Ford Mondeo P165B:07:2F Grille Shutter & P246B:00-2F

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Ford Mondeo Grille Shutter Problems: Diagnosing and Fixing P1165B and DPF Issues

Is your Ford Mondeo throwing up engine management lights and struggling with performance? You're not alone. Many Mondeo owners face issues with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and related components. In this post, we'll explore a recent diagnostic journey on a Ford Mondeo with a suspected DPF problem, revealing the real culprit behind the engine malfunction.

The Case of the Malfunctioning Mondeo

A customer brought in their Ford Mondeo with the engine malfunction light illuminated. They suspected a DPF issue. However, a proper diagnosis was needed to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem and avoid unnecessary repairs. The goal was to identify the root cause of the engine malfunction and find the right fix.


Unveiling the Trouble Codes: The Diagnostic Scan

To get to the bottom of the issue, a diagnostic scan was performed using the Thinkscan 689BT tool. This tool quickly identified the vehicle as a Ford Mondeo from 2011 using its automatic search feature. The Thinkscan 689BT is an affordable option (under £500) and offers free lifetime updates, making it a good investment for those who want to perform their own diagnostic.

The scan revealed several fault codes, providing valuable clues about the Mondeo's issues:

P246C - Particle Filter Restriction
P1165B - Grill Shutter A Performance Vehicle Condition Incorrect for Regeneration
P2463 - DPF Accumulation
P24A4 - DPF Accumulation

These codes pointed to a blocked DPF and incorrect vehicle conditions for regeneration. The P1165B code was particularly interesting, as it indicated a problem with the grill shutter and its impact on the car's self-regeneration process.


Decoding the Grill Shutter Mystery

The grill shutters play a vital role in regulating engine temperature. They open to cool the engine and close to help it warm up faster. When the grill shutter malfunctions (indicated by a circuit error), it can disable the car's self-regeneration process. This leads to DPF accumulation and eventual blockage if the car is driven for a long time.

To investigate further, live data was analysed. The DPF differential pressure was checked using the data stream. It also looked for live data information related to the grill shutter.

A visual inspection of the grill shutter revealed that one side was closed while the other was only partially open. An attempt to perform an actuation test (to open and close the shutters) failed, confirming a definite issue with the grill shutter mechanism.


Hands-On Investigation: Under the Car

To get a better understanding of the problem, a closer look was taken under the car. It was discovered that the bracket on the grill shutter mechanism was detached. This detached bracket affects the sensor and triggers the P1165B fault code.

The root cause of the problem was identified as worn plastic joints that hold the grill shutter flaps together. Although the motor was working, the broken joints prevented the shutters from functioning correctly.


The Verdict and Recommendations

Cleaning the DPF without fixing the grill shutter issue would only be a temporary solution. The DPF would quickly become blocked again. Therefore, fixing the grill shutter is essential before any DPF cleaning is carried out.

The customer was given two options:

1. Clean the DPF now, with the understanding that it will re-block if the grill shutter isn't fixed immediately.
2. Fix the grill shutter first, then clean the DPF.

It was noted that the customer sought help because local garages were unable to properly diagnose or fix DPF-related issues. This highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and specialised knowledge in dealing with these problems.

Additionally, prolonged DPF issues can potentially affect the vaporizer.


Wrapping Up the Diagnostic Journey

In summary, the diagnostic process revealed that the P1165B code was caused by a broken grill shutter mechanism. This, in turn, contributed to the blocked DPF (P246B). Addressing the grill shutter issue is crucial for resolving the DPF problems and restoring the Mondeo's performance.

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