Transit Custom 2.2 2013 Jerking on partial load

[Akslei]

Hi,

Has anyone had similar behaviour before; my Transit Custom has been doing this weird oscillating jerking on 50-60% load since I got it and it doesn't seem normal. There is no check engine light or any DTCs, also when it does it either pressing the gas pedal more makes it stop. It is just really annoing as the load when it occurs is often used on the motorway and it does it constantly there.
I took a log with Forscan and it seems that the ECU is commanding this oscillation as the DMP is also oscillating.

WhatsApp Image 2025-10-21 at 17.00.21.jpeg

Any insight is appriciated, thanks

[metalworker0]

if you have the old style turbo with mechanical diaphragm actuator ... i would be telling you to check that out .

all the best.mark

[Akslei]

Pretty sure it has the electronic actuator, but I have been contemplating on just replacing the turbo since it has 240k kilometers on it anyways. It is the only part that for me makes sense that could cause something like this. However it is a couple hundred euros and a few work hours so it would be a bit disappointing if it doesn't help

[metalworker0]

just open up he electronic actuator then and see if the plastic gears are still good.
write up here - and despite what he says, i think they are easily found

https://www.jamescooke.me.uk/automotive ... 598-p0299/

all the best.mark

[velcrohead]

I had similar recently, I changed the turbo actuator and the problem went away, The gears were worn in the old one.

[Radiofence]

Check as the others say, that your teeth aren't like this...

[Frag]

You can get a ‘surging’ issue while cruising from a bad EGR valve also,

I’ve ruled them out in the past by unplugging the electrical connector with ignition off,so basically it just stays closed.
Or you could fit a blanking plate.

[Akslei]

Thanks for all of the replies. Worn actuator gears would make a lot of sense, boost will end up oscillating when trying to compensate for the inaccuracy caused by the loose gears. I will replace the actuator and see if it helps

[BHM]

My actuator failed with is internal motor 12v brushed item, brushes worn out, giving intermittent operation. Limp mode and fault code was generated. Van had done about 80K miles. Replaced actuator still ok 50K on.

BHM

[BHM]

Teeth were worn, see the swarf...lol, but it was the motor that failed:

P1050156.JPG

BHM

[Radiofence]

You can get a ‘surging’ issue while cruising from a bad EGR valve also,

I’ve ruled them out in the past by unplugging the electrical connector with ignition off,so basically it just stays closed.
Or you could fit a blanking plate.

I don't think cruising has anything to do with it, each to their own and all that.

Im not sure if its because im so poor, but replacing stuff bit by bit can be an expensive lesson.
If your going down that route - maybe buy used parts first (with fingers crossed).
Even with egr deleted- if the plug still needs to be kept out of the elements etc it can still give you some gremlins.

[Frag]

weird oscillating jerking on 50-60% load
pressing the gas pedal more makes it stop.

And the title ‘jerking on partial load ‘
That would be cruising then…………

Which is exactly when bad EGR valves show up,as they close above 2000 rpm and under acceleration….

[Akslei]

I replaced the EGR valve like 10k km ago so I hope that is not the issue. I tried the actuator arm from under the bonnet and there was quite a bit of slack so based on that I just ordered a new one. The actuator looks a bit delicate so didn't want to risk opening it and breaking something and then be left without the van until the new one arrives

[Radiofence]

What brand egr did you get ?
The turbo actuator arm isn't movable when all connected.
You would need to unclip the c clip etc then check the arm moves / vanes move.
The hella actuator is pretty robust. The connections inside are made when you press the lid back on.

[Akslei]

Yes exactly it should not be movable and still moved a bit so I thought it was the worn gears. The EGR was Abakus, so some generic aftermarket manufacturer.

Today I received the new actuator and I can report it fixed the issue. I also opened the old one and the gears were very worn in one area:

WhatsApp Image 2025-10-29 at 21.10.14.jpeg

Thanks for all the responses, really helped finding the issue