Limp mode ??

[ZD30ZEB]

Hey guys I have a 2004 gu ZD30 and when I drive between 80-100kmph and the turbo is ON for more then 5-6sec it just bogs down and loses power... I have to get OFF boost then ON again to get power back ... why would this be happening ? Any help would be appreciated

[mudski]

Thats limp mode mate.
A few reasons i can think of, Over boosting, over fueling due to not enough boost or the air flow meter is shot. Do you have any mods done to the motor? Is the intercooler the original intercooler? IE crimped end tanks. Is the intercooler oily on the outside of it?

[ZD30ZEB]

I actually just got it few days ago ... all it has is a boost controller running 14psi ...the intercooler is fine no oil the cooler is also original...

[Bidja]

May be a MAF sensor, but firstly what mods to eng eg: manual boost control, boost gauge and scan tool. If you do have boost gauge, give us some data of what you are observing when you think limp occurs and is it just cruising or when under load (hauling).

Opps did not post up quick enough, we doubled up Mark..lol

[ZD30ZEB]

It has a tillex manual boost controller boost and egt gauges (altho the egt sensors haven’t been put in yet ) when I’m cruising on the highway and I’m on boost for bout 5-6 sec it just bogs down loses power I have to get off the throttle (off boost) then on again to go ... I hope that’s enough info iv only driven it twice

[Bidja]

Clean you MAF sensor with sensor safe cleaner, or have you checked it out.

[ZD30ZEB]

Cheers guys 👍 much appreciated

[Bidja]

Cheers guys 👍 much appreciated

Let us know how it all goes mate.

[Bidja]

It has a tillex manual boost controller boost and egt gauges (altho the egt sensors haven’t been put in yet ) when I’m cruising on the highway and I’m on boost for bout 5-6 sec it just bogs down loses power I have to get off the throttle (off boost) then on again to go ... I hope that’s enough info iv only driven it twice

just thinking, you did not say if you had a scan tool or not? Need to clear all ECU stored fault codes with scan tool (quick and easy) or try disconnecting your battery for over night. You can also clear fault codes by terminal bridging.

[mudski]

Im gonna go out on a limb and say I reckon the intercooler is leaking, being the original from 2004, unless its a fairly new OEM unit, it will be leaking. Also, I'd advise to run a needle valve with the Tilix. This will enable you to control the spool up of the turbo, as sometimes a too fast spool up will trigger false positive overboost limp mode, which could be happening with no needle valve.
So things I would do from here if it were me would be to remove the intercooler and get it pressure tested. If it passes then great, I'd be really surprised if it does. The OEM coolers are known for leaking, even from near new CRD models. Then I would get some MAF sensor cleaner and give it a clean, if you know someone who also has a 3ltr Direct injection Patrol ask to use their MAF for testing purposes. And then put in a needle valve.

Having said all this, it could be fuel related. Blocked filter, air leaking in, or fuel out. You can buy a cheap scan gauge from just about anywhere now, plug this in and when you hit limp mode you should get an error code, then you can see what is causing this..