Skoda octavia EGR/Glow plug fault

[MrV 66]

2011 Octavia Estate 1.6 tdi with paperwork to show EGR replaced April 2018 which has an issue with a flashing glow plug light and limp mode, my code reader pulls up a generic P0407 exhaust gas recirculation sensor B circuit low.

16791/P0407/001031 - EGR Potentiometer (G212): Signal too Low

Possible Symptoms

• Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) active

Possible Causes

• Wiring/Connectors from/to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Potentiometer (G212) faulty
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Potentiometer (G212) faulty

Possible Solutions

• Check Wiring/Connectors from/to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Potentiometer (G212)
• Check Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Potentiometer (G212)

Any suggestions before I get in into the garage? 

[awc1000 93]

that 1.6tdi drive train is on the VAG emissions recall, you might be lucky if it hasn't yet had its recall / update.

[Del Boy 76]

Yeah very common on that engine. I had it a couple years back, make sure the egr is OE or the problem will keep coming back. I had to replace the egr 2/3 times in a month until I used a genuine one. Also had to replace the boost pressure control valve. Then problem gone. 

[MrV 66]

53 minutes ago, awc1000 said:

that 1.6tdi drive train is on the VAG emissions recall, you might be lucky if it hasn't yet had its recall / update.

Oooooooooo 

[Dave2302 387]

2 hours ago, Del Boy said:

Yeah very common on that engine. I had it a couple years back, make sure the egr is OE or the problem will keep coming back. I had to replace the egr 2/3 times in a month until I used a genuine one. Also had to replace the boost pressure control valve. Then problem gone. 

Exactly this, all 4 cyl VAG Diesels are a bastard at the best of times for Boost / EGR codes, but fitting cheap parts which are almost always Chinese shit just makes it worse  

Make sure it hasn't got an Air Leak too

HTH,

[It's me 615]

3 hours ago, MrV said:

 

Possible Causes

•  
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Potentiometer (G212) faulty

 

short runs

shit fuel

 crap part

[MrV 66]

Thanks chaps

[Stalker 180]

Benji, I have a Batchelor of arts in EGR valves and coolers on this engine.

First of all has it had its recall? EA189, you go to the Skoda Website and put in the chassis number.

Come back to me.

[MrV 66]

13 minutes ago, Stalker said:

Benji, I have a Batchelor of arts in EGR valves and coolers on this engine.

First of all has it had its recall? EA189, you go to the Skoda Website and put in the chassis number.

Come back to me.

Apparently "there are no outstanding recalls on this vehicle" Stalker

[Stalker 180]

Whats the registration number? don't use the DLVA database as its not a safety recall.

Actually scrap that, ive just looked at your website.

 

It hasn't had its recall done yet.

 

So if you get the glow light off and the code to clear, then you present it at your local Skoda dealer where they will carry out the EA189 service action.

Once this has been done, it then gets a trust building 2 year warranty on 13 components (EGR valve and cooler included)

The EGR valve on your car is £325 to buy plus 5-6 hours to fit.

 

Would you like to know how to get rid of the light on your car? Using a very inexpensive part that will be totally undetectable?

[MrV 66]

1 hour ago, Stalker said:

 

 

1 hour ago, Stalker said:

 

@Stalker you sir are an absolute legend!! 

[Dave2302 387]

1 hour ago, Stalker said:

Would you like to know how to get rid of the light on your car? Using a very inexpensive part that will be totally undetectable?

Does that work on a Tiguan which randomly throws Turbo Actuator Position codes, if so PM me plz

That one has had umpteen Positioners and adjustments, all it does is flash GP lamp and pop the code, but it still drives absolutely perfectly, it just annoys the guy

[MrV 66]

1 minute ago, Dave2302 said:

Does that work on a Tiguan which randomly throws Turbo Actuator Position codes, if so PM me plz

That one has had umpteen Positioners and adjustments, all it does is flash GP lamp and pop the code, but it still drives absolutely perfectly, it just annoys the guy

#electricaltape

[Stalker 180]

Right, so basically there are two parts to the EGR valve, the mechanical part and the electrical part. 

