P00BD & Limp Mode - Mk7 2013

[lukeb]

Hello, first time posting on this forum so bare with me.

I have a 2013 mk7 ford transit with EML and limp mode. OBD reader gives me P00BD error code.
I have changed the MAF sensor and also the pipe going from the air box to the turbo (as the original pipe looked like it was perishing near the turbo, but it was perfectly fine when I removed it, it was covered in grease and crap from when I used to have an oil leak), but none the less, I changed the pipe anyway, with no resolution.

Every time I start the engine, limp mode and EML are on. HOWEVER, if I let the engine warm up a bit, drive it for a few mins, stop, turn engine off and back on, no limp mode. Power returned. But, I carry on driving for another 20mins, limp mode will turn back on.

At one point, I did another OBD scan and saw an additional error code pointing to a clogged DPF (i've been doing a lot of town driving recently), so I drove it for a bit, turn it off, back on, no limp mode, cleared the error code (so now no dashboard lights), drove it a good hour on the motorway with no issues (which must've cleared the DPF), then parked up and left it over night. Next morning, EML and limp mode again with only P00BD error code again.

Any ideas? Does this sound electrical? Should I change the MAP sensor? Does it sound turbo related?

[knobby1]

Hello, first time posting on this forum so bare with me.

I have a 2013 mk7 ford transit with EML and limp mode. OBD reader gives me P00BD error code.
I have changed the MAF sensor and also the pipe going from the air box to the turbo (as the original pipe looked like it was perishing near the turbo, but it was perfectly fine when I removed it, it was covered in grease and crap from when I used to have an oil leak), but none the less, I changed the pipe anyway, with no resolution.

Every time I start the engine, limp mode and EML are on. HOWEVER, if I let the engine warm up a bit, drive it for a few mins, stop, turn engine off and back on, no limp mode. Power returned. But, I carry on driving for another 20mins, limp mode will turn back on.

At one point, I did another OBD scan and saw an additional error code pointing to a clogged DPF (i've been doing a lot of town driving recently), so I drove it for a bit, turn it off, back on, no limp mode, cleared the error code (so now no dashboard lights), drove it a good hour on the motorway with no issues (which must've cleared the DPF), then parked up and left it over night. Next morning, EML and limp mode again with only P00BD error code again.

Any ideas? Does this sound electrical? Should I change the MAP sensor? Does it sound turbo related?

Welcome to the nuthouse.

What code rear are you using..?? Most of them can't cope with Transit protocols well. Forscan is your friend.

MAF & MAP fault codes are usually caused by a faulty EGR valve. Far too many MAF & MAP sensors are replaced needlessly. They rarely fail.

Lord Knobrot (Smithy)

[lukeb]

Hello, first time posting on this forum so bare with me.

I have a 2013 mk7 ford transit with EML and limp mode. OBD reader gives me P00BD error code.
I have changed the MAF sensor and also the pipe going from the air box to the turbo (as the original pipe looked like it was perishing near the turbo, but it was perfectly fine when I removed it, it was covered in grease and crap from when I used to have an oil leak), but none the less, I changed the pipe anyway, with no resolution.

Every time I start the engine, limp mode and EML are on. HOWEVER, if I let the engine warm up a bit, drive it for a few mins, stop, turn engine off and back on, no limp mode. Power returned. But, I carry on driving for another 20mins, limp mode will turn back on.

At one point, I did another OBD scan and saw an additional error code pointing to a clogged DPF (i've been doing a lot of town driving recently), so I drove it for a bit, turn it off, back on, no limp mode, cleared the error code (so now no dashboard lights), drove it a good hour on the motorway with no issues (which must've cleared the DPF), then parked up and left it over night. Next morning, EML and limp mode again with only P00BD error code again.

Any ideas? Does this sound electrical? Should I change the MAP sensor? Does it sound turbo related?

Welcome to the nuthouse.

What code rear are you using..?? Most of them can't cope with Transit protocols well. Forscan is your friend.

MAF & MAP fault codes are usually caused by a faulty EGR valve. Far too many MAF & MAP sensors are replaced needlessly. They rarely fail.

Lord Knobrot (Smithy)

Hi mate, thanks for the response! I did see some people online fix this issue with a new EGR valve but I had no idea if that would be relevant to my situation so maybe it is?

I'm using this reader: https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/streetwi ... -553997350

[knobby1]

Hi mate, thanks for the response! I did see some people online fix this issue with a new EGR valve but I had no idea if that would be relevant to my situation so maybe it is?

I'm using this reader: https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/streetwi ... -553997350

That code reader will struggle with your Transit.

Forscan is what we use and recommend, it's free to download onto a Windows lappy and the cable is cheap.

It does a "Lot" more than just read and clear codes....it's a Ford specific full diagnostic and configuration software...works brilliantly. It not only gives fault codes but will also give an explanation of what may be causing it.

https://forscan.org/download.html

Lord Knobrot

[DieselGuy]

That’s a weird one. Sounds like an intermittent connection somewhere, maybe a wiring issue to the MAF or turbo? If the DPF regen seemed to help temporarily, it could be exhaust backpressure affecting things, but the P00BD code points away from that. Worth checking all those connections and loom for damage.

