Adblue not registering, gone past 0 miles and wont start. Garage saying ECU issue without checking Adblue system

[Gazlad]

First I would first resolve the faults listed by garage. Either they a glitch in the past - but if they are current faults they definitely need to be fixed first.
View attachment 299014

Thanks for your response. As I've said I'm no mechanic and have very little knowledge on vehicles of any kind, even less on adblue systems. My thought process has been the issues started cos the adblue system didn't recognise the adblue I put in and therefore the issue must be with the adblue system. The garage seem to have dismissed that in my mind and have started looking at other things and I don't think they have been clear with me on why they dismissed this.

So in your opinion do you think they way the garage have gone about this is correct? Could this be an ECU issue and should I get that sent off to be looked into? Would a fault on the ECU be a reason why the adblue system can't read the amount of adblue I've put in? And would i expect some sort warning sign on the dash beforehand?

Thanks again for any help you can offer, I'm just totally confused about it all and I'm really worried about going down a rabbit hole and being left with a huge bill at the end.

 

[mmi]

So in your opinion do you think they way the garage have gone about this is correct? Could this be an ECU issue and should I get that sent off to be looked into?

The ECU itself being any issue is extremely rare. The fault codes explicitly tell that ECU is missing one of its' power supplies and possibly because of that also the four of the sensor circuits are missing their voltage supplies (reference voltages A-D). Can't expect systems function correctly without power. So based on the faults present the garage indeed need to resolve those issues first. However, wouldn't be my first guess to pull out the ECU.

Again, assuming they are current faults. I would expect garage to have cleared the faults in their diagnostics - and report to you only current issues. If otherwise - perhaps to consider another garage to take over.

My thought process has been the issues started cos the adblue system didn't recognise the adblue I put in and therefore the issue must be with the adblue system.

I believe you quite possibly missed that there were no fill amounts present on dash - just the remaining range. Most likely there was an AdBlue system error indication - AdBlue symbol with spanner. Unfortunately it's not too different from the normal fill-up symbol (with the fill-up amounts).
Similar to this (just can't find one for T6.1)

Would a fault on the ECU be a reason why the adblue system can't read the amount of adblue I've put in?

Well, one should verify what the ECU/AdBlue system thinks about AdBlue level. I'm highly confident the sensor sees the level correctly but there is the discrepancy because of the AdBlue system fault - which propagates as an error on dash similarly as below:

Engine (where AdBlue system is a subsystem) sees sensors (and range) correctly. However, the dash (Instruments) has determined a deficiency in NOx reduction performance - thus putting up a spanner warning to contact a repair shop fairly soon (thus limiting the range - an emission regulation requirement).
Again, I don't believe it's the AdBlue level sensor issue - it works perfectly fine whatever amount (more than 3 litres) is poured in.
However, quite possible there is indeed an issue within the AdBlue system.

01-ENGINE
IDE03142	Remaining vehicle distance until reducing agent deficiency	10058.5	km
IDE10249	Reducing agent fill level sensor: act. value	101	mm
17-INSTRUMENTS
IDE00778	Urea operating range	450	km
IDE00849-MAS03236	Urea status 1-Urea warning level 2	active

Anyways, my proposal for the way forward
1) Get a proper diagnosis scan of the vehicle (preferred one would be VCDS Auto-Scan) + associated detailed engine and dash data extracts (see #4 below)
2) Verify the faults garage reported - and rectify
3) Verify if there is the discrepancy between ECU and dash (above).
4) If the discrepancy is there - to further diagnose some help here --> https://www.t6forum.com/threads/ad-blue-warning-can-anyone-give-any-pointers-on-the-analysed-data.61122/post-785470

 

[jimc91]

