EDC error

Error indicator on the dashboard

EDC error indicates a breakdown in the electronic control system for fuel injection in a diesel engine. The appearance of this error is signaled to the driver by the same name. EDC light bulb. There can be many reasons for such an error. But the main ones are clogging of the fuel filter, problems in the operation of injectors, breakdown of the fuel pump, airing of the vehicle, low-quality fuel, and so on. However, before moving on to the true causes of the fuel error, you need to figure out what the EDC system is, what it is for, and what functions it performs.

What is EDC and what does it consist of

EDC (Electronic Diesel Control) is an electronic diesel control system that is installed on modern engines. its basic task is to regulate the operation of fuel injection. In addition, EDC ensures the operation of other vehicle systems - preheating, cooling, exhaust system, exhaust gas recirculation system, turbocharging, intake and fuel systems.

For its work, the EDC system uses information from many sensors, among them: oxygen sensor, boost pressure, intake air temperature, fuel temperature, coolant temperature, fuel pressure, air mass meter, accelerator pedal position, Hall, crankshaft speed, speed movement, oil temperature, injection start moment (spray needle travel), intake air pressure. Based on the information coming from the sensors, the central control unit makes decisions and reports them to the executing devices.

The following mechanisms work as executing devices of the system:

• basic and additional (on some diesel models) fuel pump;
• injection nozzles;
• dosing valve high pressure fuel pump;
• fuel pressure regulator;
• electric motors for drives of inlet dampers and valves;
• boost pressure control valve;
• glow plugs in the preheating system;
• electric ICE cooling fan;
• electric internal combustion engine of an additional coolant pump;
• heating element of the lambda probe;
• cooler changeover valve;
• EGR valve;
• other.

Functions of the EDC system

The EDC system performs the following main functions (may differ depending on the ICE model and additional settings):

• facilitating the start of the internal combustion engine at low temperatures;
• ensuring the regeneration of the particulate filter;
• cooling of bypassed exhaust gases;
• adjustment of exhaust gas recirculation;
• boost pressure adjustment;
• limiting the maximum speed of the internal combustion engine;
• suppression of vibrations in the transmission when changing torque (in automatic transmission);
• adjustment of the crankshaft speed when the internal combustion engine is idling;
• injection pressure adjustment (in ICE with Common Rail);
• providing advance fuel supply;
• adjustment of fuel injection into the cylinder.

Now, after listing the basic parts that make up the system and its functions, it becomes clear. that there are so many reasons that cause an EDC error. We will try to systematize the information and list the most common of them.

Symptoms of an EDC Error

In addition to the nominal indication of the EDC lamp on the instrument panel, there are other signs that symbolize a breakdown in the operation of the internal combustion engine control system. Among them:

• jerks in motion, loss of traction;
• jumping idle speed of the internal combustion engine;
• machine making loud “growling” sounds;
• the appearance of an excessive amount of black smoke from the exhaust pipe;
• stopping the internal combustion engine with a sharp pressure on the accelerator pedal, including at speed;
• the maximum value of the internal combustion engine speed is 3000;
• forced shutdown of the turbine (if any).

Possible Causes of an EDC Error and How to Fix Them

One of the reasons for the EDC error indication on the Mercedes Sprinter

If the EDC light is on on the dashboard of your car, then you need to diagnose using computer tools. If you have a scanner, you can do it yourself. Otherwise, go to the service station. Try to conduct computer diagnostics in official dealerships or workshops of your car manufacturer. Its specialists use licensed programs. On those other stations, there is a risk that diagnostics will be carried out using “cracked” software, which may not detect errors. Therefore, we recommend that you contact the "officials".

The main reasons why the EDC is on, and troubleshooting methods:

• Clogged catalysts. The way out is to check their condition, clean or replace if necessary. Another option is to replace the check valve on the fuel filter.

