paullion1
Eseries VANOS issue
Summary of the thread
The 2004 Ford E-Series diesel is experiencing a check engine light and increased fuel consumption, potentially due to a faulty inlet VANOS mechanism. Possible causes include a defect in the camshaft solenoid valves or a lack of power supply. A similar issue in a BMW was resolved by addressing oil sludge buildup affecting the VANOS system. It is recommended to have a professional inspection to identify and resolve the problem, with repair costs potentially around 250€.
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4 comment(s)
paullion1 (community.author)
Thanks for the quick reply! Oil sludge is an interesting point. I haven't specifically checked for it, but I do keep up with regular oil changes. Where exactly should I be looking for this sludge? Is it something easily visible, or does it require a deeper inspection?
leoniestorm54
Well, with my BMW, the mechanic found it when they removed the VANOS unit. It wasn't immediately visible just by looking at the engine. Given your symptoms and the potential VANOS issue, I'd recommend getting it checked out by a professional. I paid around 250€ for the repair, but it solved the problem.
paullion1 (community.author)
Thanks so much for the advice. I'll get it checked out by a mechanic soon. It's good to know what to potentially expect. A defect in one of the camshaft solenoid valves caused the issue. The repair cost was 250€ as predicted. Really appreciate your help!
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FORD
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ESERIES
leoniestorm54
Interesting. I had a similar issue with my old BMW 3 Series, also a diesel. The check engine light was on constantly, and the fuel economy went down. In my case, it was oil sludge buildup affecting the VANOS system. The variable timing wasn't working correctly. Have you checked for any signs of oil sludge? That can mess with the VANOS solenoids.