DMax Power Loss: Common Diesel Turbo & Sensor Fixes

Had a similar issue with my 1999 DMax diesel last year. The power loss combined with check engine light usually points to either a faulty ECU programming or sensor issues. In my case, it was due to a third-party chip tune gone wrong. Used my auto scanner and found multiple fault codes related to boost pressure and fuel mixture. The vehicle diagnostics revealed the tune had messed with critical engine parameters. Required a complete ECU reset and proper recalibration to factory settings. If you're getting reduced power, first step is running a proper car diagnostic scan. The stored fault codes will give a clearer picture, could be something as simple as a bad MAP sensor or as complex as ECU issues like mine. Major red flags to watch for: Black smoke under acceleration, Rough idle, Complete loss of boost, Multiple check engine codes The fix on my DMax needed specialized equipment and took about 2 days in total. It was serious enough that driving it further could have caused engine damage. Would recommend getting a proper scan tool reading before making any decisions. Bad chip tunes can really mess with these engines.

Had exactly the same engine issue on my DMax, power loss and check engine light. Also got scared by a fault code initially, but turned out way simpler than expected. Mine was actually just a clogged fuel filter causing all sorts of diagnostic codes to pop up. Got it fixed at an independent diesel specialist after the dealership quoted way too high. Complete fix including new filter, sensor cleaning, and full diagnostic scan. Did the power come back to normal after your repair? And mind sharing what the total cost was? Just curious if prices have gone up since I had mine done. Also wondering if you've had any other issues pop up since the fix?

Great news, after getting my DMax properly sorted out, the engine power returned completely to normal! The fault code was definitely from that dodgy third-party chip tune. Once the mechanic reset everything back to factory settings and cleared those car diagnostic codes, it's been running like new. The repair bill came to 180€ for the ECU reset and recalibration. Honestly, it was worth every penny to get rid of those engine issues. No more check engine lights or power problems since then. Haven't had a single problem in the year since the fix. The car diagnostic scan now shows everything running within normal parameters, no more boost pressure warnings or fuel mixture codes. Really learned my lesson about messing with aftermarket tuning chips! Looking back, getting that vehicle diagnostics done early probably saved me from some serious engine damage. Would have cost way more if I'd kept driving it with those faulty settings.

I finally took my DMax to a different mechanic after reading these replies about similar check engine issues. Really glad I asked here first! My experience was pretty straightforward, turns out it was just a damaged boost sensor causing all the trouble. The mechanic ran a full car diagnostic scan first thing. He actually showed me the dashboard light codes on his auto scanner and explained everything. Total repair took about 3 hours, they replaced the sensor, cleared the car computer codes, and did a test drive to make sure the power was back to normal. Bill came to around €250 including parts and labor. Definitely better than what I was worried it might be! The engine's running great now, full power restored and no more warning lights. Been about two weeks since the fix and everything's still perfect. Big relief it wasn't something major like a bad ECU tune. Sometimes the simplest explanation is the right one. Just needed to find the right mechanic to properly diagnose it.