[Warning Light] Engine Management System warning light then limp mode then shutdown

[Cims1]

I've got a 2008 XTR, 1.6 90hp diesel with just over 110,000 miles. 
Recently on a trip to Edinburgh from Nottingham we had just covered 300 miles and a quarter mile from our destination the engine management light came on and went into limp mode. It then completely shutdown and would not start which was rather more worrying but luckily we were in sight of our hotel so we pushed it into car park.

Called our breakdown service and they diagnosed an issue with EGR valve - fair enough as that's what the dash display also said! He reset the system and given the weather that day (Storm Ciara) he advised a recovery back to our home.

A few days later, booked in at our home garage, they advised as engine management light had not come back on there was unlikely to be anything they would be able to find so advised me to carry on driving. So, heart very much in mouth we then had a short break in Northumberland and have covered another 400 miles with no further issue.

What does the forum think? A similar thing happened once before about 8 years ago, but at least limp mode was maintained and I didnt get a full engine shutdown.

(10/10 for AutoAid btw - full 300 mile recovery during some of the worst weather of the year and use of a courtesy car and it's only £60/year)

[Sol]

Scan fault history with Lexia to find out what actually caused limp mode first then go from there. Could be airflow in the exhaust gas recirc system is compromised from soot build up. Very common in the hdi 1.6.

It clogs the air intake, turbo and egr. All the egr's fault if course.

[cancunia]

I've got a 2008 XTR, 1.6 90hp diesel with just over 110,000 miles. 
Recently on a trip to Edinburgh from Nottingham we had just covered 300 miles and a quarter mile from our destination the engine management light came on and went into limp mode. It then completely shutdown and would not start which was rather more worrying but luckily we were in sight of our hotel so we pushed it into car park.

Called our breakdown service and they diagnosed an issue with EGR valve - fair enough as that's what the dash display also said! He reset the system and given the weather that day (Storm Ciara) he advised a recovery back to our home.

A few days later, booked in at our home garage, they advised as engine management light had not come back on there was unlikely to be anything they would be able to find so advised me to carry on driving. So, heart very much in mouth we then had a short break in Northumberland and have covered another 400 miles with no further issue.

What does the forum think? A similar thing happened once before about 8 years ago, but at least limp mode was maintained and I didnt get a full engine shutdown.

(10/10 for AutoAid btw - full 300 mile recovery during some of the worst weather of the year and use of a courtesy car and it's only £60/year)

I'm surprised that the engine stopped in addition to the limp mode, maybe that's a "feature" of the B9 ECU firmware. On the M59 1.6, it's possible to blank the EGR, it generates a fault code, but no EML light. One option could be to get an OBD reader and connect via Bluetooth to and app like Torque on your phone. That would allow you to see any fault codes and reset them.

[Cims1]

Thanks for feedback both. By "OBD reader" does this mean Lexia or is it a generic term? Can you suggest a particular model to buy as I don't have one?

[cancunia]

Thanks for feedback both. By "OBD reader" does this mean Lexia or is it a generic term? Can you suggest a particular model to buy as I don't have one?

OBD reader is a generic term, there are plenty on eBay for about £5
Here's an example, but not necessarily a recommendation, maybe a search around on the forum will throw some recommendations up:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ELM327-Torque...OSwFR5eTAS~

Lexia is the Citroen version of the official diagnostic software which has now been replaced by Diagbox. It runs on a PC and also needs the hardware interface. Plenty on eBay also.

[Cims1]

My new OBD reader turned up today and on plugging it in I got the the following 7 codes:

P0401
P0409
P1459
P0490
P0401
P0409
P1459

Most of them display as a problem with the EGR.
So even though the Engine Management Light not currently showing I guess I am driving around in 'timebomb' mode and would best to go to garage who can deal with it.

[polar]

My new OBD reader turned up today and on plugging it in I got the the following 7 codes:

P0401
P0409
P1459
P0490
P0401
P0409
P1459

Most of them display as a problem with the EGR.
So even though the Engine Management Light not currently showing I guess I am driving around in 'timebomb' mode and would best to go to garage who can deal with it.

Just noticed you are in Nottingham so you are lucky as Mark Lightfoot is just up the road https://www.marklightfoot.co.uk/ 

I can recommend him as he has done work for me and im a retired tec so i like things done right.

[Lighty]

Thanks for the endorsement Polar.
Does look like an egr issue.
Main thing with these is to fit a top quality unit , ie Valeo, Delphi.
These are pricey, but the only ones that work correctly.
If you need more help, drop me an email or give me a call tomorrow.