Yellow lights actually – Coil light flashing with an absence of start-stop ignition then engine management light on and now Diesel Particulate Filter light.
CODE BROWN…
Engine performance is good. Strangely, oil was very low after less than ten thousand miles since the previous change with Castrol Magnatec oil. There had been a coolant leak from the nearside front radiator, suspected from a minor impact years ago although it has now stopped and I doubt whether there’s a connection to those warning lights. Oil topped up, Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor replaced and Redex DPF cleaner hasn’t erased any warning lights. Over 70 miles travelled using Shell Optimax didn’t work either but it drives fine with no radiator leak detected. I inspected underneath and felt rubber pipe running from the DPF pressure sensor that seemed intact. The DPF sensor was disconnected to see whether the scanner would register fault which it did.
The engine won’t rev beyond 3000 rpm when stationary (Seat said it won’t go beyond this when idling) and diagnosis scanner shows 0 for Mass Air Flow sensor. Engine ran with MAF disconnected which indicated that the sensor was faulty. MAF is housed within airbox top and was removed, blown then reassembled within airbox with hose reattached. With MAF disconnected, engine now turned but wouldn’t start. P0238 fault code remained although no DPF light showing when stationary which continued after a thirty five mile motorway run. Engine felt more spritely. Was there dirt on the MAF or did a feel of the DPF pipes loosen a blockage ?
One year on after the Seat’s slumber, and having erased said fault code, in it went for a long due MOT which it passed, having initially failed on a weak handbrake that had been an issue when bought in 2014 ! No issue with gas readings or that engine management light that reappears with the third turn of the ignition key. I’m driving it now and it seems faultless but I haven’t detected any Diesel Particulate Filter regeneration – yet. No sign either of any coolant loss which was the main reason why I stopped using the vehicle over one year ago so will update the article if any new anomalies are found.
Words are copyright of Sotiris Vassiliou
September 2021
Updated September 2022
