406 HDi Engine Warning Light

[Kamikarzy]

I recently bought a 1999 T reg 406 2-litre HDi . On the way home along the motorway I was aware of a sudden drop of power accompanied by the ECU engine light . When negotiating any kind of hill the car was utterly gutless, but on the flat was still capable of cruising at 80+. Took it to a local mechanic who plugged it in to his generic analyser and got a message about 'lack of pressure to turbo' or words to that effect (sorry can't recall exact wording but could ask him 2moz, if necessary). Anyhoo, we both noticed a slight hissing noise from the engine compartment and he discovered a clip was missing from a pipe about 18" long that runs transversely across the back of the engine, just below the windscreen scuttle. During installing a new clip he discovered that the pipe had a hole in it which someone had tried to braze over . He fitted a new pipe, reset the ECU and everything seemed to be okay for another couple of hundred miles . Then exactly the same symptoms occurred again - cruising along nicely then a sudden (slight) dropping of power and the engine light coming on. This would be bearable but it's actually quite dangerous trying to overtake any slower vehicles as there simply isn't enough power to accelerate quickly. Speed can only be increased gradually by going up through the gears on a flat stretch of road. Climbing hills is just dreadful. Has anyone any idea, preferably from experience, what the cause may be, please? The mechanic thinks it's not a fault with the turbo, more likely a sensor. I can only compare it to similar symptoms when the air mass thingy failed in my VW T4 van. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated. Very best wishes, Kamikarzy Pilot.

[307pugpete]

I would check the Turbo boost Solenoid sensor. After problems with my own car Anti Pollution and Engine Management light it appears it was that.

I was told by a Peugeot Tech on here that they are common , especially the 2.0 litres.

You could post where you are to see if anyone with P Planet is near you or alternatively look on the map on 'Bettyswollocks' signature/sign in to see if theres anyone near to you.

[davidireland]

Get the air and vacuum circuit checked. I wouldn't be calling a turbo problem on that car. They very rarely give trouble.

[Kamikarzy]

Hi guys, Many thanks for your input. I've been waiting a while to post a reply as I wanted to be pretty sure that the problem is sorted. . . . We replaced the wastegate regulating valve - £30 off the shelf from a local dealer. Touch wood, everything seems fine. I've done five or six hundred miles without the light coming on. Acceleration also seems a tad perkier and top speed also better. Couple this with the fuel consumption being slightly higher (ie, less mpg) would suggest the engine is running with proper revs. Also, the fact that the part was available from the local dealer, for a '99 model car, suggests it's a common problem. Thanks again - all power to the elbows! Bests, Jon.