I think its been said on here already, the system is unlikely to reset now its reached '0 miles no start' just by adding more adblue. I would definitely find a garage that has performed a reset of an adblue system on a Transporter before, once its running you can then focus on those faults that come back after being cleared. My previous point about the range (min-max) was if the 10 litres you put in wasn't enough to reach the minimum then that might a reason the sensor didn't reset - I am assuming there's a reason why the system recommends a minimum to put in - anyway too late now I guess. Of course if you do find someone who can reset the system and the van runs it gives you a stronger argument with the garage as to why they have charged you for fault finding you didn't request - good luck anyway

 

[manfrotto]

I don't no how the ecu disables starting when the Adblue gets to 0, but maybe it drops a power supply, and hence the other fault codes (assuming they are current, and not historic). As others are saying, get a proper scan done and the ADblue reset, and then rescan to see what else needs doing.

 

[Gazlad]

The ECU itself being any issue is extremely rare. The fault codes explicitly tell that ECU is missing one of its' power supplies and possibly because of that also the four of the sensor circuits are missing their voltage supplies (reference voltages A-D). Can't expect systems function correctly without power. So based on the faults present the garage indeed need to resolve those issues first. However, wouldn't be my first guess to pull out the ECU.

Again, assuming they are current faults. I would expect garage to have cleared the faults in their diagnostics - and report to you only current issues. If otherwise - perhaps to consider another garage to take over.


I believe you quite possibly missed that there were no fill amounts present on dash - just the remaining range. Most likely there was an AdBlue system error indication - AdBlue symbol with spanner. Unfortunately it's not too different from the normal fill-up symbol (with the fill-up amounts).
Similar to this (just can't find one for T6.1)View attachment 299038


Well, one should verify what the ECU/AdBlue system thinks about AdBlue level. I'm highly confident the sensor sees the level correctly but there is the discrepancy because of the AdBlue system fault - which propagates as an error on dash similarly as below:

Engine (where AdBlue system is a subsystem) sees sensors (and range) correctly. However, the dash (Instruments) has determined a deficiency in NOx reduction performance - thus putting up a spanner warning to contact a repair shop fairly soon (thus limiting the range - an emission regulation requirement).
Again, I don't believe it's the AdBlue level sensor issue - it works perfectly fine whatever amount (more than 3 litres) is poured in.
However, quite possible there is indeed an issue within the AdBlue system.



Anyways, my proposal for the way forward
1) Get a proper diagnosis scan of the vehicle (preferred one would be VCDS Auto-Scan) + associated detailed engine and dash data extracts (see #4 below)
2) Verify the faults garage reported - and rectify
3) Verify if there is the discrepancy between ECU and dash (above).
4) If the discrepancy is there - to further diagnose some help here --> https://www.t6forum.com/threads/ad-blue-warning-can-anyone-give-any-pointers-on-the-analysed-data.61122/post-785470

Thank you so much for all the advise you are putting on here. It is very much appreciated and helping my understanding a lot.

I don't think it was giving me a fill amount, I've noticed it in the past but after thinking about i really cant remember the last time I noticed it.

Im going to try to get the van back from the garage tomorrow and i will find out if they know if the codes are current fault codes or past and i'll also ask if they have tried to reset the adblue, and i will get some information from the dash board and take it from there.

My plan is to get the van taken to VW Parkway as that is where I bought if from, I don't really want the garage the van is at to do anymore.

I shall report back once I have more information, again thank you so much.

 

[mmi]

If you get a chance please take a picture of what's on dash display.

 

[Sez]

Hi,
We currently have the exact same problem as you. After replacing the pump/sensor we now have a voltage issue to the boost pressure sensor which is keeping the van in limp mode. We are also being told it could be the ECU. Are you any further forward?

 

[Howzat]

Any update @Gazlad?

 

[Pauly]

Yeah come on @Gazlad we neeeed to know !

 

[teamfly]

Looking for update too !!

 

[Fairy Cringe]

I can’t believe all this adblue shite with Transporters. My last van, a Vito 119 cdi (adblue) was a doddle. You’d just brim the tank, much the same as you do with diesel fuel. Bosh! Never a second thought about it…

 

[Sasquatch]

Our Vito was so shite we threatened legal action before Mercedes would accept our rejection of the vehicle.