[trnx]

Hello, first time posting on this forum so bare with me.

I have a 2013 mk7 ford transit with EML and limp mode. OBD reader gives me P00BD error code.
I have changed the MAF sensor and also the pipe going from the air box to the turbo (as the original pipe looked like it was perishing near the turbo, but it was perfectly fine when I removed it, it was covered in grease and crap from when I used to have an oil leak), but none the less, I changed the pipe anyway, with no resolution.

Every time I start the engine, limp mode and EML are on. HOWEVER, if I let the engine warm up a bit, drive it for a few mins, stop, turn engine off and back on, no limp mode. Power returned. But, I carry on driving for another 20mins, limp mode will turn back on.

At one point, I did another OBD scan and saw an additional error code pointing to a clogged DPF (i've been doing a lot of town driving recently), so I drove it for a bit, turn it off, back on, no limp mode, cleared the error code (so now no dashboard lights), drove it a good hour on the motorway with no issues (which must've cleared the DPF), then parked up and left it over night. Next morning, EML and limp mode again with only P00BD error code again.

Any ideas? Does this sound electrical? Should I change the MAP sensor? Does it sound turbo related?

P00BD smoke and pressure test the inlet system. Need to take off the plastic on top of the engine see the injectors where they are sealed to the rocker box.
lots of vids re' doing it - try O Riley DPF. If EGR valve not closed test press/smoke can enter the exhaust. If rocker breather valves/oil catchers open test press/smoke can enter rocker box if injector rockerbox /injector seals not good can see press/smoke coming out.

[lukeb]

Hello all, thanks for your insight so far. I went and grabbed a USB to OBD cable and used FORscan, and seems to offer no further info on the matter beyond P00BD.

This is what I got:
===OBD2_PCM DTC P00BD-C===
Code: P00BD - Mass or Volume Air Flow 'A' Circuit Range/Performance - Air Flow Too High

Status (-43):
- Confirmed - malfunction is confirmed

Module: On Board Diagnostic II (PCM)

===END OBD2_PCM DTC P00BD-C===

===PCM DTC P00BD:00-EC===
Code: P00BD - Mass or Volume Air Flow 'A' Circuit Range/Performance - Air Flow Too High

Status (-EC):
- DTC Maturing - Intermittent at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is On for this DTC
- Test not complete

Module: Powertrain Control Module

Freeze Frame #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 383649124 s (Tue Jan 06 13:37:44 2026) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 208939 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 14.0 V - Control Module Voltage
===END PCM DTC P00BD:00-EC===

Nothing points to the EGR valve
I will also add that I have been trying something further: turn the engine on after being off for the night, let it idle for 10 mins. Turn it off and back on, limp mode is OFF, EML is still ON. Drives fine. Drive for 15 mins, turn off for 1-4 hours, turn back on, still NO limp mode. Turn off overnight, turn back on in the morning, limp mode ON.

Does this sound more electrical than anything else?

[knobby1]

Hello all, thanks for your insight so far. I went and grabbed a USB to OBD cable and used FORscan, and seems to offer no further info on the matter beyond P00BD.

This is what I got:
===OBD2_PCM DTC P00BD-C===
Code: P00BD - Mass or Volume Air Flow 'A' Circuit Range/Performance - Air Flow Too High

Status (-43):
- Confirmed - malfunction is confirmed

Module: On Board Diagnostic II (PCM)

===END OBD2_PCM DTC P00BD-C===

===PCM DTC P00BD:00-EC===
Code: P00BD - Mass or Volume Air Flow 'A' Circuit Range/Performance - Air Flow Too High

Status (-EC):
- DTC Maturing - Intermittent at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is On for this DTC
- Test not complete

Module: Powertrain Control Module

Freeze Frame #1:
-EVENT_TIME: 383649124 s (Tue Jan 06 13:37:44 2026) - Event time
-TOTAL_DISTANCE: 208939 km - Total Distance
-MODULE_VOLTAGE: 14.0 V - Control Module Voltage
===END PCM DTC P00BD:00-EC===

Nothing points to the EGR valve
I will also add that I have been trying something further: turn the engine on after being off for the night, let it idle for 10 mins. Turn it off and back on, limp mode is OFF, EML is still ON. Drives fine. Drive for 15 mins, turn off for 1-4 hours, turn back on, still NO limp mode. Turn off overnight, turn back on in the morning, limp mode ON.

Does this sound more electrical than anything else?

MAP & MAF air volume fault codes are usually caused by a faulty EGR vavle...probably sticking open intermittently or it's little plastic gears are broken.. MAP & MAF sensors rarely fail....Far too many sensors are replaced for no reason. Might be worth checking all the wiring & plugs to them just to rule them out.

