Reasons for a loss of power in an Iveco Daily

Have you noticed a loss of power in your Iveco Daily? Be careful! This could have dangerous consequences. If you find yourself in this situation, it is therefore essential to have your engine checked. In the meantime, avoid driving an Iveco Daily that has lost power!

How can you tell if your Iveco Daily has lost power?

Loss of speed, lack of power, an engine that splutters but doesn’t respond when you press the accelerator… These are all signs that your truck has lost power. We’ll explain everything.

Firstly, you should know that your Iveco Daily is equipped with a limited-power mode.

When the ECU receives abnormal readings from the engine, your vehicle switches to limited power mode. This means its speed is restricted to prevent damage and to ensure you can drive safely. Limited power mode is therefore indicated by a drop in your van’s speed. But it is also signalled by the engine warning light coming on on your dashboard. The engine warning light is a small yellow illuminated icon.

However, it is entirely possible that one of the engine components is worn or faulty without triggering limp mode. The loss of power can have several causes. It is up to you to observe and analyse the symptoms of this loss of power on your Iveco Daily.

First, analyse the problem when you press the accelerator in your truck:

- If you are not accelerating, the problem is likely related to the air flow meter.

- Do you feel jerks when accelerating? The spark plugs are likely to be the cause.

- Do you hear a whistling sound or notice an air leak when you try to go faster? This problem may be linked to the turbo or its intake hose on the Iveco Daily.

When driving, are there any warning signs?

- Do you notice jerks and/or a strong smell of fuel whilst driving? The particulate filter is likely faulty.

- Has anyone told you that black smoke is coming out of your truck’s exhaust when you’re driving? It’s probably the Iveco Daily ERG valve. The problem could also be caused by the spark plugs, although this is less common.

What could be causing a loss of power in an Iveco Daily?

Once you have analysed the symptoms of engine power loss on the Iveco Daily, you can identify the cause of the problem by checking the condition of the relevant parts.

• The air flow meter

For the engine block to function properly, the truck must receive the correct air-fuel mixture. The flow meter sends the correct air-fuel ratio to the ECU to activate the engine cylinders

engine. If the air flow sensor malfunctions, the engine will not receive enough fuel. Consequently, there will be a loss of power.

• Spark plugs

They are essential for fuel combustion. If damaged, they can cause a loss of engine power, as well as starting difficulties and

increased fuel consumption.

• The Turbo

This is what injects pressurised air into the fuel mixture required by the engine.

Similarly, to provide power to your car, it is usually fitted with a turbo. Its purpose is to inject pressurised air, which is necessary for the air-fuel mixture. When the air pressure is not released by the turbo, the engine loses power. Firstly, top up the oil to ensure it is working properly. Next, check the turbo hoses for leaks.

• The particulate filter

A loss of power is a sign of a blocked filter. It filters out particles to prevent them from entering the injection system. A yellow ‘FAP’ warning light with small dots may indicate potential problems.

This is why it is not advisable to drive with the fuel tank almost empty. If you only drive short distances in town, it is likely to be clogged. To regenerate it, use a specific fuel additive designed to clean your particulate filter. Then drive for a long distance at full throttle.

• The EGR valve

EGR valves work in tandem with the turbo to expel some of the exhaust gas back into the engine.

The purpose of the EGR valve is to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from our cars by recycling them.

However, this EGR valve mechanism can, over time, cause the valve and the injector to become clogged, as this gas generates soot deposits inside the system.

To clean your valves, consider decarbonisation using hydrogen injection.

• The throttle valve

A stuck throttle valve on an Iveco Daily can lead to frequent stalling and contribute to a loss of power in your vehicle. 

What should you do if your Iveco Daily loses power?

As you will have realised, a lack of power in your engine can have various causes. This is not a problem to be taken lightly. Because leaving things

as they are can be dangerous, and repairs can prove very costly. Indeed, a

part whose malfunction is overlooked can trigger a chain reaction and damage other parts.

Consequently, a loss of power in an Iveco Daily should never be taken lightly. You have all the information you need to analyse the cause of the problem yourself, or to provide key details to your mechanic.

A loss of power in an Iveco Daily is very inconvenient, but above all it is a potentially worrying sign: as soon as you notice a loss of power in your vehicle, it is urgent to take the necessary action.

KPX, a website specialising in Iveco Daily spare parts, stocks the products you need to repair your vehicle.