Limp Mode - ESP/ASR Problem

[Rivis]

I've had my 1.6 diesel cc for a few weeks now and have a couple of intermittent problems.

Firstly the car cut out for a second when I was accelerating, this only happened a handful of times, always when the engine was cold, about 2 or 3 minutes from leaving home. No warning lights came on and I just put it down to needing a good service. The car stuttered but then recovered and was OK for the rest of the commute.

So after it was serviced I still get the problem, maybe once or twice a week. Always within a couple of miles from a cold start. This week it got worse as now the warning "ESP / ASR Not Functioning" comes on the MFD and the little warning triangle light stays on the dash. One time it cut out for about 10 seconds or so, quite scary as I was in the outside lane in heavy traffic at 60mph.

I assume this is what "Limp Mode" is, the engine cutting out, it didn't actually stop, I kept it in gear and it slowed to around 30mph then suddenly recovered and was all OK for the rest of the journey.

The next day I switched off the ESP but I got exactly the same problem, the car went into Limp Mode for a few seconds and I got "ESP / ASR Not Functioning" warning, strange since I had it switched off.

So I've got it booked into my local garage on Saturday to get the codes read and a diagnostic. It's under warranty so I'm hoping the likely culprits (ABS sensors maybe) are covered.

Anyway my questions are:

1. Have I witnessed "Limp Mode", and if I get it again will the car just slow to 30 or so allowing me to keep driving?

2. Should I still get "ESP / ASR Not Functioning" warning even when I have it switched off?

[Capncol]

Hi John.
Question 1 Sounds like it. Limp = reduced power & speed
Question 2 Yes. Even though you have switched it off it is still faulty. Most likely one of the front abs sensors.

Firstly the car cut out for a second when I was accelerating, this only happened a handful of times, always when the engine was cold, about 2 or 3 minutes from leaving home. No warning lights came on and I just put it down to needing a good service. The car stuttered but then recovered and was OK for the rest of the commute.

While you have it in being diagnosed, ask them to check the rail pressure under acceleration to see how much it drops and the time for residule pressure drop when engine shut off.

[Rivis]

Thanks for the replies Col.

While you have it in being diagnosed, ask them to check the rail pressure under acceleration to see how much it drops and the time for residule pressure drop when engine shut off.

Yes I'll ask them to check that too, I have a feeling that the stutter under acceleration is nothing to do with the ESP/ASR.

[Capncol]

Suspect stuttering under acceleration is caused by low rail pressure. Could be due to faulty injector, pressure regulator or high pressure pump. Worth putting a new fuel filter in before diagnostics so you don't skew the results..

You anywhere near Camberley?

[Rivis]

Hi Col, thanks and yes I work in Bracknell so drive past Camberley each day.

I'll pm you