Mercedes Viano 3.0cdi 2011

[Emanuel M]

Hi everyone I just bought my Viano and it doesn't have any lights off or messages on the screen but after scanning for codes with the THINKDIAG dongle and app there is a engine can bus communication code which doesn't clear and another one saying Engine can bus - can bus off
To my knowledge I think the dpf has been removed but I haven't physically checked yet (I can only hear the engine blowing in to it like a empty can at idle) so that would require mapping out
Also the soot particulate filter is too high for regeneration code is stored
Since the engine light doesn't stay on can this codes just be there since they messed with the map or there might also be a can bus problem with the ecu?
The engine starts and works normally so I don't think there is any communication problem
Thanks

 

[M80]

I've experienced other diagnostics having issues seeing the canbus, or having comms issues with it. Star is still able to see it ok though.

Maybe the DPF remap prevents an attempted regen by telling the ECU one can't be done ??

 

[mattkh]

..........THINKDIAG dongle and app there is a engine can bus communication code which doesn't clear and another one saying Engine can bus - can bus off Thanks

Which car manufacturer is your THINKDIAG set up for?

 

[Emanuel M]

Which car manufacturer is your THINKDIAG set up for?

Sprinter software and then you can choose viano as you don't find viano under the Mercedes manufacturer
It's crazy I know but at least it reads

 

[Emanuel M]

I've experienced other diagnostics having issues seeing the canbus, or having comms issues with it. Star is still able to see it ok though.

Maybe the DPF remap prevents an attempted regen by telling the ECU one can't be done ??

I am not sure what kind of meddling was done for the dpf to prevent the engine light coming on
So I can only assume that remapp wasn't done properly if the car still thinks it can't do a regeneration when there is not a dpf anymore

 

[M80]

So I can only assume that remapp wasn't done properly if the car still thinks it can't do a regeneration when there is not a dpf anymore

I only suggest it as the effect is the same.
If you have the DPF removed it wouldn't pass the MOT if it was obvious, in that there is evidence of exhaust tampering.
It may be the rear box was removed and rodded out rather than opened for DPF removal. So a visual inspection may not tell you if the DPF is removed.
As you suggest that should bring up dash warning light, unless mapped out.
It would also screw with the ECU's sensor expectations as they would not be receiving information within their parameters, the differential pressure switch for example. I'm not sure if back pressure would be an issue.

 

[Emanuel M]

I've experienced other diagnostics having issues seeing the canbus, or having comms issues with it. Star is still able to see it ok though.

Maybe the DPF remap prevents an attempted regen by telling the ECU one can't be done ??

I have found on drivers side hidden in a leather bag the junctions of the can bus and it's quite a few plugs but it was all dry and connected so I hope it's not something wrong with the ecm but I would expect the engine to run rough if it can't connect to the rest of the modules

 

[Emanuel M]

I only suggest it as the effect is the same.
If you have the DPF removed it wouldn't pass the MOT if it was obvious, in that there is evidence of exhaust tampering.
It may be the rear box was removed and rodded out rather than opened for DPF removal. So a visual inspection may not tell you if the DPF is removed.
As you suggest that should bring up dash warning light, unless mapped out.
It would also screw with the ECU's sensor expectations as they would not be receiving information within their parameters, the differential pressure switch for example. I'm not sure if back pressure would be an issue.

Exactly my thoughts in regards to the remap as they would of had to do quite a bit of mapping since these engines are designed to work with back pressure and all the sensors are still connected to the dpf and if they did all that work and it's working properly then is just this error code left and shouldn't affect it's running
(by the sound of the smoke through the dpf when idling its pretty empty it sounds like a can) on the side of the dpf there is welding to an access that was cutted and welded back and I know people blast them with ultrasound but I don't recall that needs the box open
Exhaust smells like there is a regeneration in progress and don't know if it's normal as it's my first Mercedes and 3.0 engine
Thanks for all your efforts to help

 

[M80]

Not sure what you mean by the smell.
If you mean a diesel smell that could be down to a remap over fuelling, although I would have thought that to be more prominent under acceleration.
Otherwise could it be burning oil?
Is it smoking?
What sort of consumption are you experiencing, on a run is a better way as they are v poor round town?