If the EGR valve is open when it should be closed, the PCM will see this as a fault and you'll get a MAF and/or MAP fault code...if it's closed when it should be open, likewise, you'll get a MAF and/or MAP fault code. Some people blank the EGR and just live with the light, but it will sometimes go into limp mode....or you can get it mapped out.

Lord Knobrot (Smithy)

[lukeb]

So how come there are no error codes pointing to the EGR valve?

[knobby1]

So how come there are no error codes pointing to the EGR valve?

As I understand it...the PCM only monitors the electrical side of the EGR valve, if the little plastic geartrain which operates the valve itself is broken but the electric stepper motor inside still works, the PCM still thinks the valve is working, it won't see it as a mechanical fault. If the valve itself is stuck open or closed, the airflow through the system won't be what the PCM is expecting to see in relation to the throttle position, rpm, manifold pressure etc...and will throw up a MAF or MAP fault code.

Lord Knobrot (Smithy)

[lukeb]

So how come there are no error codes pointing to the EGR valve?

As I understand it...the PCM only monitors the electrical side of the EGR valve, if the little plastic geartrain which operates the valve itself is broken but the electric stepper motor inside still works, the PCM still thinks the valve is working, it won't see it as a mechanical fault. If the valve itself is stuck open or closed, the airflow through the system won't be what the PCM is expecting to see in relation to the throttle position, rpm, manifold pressure etc...and will throw up a MAF or MAP fault code.

Lord Knobrot (Smithy)

Ok, so could the valve be broken or stuck stiff from soot deposits? Would an EGR valve aerosol unstick a potentially clogged EGR valve?

[metalworker0]

So how come there are no error codes pointing to the EGR valve?

As I understand it...the PCM only monitors the electrical side of the EGR valve, if the little plastic geartrain which operates the valve itself is broken but the electric stepper motor inside still works, the PCM still thinks the valve is working, it won't see it as a mechanical fault. If the valve itself is stuck open or closed, the airflow through the system won't be what the PCM is expecting to see in relation to the throttle position, rpm, manifold pressure etc...and will throw up a MAF or MAP fault code.

Lord Knobrot (Smithy)

Ok, so could the valve be broken or stuck stiff from soot deposits? Would an EGR valve aerosol unstick a potentially clogged EGR valve?

Yup possible .. but only temporary until next time, (which may be sooner than you think) when you take it apart and do a proper job
all the best.mark

[Frag]

My money is on the air charge temp sensor in end of intercooler…
viewtopic.php?f=64&t=221510&p=1791807&hilit=P00bd#p1791807

[knobby1]

So how come there are no error codes pointing to the EGR valve?

As I understand it...the PCM only monitors the electrical side of the EGR valve, if the little plastic geartrain which operates the valve itself is broken but the electric stepper motor inside still works, the PCM still thinks the valve is working, it won't see it as a mechanical fault. If the valve itself is stuck open or closed, the airflow through the system won't be what the PCM is expecting to see in relation to the throttle position, rpm, manifold pressure etc...and will throw up a MAF or MAP fault code.

Lord Knobrot (Smithy)

Ok, so could the valve be broken or stuck stiff from soot deposits? Would an EGR valve aerosol unstick a potentially clogged EGR valve?

Possibly....but if the little plastic geartrain is broken, you're wasting your time. It will soot/spooge up again in no time.

A catch can helps...doesn't eliminate it, but helps reduce the amount of gunge going through the intake side of the system.

Lord Knobrot (Smithy)

[StanT]

I would like to jump on the end of this if I may...

DId replacing the EGR fix the OPs problem?

What do people here think of the many aftermarket EGR valves that claim to be equivalent to the Ford offering for a much lower price? E.g. https://www.autodoc.co.uk/vemo/12250305

The reason I'm asking:
I have a 2013 regd. Transit 140 Sport from new. Initially brilliant but it all went downhill after the "piston burn recall" was done, although that could just be coincidence. Engine management light would come on, sometimes going into limp mode, sometimes not. It went back to Furrows under warranty, they said it was the MAFF sensor and replaced it, then fine for a couple of months until the engine management light came on again. This cycle was repeated until the warranty ran out. After that I drove around with the light on until it became an MOT fail. Friendly MOT tester cleared the fault and it stayed off long enough to get thru.

It's been off the road for a couple of years 'cos I'm pissed off with it. Now decide to try to sort it out, if only to sell it. Bought OBDLinkEX reader and downloaded FORSCAN. Cleared the fault and got thru the MOT but now I get P00BD, exactly as reported above, and it goes into limp mode every time I go over 40mph so I can no longer ignore it. With the EGR unplugged it doesn't go into limp mode and it runs fine (apart from the light on the dash). I've had the EGR valve off and cleaned it; wasn't particularly dirty - it's only done 23k miles.

I have absolutely no faith that the Ford dealer can fix it so it's down to me. What is the advice of the experts here? Replace bits of the emission control system until it works? Start with EGR or MAFF? Pattern or genuine?