P1238 INJECTION VALVE on '07 2.0 D4D

[2007aurisd4d2.0]

Hi, hoping someone can help...

I've recently (within last 2 months) noticed that my 56 plate 2007 Auris 2.0 D4D (1AD-FTV) has become a little louder at idle - the engine seems to 'tap' over a little louder than usual.  I thought that this was just due to the colder winter conditions and the car getting a bit older (56,000miles) - plus the fact that I've never properly serviced the car since 30kmiles.

I've also noticed that the car (most noticeably upon starting but also during general driving) is emitting blackish smoke rather than the normal exhaust fumes.  Additionally, the car was struggling to start more than usual. 

Otherwise, there's no noticeable difference in driving - perhaps a slight difference in the idling (it sits happily at 900rpm but not quite as 'steady' as usual)

Within the last month the blackish smoke was getting to me so I:

1. Removed/cleaned the EGR valve - caked in carbon but symptoms persist

2. Changed engine oil, filter, air filter, fuel filter - symptoms persist

3. Replaced Battery, spark plugs - symptoms persist (though starting improved but not perfect)

4. Added Redex/Wyne's diesel cleaner to fuel - symptoms persist

Today, the engine management light appeared on the dash with 'CHECK ENGINE' displayed.  Rather than ignore I called the RAC (free VAG check!) and they confirmed (as attached pic shows) that the engine is reporting " P1238 Injection Valve " error.  RAC guy also thought that the tapping on idle and revving was excessively loud and he suggested that the 2nd injector was blocked or not spraying properly.  He recommended googling further and perhaps trying Forte Advanced Formula Diesel Treatment as a last shot before taking to dealer or diesel specialist. 

Questions:

1.  Has anyone else experienced this code and what was the outcome?

2. Is there anything else worth trying before taking to garage? - is the Forte diesel treatment likely to unblock the injector?

3.  Is it possible to 'clean' or 'unblock' an injector?  I have a diesel injector specialist garage not too far away (Argyle Diesel Electrics in East Kilbride) so i'm likely to take it there but would like to know in advance what is the likely course of action - and the typical cost of cleaning/unblocking/resetting a faulty injector.

4. How much is it (ballpark) to replace an injector if faulty?

5. Where are the injectors located and is it possible to DIY?

Any other comments, hints, tips or suggestions gratefully appreciated...

thank you.

 

 

[jatwap1]

Mod edit - bump removed

Anyone??

[Aidsy1]

I'll try to answer these to the best of my knowledge.

1. Haven't experienced it myself.

2. It could do, that is what it's designed to do.

3. Youd have to ask them.

4. On eurocarparts an injector is £240. 

5. It can be a diy job, but iirc when you install a new injector you have to tell the edu a new one is installed. When you receive a new one the flow rate is printed on the side and you must tell the edu what it is so it can learn how to use it. As for actually changing it yourself. Its possible but just make sure you haven't driven the car in a while. The fuel rail in a diesel is under a tremendous amount of pressure. If you don't leave it to de-pressurise your going to end up with fuel everywhere. 

Not sure if I have helped or not, but yeah you can do it yourself then take it to get programmed. Might be cheaper.

If anyone knows anything more about the programming side of things please elaborate, last time I looked all this up was for my old car, things might have changed since.

[TomdeGuerre]

On 08/03/2016 at 9:42 PM, 2007aurisd4d2.0 said:

Hi, hoping someone can help...

I've recently (within last 2 months) noticed that my 56 plate 2007 Auris 2.0 D4D (1AD-FTV) has become a little louder at idle - the engine seems to 'tap' over a little louder than usual.  I thought that this was just due to the colder winter conditions and the car getting a bit older (56,000miles) - plus the fact that I've never properly serviced the car since 30kmiles.

I've also noticed that the car (most noticeably upon starting but also during general driving) is emitting blackish smoke rather than the normal exhaust fumes.  Additionally, the car was struggling to start more than usual. 

Otherwise, there's no noticeable difference in driving - perhaps a slight difference in the idling (it sits happily at 900rpm but not quite as 'steady' as usual)

Within the last month the blackish smoke was getting to me so I:

1. Removed/cleaned the EGR valve - caked in carbon but symptoms persist

2. Changed engine oil, filter, air filter, fuel filter - symptoms persist

3. Replaced battery, spark plugs - symptoms persist (though starting improved but not perfect)

4. Added Redex/Wyne's diesel cleaner to fuel - symptoms persist

Today, the engine management light appeared on the dash with 'CHECK ENGINE' displayed.  Rather than ignore I called the RAC (free VAG check!) and they confirmed (as attached pic shows) that the engine is reporting " P1238 Injection Valve " error.  RAC guy also thought that the tapping on idle and revving was excessively loud and he suggested that the 2nd injector was blocked or not spraying properly.  

Can I just clarify, when you said you replaced the spark plugs did you mean the heater plugs? 'cos there's no spark plugs in a diesel.

There's a ton of possibilities but it might be worth taking a look at this thread 

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/151090-bluish-smoke-starting-from-cold-and-knocking-below-2000rpm/?page=1

 

[jatwap1]

20 minutes ago, TomdeGuerre said:

Can I just clarify, when you said you replaced the spark plugs did you mean the heater plugs? 'cos there's no spark plugs in a diesel.

There's a ton of possibilities but it might be worth taking a look at this thread 

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/151090-bluish-smoke-starting-from-cold-and-knocking-below-2000rpm/?page=1

 

 

Thanks, yes, I meant the Glow plugs instead of 'spark'.  I'll take a look over that thread.

[2007aurisd4d2.0]

ok, so I've just had a diesel specialist replace one of my faulty injectors.

This has resulted in:

No more error codes, improved fuel economy, better starting and idling, increased power.

However, it hasn't resolved the noise (tapping) engine noise which continues to concern me.  To clarify, the noise is most noticeable when idle at 1300 revs but also noticeable during general driving, moreso at lower speeds.  Difficult to speculate, I know, but anyone any ideas?