 

[Emanuel M]

Not sure what you mean by the smell.
If you mean a diesel smell that could be down to a remap over fuelling, although I would have thought that to be more prominent under acceleration.
Otherwise could it be burning oil?
Is it smoking?
What sort of consumption are you experiencing, on a run is a better way as they are v poor round town?

Exactly what I meant over fuelling like it would do during the regeneration
I have not even looked at consumption and mpg as that would be my last concern as long as it is running properly and pulls like it should
I have bought it recently and not sure if it would be burning any oil
I managed to remove the hose in front of the turbo today and the core has a little bit of play like 1mm and that seems almost normal to me and surprisingly for a diesel the whole engine is dry and there is no oil leaking anywhere
Also noticed the maf sensor is the original and it has 270k miles on the clock so I am not sure how accurate it is reading now as that can also influence over fuelling
I will try to find someone good with mapping to check all that was done and make sure it's properly
On cold start it doesn't smoke at all but if I rev it it blows just a puff of black smoke then clear but if I leave it idling you can smell quite a strong un burned diesel so I am pretty sure that's not normal

 

[M80]

Err, I'm not so confident of the 642 engine being good for mega miles (I await the defensive responses to that).
Tother consideration is many of these have been taxis, and had their mileage clocked.

No diesel smell isn't normal. Maybe you need to eliminate the ECU initiating a regen. But burning oil might smell similar, that of course could cause over run if it is ever extreme (and bye bye engine).

The reason for the consumption question is that regen use more fuel and if it keeps trying you might see very low figures.
If you have low fuel (other parameters can / should inhibit also) the regen shouldn't be attempted, below 20% I think. For elimination that is.

 

[mattkh]

.......Also noticed the maf sensor is the original

What did you check to arrive at that conclusion?

 

[Emanuel M]

What did you check to arrive at that conclusion?

the date on it and I definitely wasn't expecting it to be the original

 

[Emanuel M]

Err, I'm not so confident of the 642 engine being good for mega miles (I await the defensive responses to that).
Tother consideration is many of these have been taxis, and had their mileage clocked.



I am not sure on the engine mileage because the original engine has been replaced at 260k in 2017 for some unknown reason and this is a replacement engine which sounds pretty healthy and no strange sounds

To my understanding the ecu is not trying to regenerate anymore since it says "content of soot in particle filter is too high for regeneration" so I am only thinking of a bad map causing the error codes
I guess the only way to stop it regenerating is to reset the amount of soot in the dpf if it would let me

I will keep an eye on the diesel gauge to see how thirsty it is
I know most of these are used as taxi and are clocked that's why I chose the bigger engine as they are stronger and won't be so beaten up if they only have 160bhp
In all fairness I don't think this van could have much more than 270k even if it was clocked and anything under 400k miles is not high mileage to me
My other car has almost 280k but its petrol

 

[mattkh]

Am I right in assuming that while you had the MAF in your hands, you did clean the inside with a carb/maf cleaner spray.

 

[Emanuel M]

Am I right in assuming that while you had the MAF in your hands, you did clean the inside with a carb/maf cleaner spray.

Yes you are right I have the special crc maf cleaning spray

 

[Emanuel M]

Hi everyone further to my previous questions about my Viano
It has the euro 5a 3.0cdi engine (not too sure what 5a means) and I would like to get it serviced especially the engine oil and filter and I am a little confused on what oil to choose as in I always used top brands on my cars like.
castrol /mobil1/shell and don't really trust other cheaper options
I was going to order it from the main dealer but I am not sure what to expect as I have two invoices from previous owners that had it serviced at the main dealer and the oil they used is just "shell ultra 5w30 AX fully synthetic" so I don't really need to go at the main dealer to get shell oil which is widely available everywhere
What I found out is there is no longer 5w30 ultra Ax available but its been replaced by 5w30 Am-l and they claim it's the same oil and recommended by Mercedes and it was designed by Shell in partnership with Mercedes for this diesel engines with particle filters
Can someone please shed some light on the correct oil recommended for this engine and what they have used so far?
In the owners manual is very little information and is only mentioned 5w30
Also if someone can tell me which is the correct power steering fluid (which colour) that would help a lot
Thanks for your help