 

[Fairy Cringe]

Our Vito was so shite we threatened legal action before Mercedes would accept our rejection of the vehicle.

I’ve had 3 Vito’s over a 20 year period. I adhere to maintenance schedules religiously with ALL my vehicles. In that time I had to replace one complete ECU and a bulb here and there. Overall the Vito reliability was excellent.

I’m only 6 months in to T6.1 ownership. Reading this forum they sound a right bag of shite. My Adblue is stuck on 19,000 miles. Better than zero miles I suppose but still a little unnerving nonetheless.

 

[Ayjay]

@Fairy Cringe. I sort of agree with you about the bag of shite thing but only sometimes. When it's AOK, I love it but when the warning lights start coming on, I just swear at the thing and am pathetically grateful when they go out again without me doing anything - that said, at the back of my mind, I just know that they will come back again at some point and maybe the next time won't go away. I'll be booking mine in with a VW specialist (independent) soon hoping they can sort things out as I've completely lost faith in VW themselves. That said, I'd be careful with your adverse comments about transporters on this forum - I suspect there's a few members already shouting 'heretic' and preparing the stake and bonfire for you.

 

[Sasquatch]

I’ve had 3 Vito’s over a 20 year period. I adhere to maintenance schedules religiously with ALL my vehicles.

So did I with both our Vitos (and all my vehicles). That didn't stop one being so tragically bad were started proceedings to reject it inside a month of it hitting the road.

Point is, you cant tar all vehicles with the same brush. Click on the link in my signature and youll see the reality of most Transporter owners is very difrerent to the tales of angst, woe and pain we see. That is because folk with problems start a thread requesting assistance, and those without problems simply do not. So guess what we get to read about?

 

[FWhite]

I’ve had 3 Vito’s over a 20 year period. I adhere to maintenance schedules religiously with ALL my vehicles. In that time I had to replace one complete ECU and a bulb here and there. Overall the Vito reliability was excellent.

I’m only 6 months in to T6.1 ownership. Reading this forum they sound a right bag of shite. My Adblue is stuck on 19,000 miles. Better than zero miles I suppose but still a little unnerving nonetheless.

Do not worry,
Same here issue and no problem.
I have a 2023 T6.1 from one year and never saw the Adblue mileage going less than 29000 km.
I brought it to VW, they said nothing and just topped it up so it was reading again 32000 km afterwards.

The so called filling procedure in the manual does exactly nothing.

It never asks for refill, never say how much to refill, even when by my rough calculations had only about 5 l inside.
So i took the habit to do it the poor man way. I calculated that it takes about 1 liter x 1000 km and I keep it topped up every 5000 or so.
I think at a certain point, probably with the DNAx engine they changed the Adblue measuring system or the algorthm.
But the machine works just fine so I learn to let it be. So far so good.

BTW, agree, the Vito is surely one the best light trucks out there, love it. Pity that it is so difficult to find a good FWD.
The T6.1 is different, for some aspects better (than the 2.2L Merz) for some worse.
Sure, whre I live in this moment the main problem is the VW dealership's appalling level of service, no comparison with Mercedes or Renault. Probably having a market dominance made them too relaxed.
But now even our Post Service has started to run Chinese Vans. Next one maybe Police. Times can change.

 

[Fairy Cringe]

@Fairy Cringe. I sort of agree with you about the bag of shite thing but only sometimes. When it's AOK, I love it but when the warning lights start coming on, I just swear at the thing and am pathetically grateful when they go out again without me doing anything - that said, at the back of my mind, I just know that they will come back again at some point and maybe the next time won't go away. I'll be booking mine in with a VW specialist (independent) soon hoping they can sort things out as I've completely lost faith in VW themselves. That said, I'd be careful with your adverse comments about transporters on this forum - I suspect there's a few members already shouting 'heretic' and preparing the stake and bonfire for you.

