Diesel car OBD light on and lack of power?
4 Answers
Diesel car OBD light on indicates excessive exhaust emissions or engine malfunction. Here are the relevant details: Solutions: Replace the carbon dioxide sensor; Clean the three-way catalytic converter; Repair the three-way catalytic converter; Replace the three-way catalytic converter. Reasons for the fault light: When the vehicle starts for self-inspection, the engine fault indicator light turns on. If the engine fault indicator light stays on, it indicates there may be a mechanical fault in the engine. There are many reasons for this fault light to stay on, and it is generally difficult to self-diagnose and resolve. It is best to stop the vehicle and, if necessary, go to a 4S shop for inspection and repair. When the vehicle starts for self-inspection, the water temperature indicator light turns on, and there are two possible colors for the indicator light: blue light indicates the water temperature is too low, and red light indicates the water temperature is too high.
When driving my diesel pickup, I encountered this issue - the OBD light came on and the truck lost power. Start by checking these key components. Clogged fuel injectors are the most common culprit; diesel impurities can disrupt atomization, causing an immediate power drop. If the EGR valve gets stuck open, excessive exhaust gas recirculation will sap engine performance. Turbocharger failure is equally critical - worn blades or leaking pipes result in insufficient air intake. A completely blocked DPF (diesel particulate filter) can also choke the engine by restricting exhaust flow. I recommend first using a scanner to read the trouble codes - they'll likely be P-codes pointing to specific issues. Don't attempt DIY fixes as diesel systems operate under dangerous high pressure. Take it to a reputable repair shop for proper disassembly and inspection immediately, as prolonged neglect causes greater damage.
Having worked on truck repairs for so many years, diesel vehicles with OBD lights on and lack of power are quite common. Try this: first check the air filter; if it's clogged, it directly affects intake efficiency. Then measure the battery voltage; if it's too low, the control module may report false trouble codes. For the fuel system, focus on the filter and water separator—replace them immediately if the diesel fuel's water content exceeds the limit. On the exhaust side, feel the tailpipe outlet with your hand; if it's too hot, the DPF might be clogged. If you still can't find the issue, open the engine computer interface and check for oxidized pins. Most importantly, don't push through and keep driving. Just two years ago, I saw a guy who forced his way onto the highway and ended up damaging the crankshaft, costing tens of thousands for an engine overhaul.
Last time I drove my diesel SUV to the highlands, I encountered a yellow OBD light and sluggish acceleration. It turned out the turbocharger pipe was loose. When a diesel vehicle lacks power, prioritize checking three areas: whether the turbocharger piping is leaking, if the intercooler is clogged, and if the sensor connectors are loose. Insufficient fuel pressure can also cause this, as the fuel tank's bottom filter screen is prone to clogging from water rust. Also, remember to check the oil viscosity—using the wrong grade in winter can affect turbo response. Address this issue promptly. Once, my neighbor drove for half a month with the warning light on, and it ended up shattering the turbocharger blades, costing over 8,000 yuan in repairs.
