Explanation of problem needed - what is wrong???

[yan_d3]

As I'm not very good with engine problems finding so I'm coming to you guys with Q what might be wrong and how can I fix it. My main problem is appearing when I'm accelerating and getting up to sth 2500rpms' then spanner light on my dashboard is coming and engine is going into "slow-motion mode" - I'm calling it like that because I cannot exceed 2500rpms' on each gear and have no proper acceleration because of it. Still can drive (up to 80mph on the 5th gear) but it seems to struggle when it gets to 2500rpms' and not going any further. It happens to me on motorway couple of times and now it's happening every time now within 10 mins after starting the car. What is most interesting when I pull over somewhere on the side of the road turn the engine off and start it again after a half or one minute problem seems to disappeare and everything works quite normal. Somebody told me to reset ECU but don't know will it work.
If anybody of you knows that problem and know how to efectively fix it please let me know - I cannot wait till my veccy will die
I'm not scared with doing jobs on my car because I love all the DIY jobs and if there is sth I can do on the car I will but finding whats wrong this time was bit hard and do not want to rely on guesses.
Many thanks for every advice
2002 VECTRA LS 2.0CDI

[TheWildHaggis]

Sounds like 'Limp Home Mode'. If you can get the fault codes read that may help to identify the issue.

I'm sure somebody will be along soon with more info.

[Gsi3.2]

the most popular 'faults' on DTi's that makes them go into 'limp home mode' are:.

1: boost pressure sensor.. it gets caked in an oily filthy hard sludge..a clean with carb cleaner normally restores it back to good health

2: the EGR valve getting coked up with the same hard sludge, again, a good clean with carb cleaner helps it out no end..

of the two, i think it may well be the boost pressure sensor..

[yan_d3]

I found EGR valve and boost pressure sensor, took it apart clean it and still the same. I cleaned even manifold intake from the hard sludge - was really filthy. I can hear the slight difference in soud but again when I get up to 3000rpm it getting into LHM with the spanner light on the dashboard and limiting engine work to 2500rpm on each gear. Acceleration is low - sorry I said acceleration [laught] - 0-62 about 25 sec - thats tragic ((
I started wondering is turbo gone in it or if not have got no clue. Please help ((((

[neilshaw1980]

Check the turbo boost hoses for splits. Does it smoke excessively?? Can you hear any sort of whooshing noise like a hairdryer??

[Andy17899]

If you find out what it is mate let me know, mine does exactly the same thing, but only at 70+ on the motorway, after 20 miles or so.

I wish i knew!

[yan_d3]

Check the turbo boost hoses for splits. Does it smoke excessively?? Can you hear any sort of whooshing noise like a hairdryer??

Yes it smokes excessively while in 'limp home mode' with the spanner light on the dashboard and mpgs' are increasing. I'll investigate any further steps being adviced. Can't hear any whooshing noises - engine seems to be bit louder than before but thats it.

[glynn]

i might be the maf but might be worth getting it code read, which will tell you whats wrong

[JonR]

Im going for the split boost hose!

[neilshaw1980]

Im going for the split boost hose!

Thats what i'm putting my money on. Check both hoses boost hoses and make sure to check all the way around them because they often split underneath where you cant see.