Dirty fuel filter

• Clogged fuel filter. This reason is signaled by the simultaneous appearance of the EDC and “refueling” indicators on the dashboard. This results in low pressure in the system. The way out is to replace the filter or clean it.
• breaking relay responsible for supplying fuel to the system. The way out is to check its performance, if necessary, replace it.
• Violation fuel injection timing (especially true if the high pressure fuel pump has been removed). The way out is to adjust it (it is better to carry it out at the service station).
• breakdown at work air sensor. The way out is to check its performance, if necessary, replace it.
• Availability cracks in the brake vacuum hose. The way out is to check the integrity of the hose, if necessary, replace it.
• Clogged intake in the tank. The way out is to clean it.
• breakdowns at work fuel pump sensor. The way out is to check its operation, if necessary, replace it.
• breakdowns at work accelerator pedal sensor. The way out is to check its operation, if necessary, replace it.
• breakdowns at work clutch pedal position sensor (relevant for Mercedes Vito cars, a special feature is the inability to gain engine speed over 3000 while driving). The way out is to check its operation, if necessary, replace it.
• Does not work fuel heater glow plugs. The way out is to check their work, identify faulty ones, replace them.
• Fuel spill back to the injectors. The way out is to check the injectors. If defective ones are found, replace them, and best of all, the kit.
• Problems at work sensor that reads marks on the flywheel. In some models, for example, the Mercedes Sprinter, it is not screwed on, but simply put on and can fly off on bad roads. The way out is to check its operation, if necessary, replace it.
• chain breaks fuel temperature sensor. The way out is to check the operation of the sensor and the integrity of its circuits. If necessary, repair or replace (relevant for Mercedes Vito cars, located on the fuel rail, behind the fuel filter).
• Problems at work TNVD or TNND. The way out is to check their work, make repairs (specialized car services perform repair work on these pumps) or replace them.
• Airing the fuel system due to running out of fuel. Exit - pumping the system, forced reset of the error in the ECU.
• Breaking ABS systems. In some cars, if elements of the brake interlock system break down, the EDC lamp lights up along with the ABS indicator lamp about problems in the ABS. The way out is to check the operation of the ABS system, to repair it. Helps in some cases replacement "frogs" in the brake system.
• breaking pressure regulator on the fuel rail. The way out is to check its operation, if necessary, replace it.
• Lack of contact on rail pressure sensor. The way out is to check if there is a contact, if the connector is tightly put on the pressure sensor.
• breakdowns at work turbine control sensor (if available). The way out is to check the operation of the sensor, replace if necessary.

Nozzles

• Bad injector contact. The way out is to check the fastening of the tubes to the nozzles and the distribution ramp, as well as the contacts on the nozzles and sensors, clean if necessary, improve contact.
• breakdown at work pressure sensor and its chain (if any). The way out is to check its operation, “ring out” the circuit. Repair or replace parts as needed.
• ECU error. This is a fairly rare occurrence, but we advise you to reset the error programmatically. If it reappears, look for the cause of its appearance.
• Wiring problems (wire break, insulation damage). It is not possible to make specific recommendations here, since damage to the wiring insulation in the EDC system can cause an error.

After eliminating the cause of the error, do not forget to reset it to the ECU. If you are repairing a car at a service station, the masters will do it for you. If you are doing repairs yourself, remove negative terminal battery for 10 ... 15 minutes so that the information disappears from memory.

We advise IVECO DAILY owners to check the integrity of the negative wire and its insulation, which goes to the pressure control valve (MPROP). The solution is to buy a new chip for the valve and a harness (often wires and pins burn out at high currents). The fact is that this element is a “childhood disease” of this model. Owners often encounter it.

Hack and predictor Aviator

As you can see, there are many reasons for the error. Therefore, when it occurs, we recommend that you first of all make computer diagnostics. This will save you from wasting time and effort. EDC error is not critical, and if the car does not stall, then it can be used. However, we do not recommend that you drive for a long time with a burning EDC lamp without knowing the true cause. This may lead to other malfunctions, the repair of which will cost you additional expenses.