Problems with California 204HP

[Easternoceans]

Hi All We’re thinking about buying a newish secondhand California and are concerned about the issues with the EGR unit. Does anyone know if these are resolved now please and if so what age and HPs did the issues affect?

 

[dspuk]

Many of us have 6.1 204's with zero issues. IMHO the issues with EGR are over played due to people with issues complaining loudly vs those without not. Same with all engines and all variants. Buy your Cali and just make sure your warranty is up to date.

 

[Corradobrit]

Others will chime in but if you are looking at a T6.1 204HP there are no known problems with the EGR components

 

[flying banana]

I think most issues you refer to relate to the older 180 engines around 2011. I have a 2016 204.had it 5 yr,no issues here.
It's It's really sweet engine to drive

 

[JohnCalifornia]

Mines a 2019 , 199BHP and no issues with these too according to Darkside automotive

 

[Easternoceans]

That’s really helpful thanks everyone. It looks like we are going to end up with a 2015/16/17 model so would appreciate any thoughts on that.

 

[B J G]

Advisable to get a Euro6 2017 onwards to avoid the ever increasing cost of accessing Low Emission Zones in UK & EU.

Only fault on my 204 to date & 6+ years is EGR pipe split this week. Like all diesels they don't like constant short run use as the emission system can soot up due to not getting hot enough to clear.

 

[Dill Tart]

We have a 2017 (67) 4Motion 204 which did have an issue last summer driving to Corfu. The EML came on and we took it to a VW dealer near Gordes who reset the fault (and pinched our VW torch!). Needless to say a couple of hundred miles later it came on and stayed on for the remainder of the holiday.

The VW dealer at Kettering flushed the system twice which seems to have resolved the issue and a new pipe was fitted. No problems since. I now put a tank of the expensive diesel through every fourth tank and use an additive every couple of thousand miles. We have covered some 10,000 miles since without issue.

Currently in Norway and driving perfectly other than the sink tap has stopped working…..there’s always something

 

[Baldrick]

Advisable to get a Euro6 2017 onwards to avoid the ever increasing cost of accessing Low Emission Zones in UK & EU.

Only fault on my 204 to date & 6+ years is EGR pipe split this week. Like all diesels they don't like constant short run use as the emission system can soot up due to not getting hot enough to clear.

Ditto, MY2017 and it went this winter under the extended warranty. Might be worth checking out a well rated VW Van specialist locally whilst you’re searching out your perfect machine. I’m not saying they’re unreliable, but main dealers can sting.

 

[ewanc]

I think most issues you refer to relate to the older 180 engines around 2011. I have a 2016 204.had it 5 yr,no issues here.
It's It's really sweet engine to drive

2017 30k miles 204 Euro6 engine, rear ERG pipe just split on a long trip up Norway. Norwegian dealers are busy and expensive!

 

[downthepub]

My MY17 204 Euro6 engined van needed a new EGR valve about a year ago. From memory it seized and was only picked up when being serviced at the dealer as no light on the dash. Not covered under the VW extended warranty, but the burst rear EGR pipe was replaced on VW a few months later.

 

[66tim99]

use an additive every couple of thousand miles

What do you use please Bruce?

 

[Dill Tart]

 

[Dill Tart]

I’m lazy and have a repeat order from Amazon every couple of months, keep a bottle in the front door bin and add it to the tank before a refill every couple of thousand miles.

 

[Dill Tart]

 

[flying banana]

If you drive it correctly. You don't need it

 

[Dill Tart]

We have a 2017 (67) 4Motion 204 which did have an issue last summer driving to Corfu. The EML came on and we took it to a VW dealer near Gordes who reset the fault (and pinched our VW torch!). Needless to say a couple of hundred miles later it came on and stayed on for the remainder of the holiday.

The VW dealer at Kettering flushed the system twice which seems to have resolved the issue and a new pipe was fitted. No problems since. I now put a tank of the expensive diesel through every fourth tank and use an additive every couple of thousand miles. We have covered some 10,000 miles since without issue.

Currently in Norway and driving perfectly other than the sink tap has stopped working…..there’s always something

EML light on again yesterday, EGR valve sticking, airflow sensor picked up a problem. This time I’m taking it to a local garage who will replace the entire unit, booked in next week and before we head off to France & Italy. VW Kettering only interested in flushing the system which has failed after a relatively short period.

 

[Peter84]

If you drive it correctly. You don't need it

What's driving correctly? Minimizing short runs and let the engine warm up properly?

 

[dspuk]

What's driving correctly? Minimizing short runs and let the engine warm up properly?

Short runs are fine, but a regular long run to warm up and clear the soot is needed, at least monthly, best weekly. 30 mins ok, 60 mins better. Sure someone can point to a more scientific set of numbers.

When an Army mechanic we often had private cars come in running like a bag of spaners. The first thing we would do is take it out and thrash it up and down the motorway, which invariably cleared away a lot of build up cack from short runs and overly timid driving styles.

Everyone always drove the Land Rovers like they stole them!

 

[temporarysecretary]

Short runs are fine, but a regular long run to warm up and clear the soot is needed, at least monthly, best weekly. 30 mins ok, 60 mins better. Sure someone can point to a more scientific set of numbers.

When an Army mechanic we often had private cars come in running like a bag of spaners. The first thing we would do is take it out and thrash it up and down the motorway, which invariably cleared away a lot of build up cack from short runs and overly timid driving styles.

Everyone always drove the Land Rovers like they stole them!

Biggest issue I find with mine as that there is so much torque there that when you put your foot down you very quickly get to the speed limit and have to calm it down. The DSG gear box also wants to shift all the way up to 7th and keep the revs low. These bi turbos really shift.

I have found a circular route near me that consists of 50mph roads that If I complete in manual mode and focus on the rev range 2-2.5k it will guarantee a full regen in 30 mins.

 

[wildslammer22]

Biggest issue I find with mine as that there is so much torque there that when you put your foot down you very quickly get to the speed limit and have to calm it down. The DSG gear box also wants to shift all the way up to 7th and keep the revs low. These bi turbos really shift.

I have found a circular route near me that consists of 50mph roads that If I complete in manual mode and focus on the rev range 2-2.5k it will guarantee a full regen in 30 mins.

Use the paddle shift to keep the revs up!

55k on mine now and fingers crossed no issues but it’s my daily so it does get a good run every week.

 

[flying banana]

What's driving correctly? Minimizing short runs and let the engine warm up properly?

What's driving correctly? Minimizing short runs and let the engine warm up properly?

Mines a manual box. I work it hard up through the revs all the time and always use all the available power. I don't even notice it doing a regen but assume it must be. Better not to obsess over mpg and open it up. Short runs are crap yes but shouldn't do much harm unless it's regularly run ,say, a couple of mile a day ferrying lazy kids to and from school. Maybe one day it will blow up and I'll be proved wrong,I'll let you know