Ha ha, yeah you’re probably right

And like you, I love mine and have had no major problems. It looks great and goes well enough although feels a bit lumpy low down. Possibly the EGR thang…

 

[Fairy Cringe]

Do not worry,
Same here issue and no problem.
I have a 2023 T6.1 from one year and never saw the Adblue mileage going less than 29000 km.
I brought it to VW, they said nothing and just topped it up so it was reading again 32000 km afterwards.

The so called filling procedure in the manual does exactly nothing.

It never asks for refill, never say how much to refill, even when by my rough calculations had only about 5 l inside.
So i took the habit to do it the poor man way. I calculated that it takes about 1 liter x 1000 km and I keep it topped up every 5000 or so.
I think at a certain point, probably with the DNAx engine they changed the Adblue measuring system or the algorthm.
But the machine works just fine so I learn to let it be. So far so good.

BTW, agree, the Vito is surely one the best light trucks out there, love it. Pity that it is so difficult to find a good FWD.
The T6.1 is different, for some aspects better (than the 2.2L Merz) for some worse.
Sure, whre I live in this moment the main problem is the VW dealership's appalling level of service, no comparison with Mercedes or Renault. Probably having a market dominance made them too relaxed.
But now even our Post Service has started to run Chinese Vans. Next one maybe Police. Times can change.

Brilliant, thanks. Mines a late 22 with the digital dash. I think it’s the DMZA engine from memory, definitely 204ps- that was a must.

 

[Fairy Cringe]

So did I with both our Vitos (and all my vehicles). That didn't stop one being so tragically bad were started proceedings to reject it inside a month of it hitting the road.

Point is, you cant tar all vehicles with the same brush. Click on the link in my signature and youll see the reality of most Transporter owners is very difrerent to the tales of angst, woe and pain we see. That is because folk with problems start a thread requesting assistance, and those without problems simply do not. So guess what we get to read about?

The Vito certainly seems the go to choice for couriers and taxi firms. Usually a good indicator for reliability v cost. Particularly if you’re doing space shuttle mileage.

 

[FWhite]

Here, in my opinion:
Taxi (long distance-airport) YES. Vitos and V Klasse.
In the big city, all Toyota Suvs or electric.

Couriers, NO: Crafter-Sprinter-Daily. Some Ford too. Nowadays couriers transport mainly low density stuff, need volume more than weight. This for the good , big fleets ones. Then come the contractor and the desperate black Friday ones, mainly old Ducato or Transit. Almost none Transporter. I suspect all the old Transporters and Vitos gets absorbed by the converters because they cost too much for them.

Exception: construction companies big or small: Dokas and Shuttles and Kombis are mainly WV. Probably better agility, especially on the mountains, FWD. Got mine from one of them . Many small companies prefer Peugeot/Citroen/Toyotas, tough.

Taxi, above, is probably luxury perception.
Even if the T6 is (in my opinion) esthetically much better proportioned, and costs the same crazy amount of money for a comparably good setup, a lot of folks still associate Mercedes Taxi with luxury. VW, like in the name, feels ordinary. Maybe they should do one with Audi or Porsche brand. Maybe some slightly better interiors and seats too. Possibly not a " Ford inside". but the passenger won't know.

Mileage, maybe there is a slightly different target. Surely the old Merz 2.2 L Diesel is done with that in mind. On the other hand I am still shocked to hear here (is that for real?) that VW on some T6 recommends timing belts at 60K. For what is basically a commercial vehicle. Like every other year. Or maybe, in a more "modern" , "lean production" mentality, big fleets buy new, abuse them two years in full warranty and then dump them to the secondary market before heavy "D" maintenance. You know, to users like many of us here, who need camper - vans, holiday toys, conversion meat. So we pay for that maintenance at the end.
Also warranty wise, I got offered a 5 years extended warranty on a 4 Y/O Vito, commercial, while VW seems much more adverse to offer anything like that. Again, probably other targets, nothing wrog with that.