VW Crafter Diesel Power Loss & Engine Fault Codes Fix

I experienced a very similar issue with my 2016 VW Transporter TDI. Started with rough running and power loss, especially during cold starts. Had some experience working on diesels, but this was beyond basic maintenance territory. Using a scan tool revealed multiple diagnostic codes related to the engine management system. After checking various forums, I suspected it might be related to a faulty chip tuning that was installed by a third-party shop before I owned the vehicle. Took it to an authorized workshop where they confirmed the chip tuning was causing conflicts with the engine control unit. They had to: Remove the aftermarket tuning, Reset the engine control unit, Perform a complete system diagnostic, Recalibrate several sensors Total cost was 180€ for the complete fix. The vehicle ran perfectly after that, with normal power delivery and smooth cold starts. To help diagnose your case more accurately, could you share: Have you had any performance modifications done to the vehicle? What specific diagnostic codes are showing up? Does the power loss happen at specific RPM ranges? Has there been any recent maintenance or repairs? These car diagnostic details would help determine if your Crafter is experiencing the same issue mine had.

Last service was at 82000KM and vehicle diagnostics shows error codes pointing to the fuel injection system. My auto scanner shows P0087 and P0088 codes which indicate fuel rail pressure issues. The rough running and power loss happen consistently across all RPM ranges, unlike your experience. After doing some reading, I am suspecting either a faulty fuel pump or clogged fuel filter could be causing these symptoms. Based on the fault codes and symptoms, this seems different from your chip tuning issue. The vehicle is completely stock with no performance modifications. Worth noting that the problems started gradually over the past month rather than suddenly. Would be helpful to know if replacing the fuel filter solved similar issues for anyone, before committing to the more expensive fuel pump replacement option.

Thanks for providing those additional details about the fault codes and symptoms. Unlike my chip tuning situation, your P0087 and P0088 codes definitely point toward a fuel delivery problem. After seeing similar dashboard light and power issues on my Crafter last year, I first tried replacing the fuel filter since it was relatively inexpensive at 45€. That didnt solve my engine issue. When the auto scanner still showed the same fault codes, I ended up needing a new high-pressure fuel pump. The complete repair including: New fuel pump, System cleaning, Pressure testing, Labor costs Came to around 850€ The car computer needed recalibration after the pump replacement to ensure proper fuel pressure regulation. The gradual onset of symptoms you described matches exactly what I experienced, it started with minor power loss and got progressively worse. Since your symptoms are consistent across all RPM ranges and the fault codes specifically indicate pressure problems, I would recommend having the fuel system properly diagnosed rather than just changing the filter. A failing high-pressure pump can damage other components if left unchecked for too long.

Having my Crafter checked by a workshop tomorrow. After comparing symptoms with others and researching the fault codes more, I am preparing for the possibility of needing a fuel pump replacement. The car diagnostic information has been really helpful. While the fuel filter replacement sounds tempting as a first fix, the consistent power loss and rough running across all RPMs, combined with the P0087 and P0088 codes from my scan tool, strongly suggest a fuel pump issue. The check engine light and fault codes match what others experienced with failing high-pressure pumps. Good to know a typical repair cost including parts and labor runs around 850€. At least now I have a better understanding of what to expect at the workshop. Will update once I get the official diagnosis. Thanks for sharing your experiences, especially the detailed breakdown of repair costs and the warning about potential damage to other components if left unfixed.