Why is my van going so slow - i can't get more than 60mph and going up hills - could run faster?

Question

My Volkswagen Transporter on a R -reg - 2.4- diesel -lwb, starts and runs fine, only problem is it will not go over 60mph, and going up hill's, i could run faster its that slow. I have changed the air fiter and every thing else seems fine. The engine sounds Brilliant, it starts first turn of the key. I have no idea what it could be, my friend as taken a look at it fo me, but he's not a mechanic, but agree's with me - it's powerless. It was like this when i purchased it, i needed a reliable van as mine was involved in an accident. I do pottery markets which involves me driving on lots of motorways, if i get on a hill on 1 of the motorways - my foot can be flat to the floor and struggling to get 30mph, if the police got behind me i would get done for driving too slow. Any idea's whats wrong and how much to fix, and there is NO restricter on it, thanks in advance

Answer 1

has your van got a turbo installed, as we had a sprinter minibus ( which are re-known for going like s**t of a shovel) but we had the non turbo model which suffered from the same symptoms as your van. it is something that your going to have to learn to live with.

Answer 2

Try cleaning the mass air flow sensor or just replace it.

Answer 3

It is possible that the fuel filter wants changing and the injectors cleaning.

Answer 4

dirty fuel and air filters will cut your power

Answer 5

This has been a problem with these Vw Vans for years even since the early years in the 90's. And the Diesel Vw Van has been the same in the 2000's, have the dealership check the injector pump timing, replace the fuel filter, make sure the fuel system is not sucking air in the fuel lines. These vehicles have been known to have faults with their fuel tanks, and their venting systems. Besides that is all you can do.

Answer 6

Replace the fuel filter. If it's still the same, undo the banjo bolt on the fuel line going into the diesel pump. If you fish around in the hole you'll find a very small mesh filter under a spring. Hook it out & clean it thoroughly in petrol with a toothbrush & replace.

A friend had one & wouldn't believe that this was the problem, a garage charged her £1000 to supply & fit a new pump.

If it's the mini filter at fault, it shouldn't rev when stationary either.

Answer 7

its the nature of the beast.  My van was exactly like that.  Got rid of it.  Didn't need anything that slow and cumbersome in traffic.

Answer 8

Get a tuneup and see if it's still running so sluggish?

Answer 9

I'd say the diesel filter. I have a 2.4 transporter myself and while they wont break any land speed records they are better than that. With a light load it should hold 70-80mph once you get it there.

Answer 10

The timing could be out.

Checking & resetting needs a mechanic with the proper lining up tools.

Answer 11

Is it a turbo diesel? It is a common fault on Landrovers when the pipe from the intercooler to the turbo breaks down inside. It looks fine from the outside, but when you put your foot down, the turbo sucks and the pipe squashes itself. Less air into the turbo, less power for the engine...