Bought a 1.2TDI - I think I've been had

[diskelly]

Hi. I fear I've bought a dodgy polo . Bought privately last week; test drive revealed no problems. Got it home and next day noticed the engine malfunction lamp had lit. Had a look at the codes using a mate's VCDS. 2 Faults Found: see below. Then yesterday the glow plug lamp started flashing. I suspect the EGR valve is dodgy. My local garage also tell me this car also needs a new Cambelt (68k miles) even though service book says change at 140k miles.

Does anyone recognise these faults, and have an idea of the likely repair costs?


15536 - EGR Sensor 1
P0405 00 [136] - Signal too Low
MIL ON - Intermittent - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 184
Mileage: 110168 km
Date: 2000.00.00
Time: 00:00:00

16114 - Fuel Rail/System Pressure
P0087 00 [216] - Too Low
MIL ON - Intermittent - Confirmed - Not Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 2
Mileage: 110187 km
Date: 2062.14.02
Time: 02:07:01

[iichel]

The first error is only the sensor, it might not be the EGR system that's broken.

[diskelly]

Oh, I certainly hope not!! I've seen scary prices for replacing that.

[alexperkins]

There's a known fault with the injector loom on these

Also the Cambelt is 140k or 5years. Whichever is sooner.

[diskelly]

Thanks Alex. Do you know where I can find more detail about the wiring loom issue?

[MrMagas]

Well i have a 37k mile 2013 1.2TDI polo the only problem sice buying it around 4 months ago was the DPF filter lit up for 2 time since and the only reason being i drive it quite a lot around a city for short journeys so taking it for a good 10 minute drive in 4th solves that every time.

[Manne]

The first error is only the sensor, it might not be the EGR system that's broken.

I have the same fault code in my car.
Where can i find this sensor. How can I test/measuring if the sensor is broken?

[iichel]

Hi Manne,

the EGR Sensor 1 is probably referring to the EGR potentiometer G212.
The EGR valve works with a certain PWM signal to open or close a certain amount.
i.e. 12V is fully open, 0V is closed, 6V is 50% open... etc... you get it...

The potentiometer G212 is simply an sensor to measure how far the valve has actually opened.
Say the ECU asks for 50% open, sends 5V to the valve but G212 measures 70%. That ain't right.
Either the valve is broken or severly contaminated with soot (roet) or other pollution from the exhaust gases.

The potentiometer is located on the EGR valve itself, you'll see it on the backside of the engine, next to the air filter and then about 30cm down...



11 is the EGR cooler/valve mechanism.

I'm not sure whether you had the sjoemel software update done... if so, you might have some luck and a free replacement by VW/PON.

[Manne]

Thanks iichel on the quick response.
Yes I have the updates on my car, but I never go to a vw garage for service/maintenance. So I don’t feel lucky on that side.
By any chance do you have a product number off that sensor?

[iichel]

I'm afraid the sensor doesn't come as a separate part, it's moulded inside the EGR valve/cooler part.
But to be fair, I don't think the sensor is at fault but your EGR is clogged. Happens a lot on these engines and even faster after the updated software is installed.

VW Netherlands should offer you a free replacement, as part of the recall for the emissions update... I'd give it a try, your car should be registered in the programme.
Replacement of the EGR mechanism will come in just short of 2000 euros so it's certainly worth a try!