Limp mode every time I change gear

T5 TDI wrote:

It means that you would have no ABS to help you if you lock a wheel up, just normal braking. I wouldn't do it for more than a quick test. In this case he doesn't have to drive the van anyway. Thanks T5 :o)

You are going to cause multiple codes while you are testing so it's best to have VCDS available. But the OP already has many incorrect dash lights and probably codes. He also lives in Ecuador so he might not have too many handy garages for a more studied diagnosis!

It means that you would have no ABS to help you if you lock a wheel up, just normal braking. I wouldn't do it for more than a quick test. In this case he doesn't have to drive the van anyway.

You are going to cause multiple codes while you are testing so it's best to have VCDS available. But the OP already has many incorrect dash lights and probably codes. He also lives in Ecuador so he might not have too many handy garages for a more studied diagnosis!

2004 2.5 174

Those odd dash problems can be caused by something else faulty that is connected to the CAN system sending unexpected messages to the CAN controller in the dash. The most common culprit is the ABS pump. Try disconnecting the ABS pump and see if the dash behaves.

2004 2.5 174

Illumination works the oil earning is on all the time and fuel gauge is up and down as I brake the fuel light comes on and the alarm goes off, no temp, tachometer or speedo, the klms are their but is not increasing

Cluster= instrument panel

I found that everything under the battery was not placed properly and was loose, I reset everything back to how I thought it should be now it running fine... still nothing on the cluster but I think that’s the bcm

What do mean by 'Nothing on the cluster works'? Do you mean that you have no guages etc working at all? If very rough roads have an effect it could be loom damage behind the dash or elewhere.

Do you have any acess to VCDS diagnostics as Charlie mentions? Not sure how it is in Ecuador but maybe someone locally has it who will help you. If so, you need a complete scan of every controller the van has. That means engine ECU, cent electronics, ABS, comfort module and especially the CAN Gateway if your van has it shown separately. Once you have this list you have more chance of finding help around the web by googling it and any codes and symptoms. There will be others out there with similar faults.

The ign off then on as a temporary cure just means that the engine ECU resets and when it detects the fault again it reacts in the same way to limit power (limp home) to protect the engine (and force you to do something about it!) It's a similar sort of thing to re-booting a computer or phone.

Edited by T5 TDI - 20 Jan 20 at 14:28

2004 2.5 174

ohh yes I am quite good at that now.....

It’s ok if I keep my revs up!

Not yet, it will go fine in the mornings,but as soon as I hit a rough road it goes into limp mode and then every time I change gears I lose throttle until I switch ign in/off. Nothing on the cluster works and no faults are showing on ecu. I now am trying to trace maybe a short on the loom!!!