VW Caddy Limp Mode Problems
Just imagine you’re driving your VW Caddy along the open road when suddenly, the dreaded “limp mode” kicks in. You are unable to drive beyond 30-50mph due to the issue. What do you do? At this stage, your only option is to call a specialised VW garage like JDK Automotive.
If you ignore the problem, it will only get worse and can become costly to fix. At JDK Automotive, we recommend that you call us right away for a first-time fix, just like our recent client did!
During our client’s visit to JDK Automotive, their VW Caddy had begun overheating and had put itself into limp mode. Luckily, our VW specialists had seen this issue before and knew how to fix it.
So let’s explain how…
Our Findings
Our VW experts noted several warning lights on our client’s dashboard during the initial assessment. So, it’s no surprise that their VW Caddy had put itself into limp mode!
In most cases, your vehicle will enter limp mode if it detects an issue that could lead to further damage. By restricting the speed of the vehicle, this helps to prevent additional damage and helped to save our client hundreds of pounds on repairs.
Among the warning lights on his dashboard were:
- Engine Management Light
- Glow Light
In order to confirm that limp mode was activated, our VW specialists drove the vehicle and discovered the engine was overheating. Despite their experience with these problems, we were surprised by one thing. There were more than 125k miles on the client’s Caddy in just two years, which is an incredible amount of miles in such a short timeframe. Especially considering that the average UK vehicle travels 7500 miles a year.
In order to resolve the Caddy’s issues, our specialists needed to examine it more closely.
Identifying the Problem
At JDK Automotive, all problems are diagnosed and resolved with our 15-step diagnosis process. This helps us identify the problem quickly, saving you time, stress, and money on repeat repairs.
Before performing any other tests, our VW experts performed a diagnostic check to see if any fault codes were present.
Six fault codes were found:
- P20FD00 – Reductant Pump ‘B’ Control Circuit High
- P200200 – Particulate Trap (Bank 1) Efficiency Below Threshold
- P208B00 – Reduction Pump A Control Range/Performance
- U041600 – Invalid Data Received From Vehicle Dynamics Control Module
- P023B00 – Charge Air Coolant Control Circuit Low
- P023A00 – Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump Control Circuit/Open
It’s a good thing our client brought his Caddy to JDK Automotive. With decades of experience, our VW specialists can resolve any problem. Although you might not be able to interpret these fault codes, our experts know not only how to read them but most importantly, how to resolve them.
Unlike many other garages, we ran live data checks. We then used the fault codes and live data to develop a testing plan to diagnose the problem.
As a result of the testing procedures, our specialists came to two conclusions:
- Low pressure in the EGR valve (Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve – an important component of a vehicle’s emission control system) and cooler, due to a blockage, creating a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) problem.
- There was a problem with the water pump, resulting in a coolant flow issue and overheating.
Having narrowed down the issues, our VW experts were then able to resolve the Caddy’s problems.
Here’s How We Fixed the VW Caddy
With an idea of what work needed to be undertaken on the VW Caddy, our specialists spoke with our client to discuss the plan of action before any work began. With JDK Automotive, you’re always kept informed and in total control as we only start working on your vehicle with your approval.
In order to fix the faulty EGR valve, the blockage was removed, allowing the correct amount of pressure to flow through. Fortunately, our technicians have the knowledge and skills to complete the task without damaging the valve.
After cleaning, the pressure of the EGR valve was tested, and it was once again working correctly. With the DPF issue now resolved, our technicians turned their attention to the coolant issue.
The water pump on the Caddy had failed, so a replacement was required. Our experts then sourced and installed the VW-branded water pump. At JDK Automotive, we only use genuine VW or high-quality parts for all repairs, maintenance and servicing.
So, now the Caddy’s coolant issue was solved, and it no longer overheated. Moreover, at JDK Automotive, our goal is always to be able to book you in, inspect, fix and return your car to you before the VW dealership can. This is what we did for our client!
Our client was overjoyed to have their VW Caddy’s engine back to full power and their vehicle now in perfect working order.
In Summary
A recent client of ours brought their VW Caddy to JDK Automotive as the vehicle had gone into “Limp mode” and was overheating.
We discovered two issues after our VW specialists performed a comprehensive inspection using our 15-step diagnostic process:
- A damaged water pump
- A DPF blockage
Fortunately, our experts have resolved these issues before. We cleaned the blocked DPF, removing all soot from the EGR valve. We successfully installed a new genuine VW replacement water pump. We handed the keys back to a very happy client, who was pleased to have their VW Caddy back in perfect working condition, all at better-than-dealership value.
Have you noticed a warning light on the dashboard for your VW? Is it in limp mode? You can count on JDK Automotive’s VW specialists to repair your vehicle correctly the first time. Call today and book your VW check-up.
