Amarok Engine Light

[xDevo]

Hey guys my Amarok has recently been getting an engine light with code P0401. Car is not in limp mode so I have been clearing the code while I wait to take it to be serviced. This light comes on inconsistently sometimes after driving for an hour and sometimes not at all. Anyone had a similar issue or know what the cause could be?

[Lucas_R]

With that error code you will have a blocked EGR and the error is triggered because it can sense the EGR is not flowing correctly. You can clean out the EGR yourself, otherwise there are companies that specialise in cleaning these components on modern diesel engines.

DIY option (I use this every 6 months before an oil change): Liqui-Moly Diesel Engine Intake Decarb - 326g | Supercheap Auto

Another DIY option but you need to phyiscally remove the EGR parts off the vehicle. This works better (in my testing and opinion) than the Liqui Moly stuff but is less convenient due to needing to physically remove parts: Nulon Pro Strength Throttle Body & Carby Cleaner 400g | Supercheap Auto

Professional option: Prostream Diesel Fuel System Service and Intake Decarbon

Don't put off a repair as it will eventually put the car into limp mode.

[xDevo]

Thanks for the help mate. I've got it booked om Thursday to a place that specialises in VWs so ill just get them to clean it and then use your recommendations down the road.

[xDevo]

So update: Mechanic told me to replace the valve bit confirmed it'd it'd insufficient flow code and told me $3000 which I passed on. I then told told to just clean it but he said he wouldn't bother because apparently it "rarely solves the problem" charged me $229 for a scan and code clear and that's it so not happy.

That being said, how do you go about spraying the egr cleaner into the valve with the turbo in the way?

[Lucas_R]

Wow $229 to run a scan. Im in the wrong line of work!!

I spray it in where the rubber intercooler pipe connects to the mouth of the intake manifold (just to the right of your dipstick). You just undo 1x hose clamp and then you can remove the intercooler pipe.

The engine in my car is a similar V6 TDI to that used in the Amarok so it will be a very similar layout.

Its worth a try for the sake of $30 vs $3000

As for the mechanic not wanting to do a clean of the EGR - I dont blame him. Its a dirty job and time consuming. Get it done by someone who specialises in carbon cleaning - they have the right tools and chemicals. I know a place called Revhigh in Hallam do the carbon cleaning.

[Dinogzav]

You need to be careful running EGR cleaner through DPF cars. Chunks can dislodge and block DPF. I would look to try and clean it but the EGR pipe is almost impossible to get off as it connects under the turbo and you can't get to the bolts very easy. The intake side is easy to get to thought, then it is the butterfly valve to clean. It is a time consuming job.

The other thing is the cleaner work best if you use basically the whole can, maybe you could just use a little, more often to try and alleviate the risk of bigger chunks coming off.

[xDevo]

Another update: The guys from the company you suggested came out today and the bloke said the flush is supposedly only for the DPF and it won't fix the egr. I'm going to give the egr cleaner a shot but otherwise I'll book it into VW and they can do it properly. Hopefully it doesn't go into limp mode before then

[Newkidontheblok]

If the EGR cleaner doesn't shift it, maybe try a can of Brakleen. Do they still make that stuff? I used to use it when reco-ing diesels. Cleans the black off everything. I used it on carbs and all sorts, even my hands, not just on brakes. Good stuff.

[Lucas_R]

Another update: The guys from the company you suggested came out today and the bloke said the flush is supposedly only for the DPF and it won't fix the egr. I'm going to give the egr cleaner a shot but otherwise I'll book it into VW and they can do it properly. Hopefully it doesn't go into limp mode before then

Are you talking about the Lube Mobile link? If so, there website talks about cleaning the EGR and intake system, and there is no mention of the DPF at all.

What you need to find is a service like this but in Victoria. Log in to Facebook

[xDevo]

The saga ends, hopefully. I took the cooler out to find it very clogged and after nearly 2 cans of break cleaner the thing is pretty well clean except for the part that curves around which I can't get to with my metal poke rod. I'm hoping it has been cleared out enough. Once I put the cooler back on I ran about half a can of luqui moly through the intake as well to get any last bits. Yet to take it for a long drive but if the light comes back it's safe to say I'm replacing the entire bloody thing

[Lucas_R]

The saga ends, hopefully. I took the cooler out to find it very clogged and after nearly 2 cans of break cleaner the thing is pretty well clean except for the part that curves around which I can't get to with my metal poke rod. I'm hoping it has been cleared out enough. Once I put the cooler back on I ran about half a can of luqui moly through the intake as well to get any last bits. Yet to take it for a long drive but if the light comes back it's safe to say I'm replacing the entire bloody thing

Good work. Im sure what you have done will sort it. Just FYI for next time, I found carby cleaner to be much more effective than brake cleaner to dissolve and break down the sooty carbon mess that builds up. I tried various products that I had in my garage (metho, turps, petrol, brake cleaner etc) and the carby cleaner was the best by far.

But at the end of the day, regardless of what product you used - its clean now.

[Dinogzav]

If it comes back on, do your self a favour, bypass it and get a tune to turn the EGR off and who doesn't more power?