What happens is the mechanical part of the EGR wears and then sends the potentiometer to pot.  

you need to remove the electrical motor part (4 small torx screws) then you will be left with a plastic half cog. By simply placing a 13mm nut at the bottom of the cog this will hold it up to its proper position and keep the potentiometer happy. I’ll post photos in a bit. 

[MrV 66]

But then wouldn't Skoda see that when doing the work? 

[Stalker 180]

11 minutes ago, MrV said:

But then wouldn't Skoda see that when doing the work? 

Sorry I should have said put the motor back on. 

Nah it’s hidden by the motor. 

45 minutes ago, Dave2302 said:

Does that work on a Tiguan which randomly throws Turbo Actuator Position codes, if so PM me plz

That one has had umpteen Positioners and adjustments, all it does is flash GP lamp and pop the code, but it still drives absolutely perfectly, it just annoys the guy

Hi Dave, 

It the wastegate arm free? Unfortunately it’s difficult to check without removing the actuator as the spring masks the sticky ness,  Especially when blasting hot? They are quite fiddly to set up too. 

[MrV 66]

@Stalker would they not do it with the glow light coming up? 

[Dave2302 387]

Hi @Stalker

Yes Buddy, I've had it in bits a million times, it's a very long story, but I'll be as brief as I can ...........

Guy used to live in Yorkshire, now lives in Dornie, while he was visiting Yorkshire Xmas 2017 he traded in his old Car and bought the VAG crap, on way home up comes flashing GP light, I read it, it went back to car dealer, he took to Turbo specialist, came back with new (non genuine) Actuator, still same flashing GP and code, I spoke to Turbo guys who def knew what they were on about, I set it up exactly how they said with Vac Gauge, still same, (it only does this very intermittent) sometimes it'll do 10 miles and do it, sometimes 1000 miles 

It to and fro'd to Yorkshire a few times, Dealer did offer a refund, but guy liked the Car and opted to keep it  He was happy with Dealer and I took over the fixing of it.

Next I fitted a genuine new Actuator and set it all up again, still the same.

Next I checked out wiring from ECU to Actuator, all good and fine, told guy to live with it, it doesn't go into limp, doesn't put up EML, runs fine etc, just puts up flashing GP light, always seems to be when coming to a stop !! No other codes over thousands of miles. Switch it off and restart, flashing gone, still drives OK.

FIIK (fucked if i know) but it would be good to ring him and tell him I now know what is wrong wi' it and can fix it lol !!

It's the only one I haven't actually fixed in 3 years of running this particular business, I would have carried on with it, but he doesn't earn a lot of dough, and has already spent loads of  bucks on a fault that is having no ill effects other than being a bloody nuisance  

Edited April 5, 2019 by Dave2302

[Stalker 180]

53 minutes ago, MrV said:

@Stalker would they not do it with the glow light coming up? 

Definitely not, and they will make you pay a diagnostic fee if the light is on. 

Its  a really easy bodge, once it’s had it’s recall you can remove the bodge and claim a new egr valve. 

48 minutes ago, Dave2302 said:

Hi @Stalker

Yes Buddy, I've had it in bits a million times, it's a very long story, but I'll be as brief as I can ...........

Guy used to live in Yorkshire, now lives in Dornie, while he was visiting Yorkshire Xmas 2017 he traded in his old Car and bought the VAG crap, on way home up comes flashing GP light, I read it, it went back to car dealer, he took to Turbo specialist, came back with new (non genuine) Actuator, still same flashing GP and code, I spoke to Turbo guys who def knew what they were on about, I set it up exactly how they said with Vac Gauge, still same, (it only does this very intermittent) sometimes it'll do 10 miles and do it, sometimes 1000 miles 

It to and fro'd to Yorkshire a few times, Dealer did offer a refund, but guy liked the Car and opted to keep it  He was happy with Dealer and I took over the fixing of it.

Next I fitted a genuine new Actuator and set it all up again, still the same.

