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Topic: Fuel System Limp Mode - Check Engine Light - Stop Engine Light (Read 511 times) previous topic - next topic

Fuel System Limp Mode - Check Engine Light - Stop Engine Light

1998 Foretravel U320 M11 Celect

Upon returning from our recent 1200 mile trip Overbrook, KS to Charlotte, NC in the last 100 miles the check engine light would come on during periods where the engine demanded more power.  It was late, raining, and no place to seek repairs so we took it easy and made it home.  Three weeks later we wanted to go top off the fuel tank... five miles down the road, the check engine light came on, stayed on this time, and then engine stop light.  We pulled over in parking lot, checked all fluid levels, engine oil, antifreeze, transmission, hydraulic oil, and all were good.  Then the coach went into a no throttle mode, throttle would not respond at all...we idled back to the house in this mode.

Not sure where to start... the coach runs fine at idle, starts fine, idles perhaps a little rough, but we are new to the diesel engine world.  I'm reading forums regarding some symptoms of this condition regarding fuel system issues.  I just don't know where to start... my logic indicates that if there is a significant fuel filter problem (contaminated fuel) it would not start or idle well?  Our coach has some air purge and H2O purge panel on top of the engine compartment.  The Air Purge will go through it's function, but the H2O one doesn't seem to do anything and the light will not work to demonstrate function. 

My start point will start with simple stuff (cheaper repairs) with Fuel Filters for system.  I've read through various forums indicating this has mixed results.

My other question is after I replace the fuel filters, how do you reset the coach's electronic system? Or do you need an engine diagnostic device... or do I just need to employ a Tech?

We purchased this coach last summer and expected a few repairs... I'm just not savy on Diesel Fuel Systems to trouble shoot this problem?  Looking for advice?  Thanks for everyone's super helpfulness so far in this RV endeavor!
-Mike

Re: Fuel System Limp Mode - Check Engine Light - Stop Engine Light

Reply #1 –
You say the engine light came on when you needed more power could be a fuel filter problem.
Changing fuel filters is always a good idea. I have a Silverleaf computer system that gives out
codes. Someone else will come in that is better with electronic engines that me. I'm better with
manual engines.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Fuel System Limp Mode - Check Engine Light - Stop Engine Light

Reply #2 –

If it went into limp mode there will be a code to get you going into the right direction.
Amazon.com: ANCEL HD601 Heavy Duty Truck Scanner Diesel Diagnostic Scan...
This is my current reader, but unfortunately I haven't used on any active codes yet so I really cant give any feedback
1Dont do anything till you know the direction to go, could induce more problems.
2The Air Purge will go through it's function, but the H2O one doesn't seem to do anything and the light will not work to demonstrate function. 
This is normal. To get the H2O to work there must be water in the system or you can add a ground to the test circuit to fool it into thinking there is water to open the drain solenoid. Junk under the seat may cause it to stay open and leak fuel.

2001 U320 Fuel Automatic air purge Racor

Scott

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Re: Fuel System Limp Mode - Check Engine Light - Stop Engine Light

Reply #3 –
Quote from: dsd –
If it went into limp mode there will be a code to get you going into the right direction.
Amazon.com: ANCEL HD601 Heavy Duty Truck Scanner Diesel Diagnostic Scan...
This is my current reader, but unfortunately I haven't used on any active codes yet so I really cant give any feedback


There's also a "secret switch" in the dash that will let you get them manually:

Mystery Switches inside dash

How to check fault codes?
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Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Fuel System Limp Mode - Check Engine Light - Stop Engine Light

Reply #4 –
On my 2003 U295 with the ISL 400 that's a Electronic fuel system "common rail" I had the same problem "dead fuel pedal" same lights on the dash lit up. first check engine, then stop engine and the lights would go crazy back and forth when attempting to start the engine, Idled fine, mine turned out to be the Throttle Position Switch located on the throttle pedal. Looking online it shows the Cummings 1998 M11 is an electronic fuel system engine, I would get some type of scanner tool to read the codes or have a Mobile Diesel Mechanic come read the codes, I also have a Silver leaf VMS PC I purchased from Roger on this forum. The bad Throttle Position Sensor was one of the main reasons I purchased the VMS it reads codes and provides engine data.
Mike & Donna Mariana + Angel & Rusty
2003 U295 3620
Build# 6118
2021 Jeep Wrangler 392