3233020 - D21 ENGINE CUTS OUT WHILST DRIVING

The engine cuts out suddenly whilst driving. Later, after starting normally, it works again
Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

Preliminarily check:

  • that there is fuel in the tank
  • the engine wiring is properly connected to earth
  • battery earth correctly fixed
  • correct fixing of positive battery terminal and that all leads are connected
  • no water in the fuel filter
Continue to Step 1 No fuelIntroduce fuel
Fastenings slack or oxidizedRe-attach correctly
Presence of water in the fuel filterClean the tank and pipes and replace the filter element
1CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems metOperation
Connect the diagnostic equipment to the diagnostic socket.

Check:

  • for errors in the control unit
Continue to Step 2 An error is detected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
2ROAD TEST WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems metOperation
Road test the vehicle, reproducing the conditions in which the fault arises, keeping the diagnostic equipment connected.

Check:

  • that there are no errors in the control unit;
Continue to Step 3 An error is detected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
3INJECTOR HIGH PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check, as described in the test See Test   1060C  Check high pressure fuel circuit , that diesel leaks from the injector recirculation connections are small and about the same as one another. Continue to Step 4 Consistent leak from one injectorReplace the injector
4HIGH PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Connect the diagnostic equipment to the diagnostic socket. Check as described in the test See Test   1060D  Check high pressure fuel circuit that the diesel pressure parameter is correct Continue to Step 12 Pressure not correct Continue to Step 5
5CHECK ON RETURN LOW PRESSUREAll OKProblems metOperation
Check as described in the test See Test   1060A  Check low pressure fuel circuit that the pressure in the return pipe to the tank is under 1 bar Continue to Step 6 Pressure above maximum limit: return pipe to tank blockedRepair the pipe; if necessary replace it
6LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check as described in the test See Test   1060B  Check low pressure fuel circuit that the diesel pressure between filter and pressure pump is between 2 and 3 bar Continue to Step 12 Pressure below minimum limit or above maximum limit Continue to Step 7
7LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Choke the return pipe from the pressure regulating valve and repeat the test See Test   1060B  Check low pressure fuel circuit with the pipe choked, checking that the pressure at the filter outlet is below 2 bar Continue to Step 8 Pressure rises to 5 bar: blocked pressure regulation valve on filter support Replace the valve Op.   1044B16 
8LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the difference in pressure upstream and downstream of the filter is less than 1 bar Continue to Step 9 Difference in pressure greater than 1 bar Replace the diesel filter cartridge Op.   1044B20 
9LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the supply pump pressure at the filter inlet is over 2.2 bar Continue to Step 12 Pressure below 2.2 bar Continue to Step 10
10LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Measure the difference in pressure between electric pump outlet and filter inlet, checking that it is less than 0.3 bar Continue to Step 11 Difference in pressure greater than 0.3 barReplace the pipe
11LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check as described in the test See Test   1040AA  Check supply voltage and absorption current that the pump's supply voltage is 12V and that the absorbed current is between 2 and 10 amps. Continue to Step 12 Voltage < 12 V Check electric wiring See   E5050  DIESEL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
Current > 10 Amp: pump defective Replace the fuel pump assembly Op.   1040A70 
Current < 2 Amp.: pump blocked Replace the fuel pump assembly Op.   1040A70  and clean the fuel tank
12CORRECT OPERATION CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Replace the DRV pressure regulator and check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisFault persists Continue to Step 13
13CORRECT OPERATION CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Replace the pressure pump and check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisFault persistsContact Technical Service for further information on the problem