Hi guys,
I`m fairly new to the forums, and this is my first posting/question.
At the weekend my 2006 Lexus is220d went into "limp mode", with the engine, Traction control, Check VSC lights coming on.
After reading through several posts (And not wanting to immediately take it into a garage if I could help it) I came to the conclusion it may be a full particulate filter, that could be cleared by putting in a diesel cleaner, and running the engine at high revs of 3k plus.
I do about 50 motorway miles a day to work (And rarely go into 6th gear), so not all slow town driving. So would have thought that may have been enough to clear out any build up.
Anyway, I put in Commex D-Tox, and ran the car at high revs on the way to work today. It appeared to run OK (NO limp mode) until I got within 5mins of my office, but I was on local roads so it was OK to drive at a slower pace. I also noticed on the motorway a few times that a lot of black smoke was coming out of the exhaust (Hopefully the filter clearing a bit.....).
My questions is, whilst trying to clear the problem myself, I`m assuming I`m not doing more damage to the car? Or, do I need to take it to a garage to be diagnosed properly? I realise this is likely.
In all honesty, I don't want to pay for something If I can sort it myself (Also I`m a bit skint at present..), but I also don't wish to lumber myself with a potentially higher cost, if I`ve miss-diagnosed the problem. I`ve also read stories on here about people spending thousands on having the cat replaced. Will a garage tell me this needs to be done to get the job, even if it doesn't require it? Personally I don't have a spare 2k laying around.
Any advice would be appreciated.
