TD4 Engine constantly cutting out

Hello,

I have found some great advice on these forums in the past, but I can't find anything that cover my issue.

Here goes...

I've had my 2003 TD4 for 3 years now. Just over a year ago I noticed that the engine was struggling and dropping revs in neutral. It got worse and started cutting out even when driving. It seems to struggle between 1000 and 3000 revs.

More recently it has started to struggle and cut out in every gear and is getting dangerous. (It seems to be more of a problem once the engine has warmed up).

Since the summer I have replaced every filter apart from the fuel filter as it and the fuel pump were replace last summer. I have had 2 injectors replaced that were not preforming well and I change the oil regularly.

There is also a lot of black smoke that started a few weeks ago. I replaced all the intercooler hoses in the summer as one of them had split.

I am running out of ideas. The only thing I can think is that when the mechanic replaced the fuel pump last year that he used a very cheap one as it is much noisier than the old one. Also when the engine struggles the headlights and the dash lights dim for a split second. Could it be electrical?

Sorry for the novel but I thought I'd get as much detail in as possible.

You help is greatly appreciated.

Cam sensor?
Crank sensor?
Fuel pressure sensor or harness?

Epicuser said:

Cam sensor?
Crank sensor?
Fuel pressure sensor or harness?

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What do the can sensor and crank sensor do? I am still a novice at this car.

I found this: http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/idle-hesitation-poor-performanc-tech-bulletin-84464.html

It might be worth looking into.

After Xmas I might buy all of the above and have them fitted. The mechanic did say the system was quite gunky too and it would cost £300 for a specialist to clean it!

Invest in some Diesel Rhino. Google it.

GMC85 said:

What do the can sensor and crank sensor do?

Click to expand...

Do a search on LZ. I can't on my phone. There are several recent threads where the cam sensor has been mentioned.

Epicuser said:

Invest in some Diesel Rhino. Google it.

Click to expand...

I bought this diesel cleaner and ran it through it last month. Archoil AR6400-D Pro PEA Concentrate Diesel Cleaner (430ml): Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike

Made little to no difference.

Is the Rhino stuff better gear?

Cheers

What is the difference between a cam sensor and a crank sensor on some listings they are listed as the same thing??

Thanks

GMC85 said:

What is the difference between a cam sensor and a crank sensor on some listings they are listed as the same thing??

Thanks

Click to expand...

Err one is on the cam at the top of the engine and the other on the crankshaft. I have not yet needed to replace mine so have no experience of either.

They might be the same part number, but I can't check on RAVE as I don't have access to a PC.

GMC85 said:

Is the Rhino stuff better gear?



Cheers

Click to expand...

Have you Googled it? Lots of stuff about it.

I think it is better than millers & 2-stroke oil.

Ok so I've bought a camshaft sensor and diesel rhino. I'll start there and see how it goes.

I noticed that the engine was struggling and dropping revs in neutral. It got worse and started cutting out even when driving. It seems to struggle between 1000 and 3000 revs.

Click to expand...

might be the m.a.f. sensor .. to check ..
disconnect it 'n see if it runs any better .. if so .. replace the m.a.f.

might be fuel rail pressure sensor ..
electric plug/socket pins might be dirty / corroded ..
clean if needed and smear some 'contralube' on them
( Contralube | Contralube 770 )

guess it Could be a faulty air-intake-temp sensor .. maybe ?
see regarding the Air Intake Temperature sensor :
http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/black-smoke-224520.html

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if the camshaft sensor is faulty .. usually shows as a hard-to-start engine when warm
( can check by cooling sensor in fridge .. then replace and start engine )

if crankshaft sensor screws up .. usually results in a dead engine

~~~~~~~~~

couple more links :

td4 engine faults :
ROVER 75 MGZT ENGINE FAULT FINDING

about the 'maf' sensor :
Maf sensor problems.

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the cutting out sounds like the symptoms I had, started cutting out at 2500-3000 rpm and gradually got worse over the space of a few days, until eventually i couldnt drive over 30mph and had tobe really light on the throttle. I had already replaced the wheel arch fuel pump and fuel pressure sensor and loom, eventually took it to a diesel specialist who told me straight away the HP fuel pump had gone, and sure enough it was. Fitted a recon one and now running sweet, its not cheap though ! Apparently its quite rare for the HP pump to go but just bear it in mind

Cheers for the help fellas.

Silly question but where is the camshaft sensor located? Any pictures floating about? Is is difficult to change?

Thanks

Cam sensor is only used for starting.

It's located on the LH side of the engine as you're facing the car and has 3 wires to it.

Do a Google search and images will come up which will display the location for you

**Quick Update**

I have replaced the MAF and camshaft sensors. Hasn't made any difference to the problem except it starts easier once it cuts out so the cam sensor did the trick there.

I have also put in the 1st dose of diesel rhino today so I'll soon see if that improves anything.

The issue only properly starts after a few miles once the engine has warmed up. Would this rule out the hp pump?

Ta

Sound very similar to a problem I had. Turned out to be the connection for the fuel pressure sensor. Separated the connections, good clean with contact cleaner and taped up well after reconnecting. No problems since. Worth trying before spending loads.

Btw... I had changed fuel pump and filters, every fuel system cleaner/additive possible, the 2 breakdown guys who recovered the car when it broke down on motorway twice both said glow plugs (which didnt make sense)....

GarethNorth said:

Sound very similar to a problem I had. Turned out to be the connection for the fuel pressure sensor. Separated the connections, good clean with contact cleaner and taped up well after reconnecting. No problems since. Worth trying before spending loads.

Click to expand...

Thanks I'll give that a go.

GarethNorth said:

Sound very similar to a problem I had. Turned out to be the connection for the fuel pressure sensor. Separated the connections, good clean with contact cleaner and taped up well after reconnecting. No problems since. Worth trying before spending loads.

Click to expand...

Quick question. Is it the HP fuel sensor or the LP fuel sensor?

Thanks

GMC85 said:

Quick question. Is it the HP fuel sensor or the LP fuel sensor?



Thanks

Click to expand...

It's the one in the engine I believe so I guess high pressure as that is the important one.