement holding the filter internally) and will never be 100% like it was at new - but may give you a few more years life. The aftermarket alternatives vary considerably and the adage you get what you pay for is true here. They can vary incredibly on build quality and materials, so although may seem cheaper than an OEM, they won't be made to the same standard.

Details of the offerings from Peugeot are below and include brand new OEM, as well as cheaper alternative new ones and exchanges: (note this is for the particle filter element only and not the catalytic converter assembly at the top half).

(12) New OEM Octo Square Particle Filter (TR PSA F010), part: 1731JT, £1039.46
OEM Standard Exchange Particle Filter (TR PSA F010), part: 174037, £1045.52
Cheaper PSA Particle Filter, part: 1691076780, £589.93

Yes, this is right - incredibly the 174037 exchange DPF is more than a new one! Probably due to return shipping costs and processing / remanufacturing.

All VAT inclusive direct from Peugeot.

[Davre1]

Great support much appreciated - thanks Marc