Next I checked out wiring from ECU to Actuator, all good and fine, told guy to live with it, it doesn't go into limp, doesn't put up EML, runs fine etc, just puts up flashing GP light, always seems to be when coming to a stop !! No other codes over thousands of miles. Switch it off and restart, flashing gone, still drives OK.

FIIK (fucked if i know) but it would be good to ring him and tell him I now know what is wrong wi' it and can fix it lol !!

It's the only one I haven't actually fixed in 3 years of running this particular business, I would have carried on with it, but he doesn't earn a lot of dough, and has already spent loads of  bucks on a fault that is having no ill effects other than being a bloody nuisance  

Does it have plenty of vacuum at the turbo wastegate positioner? On a mityvac does it refresh quickly if you release the vacuum? It should have about 20hg at idle. 

I wonder if it has a leak somewhere else on the vacuum pipes? 

[Dave2302 387]

29 minutes ago, Stalker said:

Does it have plenty of vacuum at the turbo wastegate positioner? On a mityvac does it refresh quickly if you release the vacuum? It should have about 20hg at idle. 

I wonder if it has a leak somewhere else on the vacuum pipes? 

Hi,

Aha, no I checked it for leaks on the pipes etc, with Mity Vac all good.

You just got me thinking now ....................

I don't remember checking to see how quick it refreshed, maybe a lazy Vac Pump or Slight leak on Servo, especially as it seems to do it when braking to a stop !!

Vac Gauge teed in and inside Car and drive it around a bit eh 

Edited April 5, 2019 by Dave2302

[Stalker 180]

32 minutes ago, Dave2302 said:

I don't remember checking to see how quick it refreshed, maybe a lazy Vac Pump or Slight leak on Servo, especially as it seems to do it when braking to a stop !!

Or a split vac pipe to the servo, very common on all VAG crap.

Whats the exact code?

[Dave2302 387]

Jeez, 

1 hour ago, Stalker said:

Whats the exact code?

I can't remember now, but basically it was telling me Turbo Actuator Position Sensor Implausible reading

It's been at 6 months ++ since I last saw the Car and told them to just use it as is, or be prepared to spend a load more at hourly rate until I found the problem !!

They are still driving it around quite happy, if I see him in the pub I'll get him to bring it in for a freebie look see

I just don't like not knowing lol, fair enough if I know what's wrong, quote and they say no, but this bastard had me foxed

Oh, btw I also changed the solenoid valve .............. Just in case

Slight crack / leak in Servo Pipe makes sense now you've said it, that's my bad, I shoulda looked

Edited April 5, 2019 by Dave2302

[grant8064 219]

Nothing constructive to add but I f**king despise 1.6 TDi's. Factor an EGR into every purchase. Along with all the usual s**t VAG issues. Be interested to know what you guys pay for EGR replacement on a Golf, done far too many and they really eat into profit for us, pm if you want? 

[Stalker 180]

1 hour ago, grant8064 said:

Nothing constructive to add but I f**king despise 1.6 TDi's. Factor an EGR into every purchase. Along with all the usual s**t VAG issues. Be interested to know what you guys pay for EGR replacement on a Golf, done far too many and they really eat into profit for us, pm if you want? 

We only fit genuine wahler ones now after pissing about with aftermarket shite lasting 3 months. 

We bought one from euro last week for £225 plus vat. And we have our own techs that fitted it. However I’d charge it out at about £150 plus vat labour I reckon.

We had a young lad that did so many he got them down to 1.5-2 hours start to finish. 

 

Mind we swerve as as many as we can with the emissions scandal thing. 

 

[grant8064 219]

3 minutes ago, Stalker said:

We only fit genuine wahler ones now after pissing about with aftermarket shite lasting 3 months. 

We bought one from euro last week for £225 plus vat. And we have our own techs that fitted it. However I’d charge it out at about £150 plus vat labour I reckon.

We had a young lad that did so many he got them down to 1.5-2 hours start to finish. 

 

Mind we swerve as as many as we can with the emissions scandal thing. 

 

Thanks, got another one coming back in next week for it and in the past we've been at £600-£650 all in. Didn't realise Euros were doing them for £225+...might take a couple of deliveries to get the right part but that's a good saving.