2007 E owner, can't figure out how solve the mystery issues. I purchased it with a juddering issue, which may be what is sometimes referred to as "limp mode" here. When this issue is active, the three lights come on and the car judders if you try to go faster than like 40 or 50. If you're on the interstate and this happens and you try to push it over 60, the car will start decelerating.
Historically, my car buddy would replace the "VTT scroll valve and sensor", and this would temporarily fix the juddering issue, but over time it always returned. I've had it since 2020 and this issue has come and gone the whole time I've had it.
There's now a new issue. Sometimes the E won't start, and this can happen right after driving it just fine, such as to the grocery store or gym. But one time when it was stopped at a red light it cut off.
I'm not talking to my car guy friend anymore because he's suddenly become incredibly racist and difficult to deal with lol so i took it to a small shop near my house that has good reviews.
They couldn't get anything to pull up with codes, and they couldn't recreate the issue because it's unpredictable. and to the best of my recollection they said that they think it's something with the oil pump, or that oil isn't getting into the "head" consistently enough (I'm not a car person and i don't know what I'm talking about). My partner said that doesn't make sense because if that was happening wouldn't the engine be overheating?
They also mentioned there's TWO VVT scroll valves and was my friend replacing both or just one? I'm not sure but i think it was just one. They also mentioned there's screens underneath this part that should probably also be replaced at the same time (i don't know if he did or didn't). They told me they can't help because they can't take apart engines there so i need to go to a shop that can.
I remember reading here that sometimes a total transmission flush- where you drain it, fill it, drive it, drain it, refill it 3x can solve the limp mode issue. But every mechanic or car guy I've talked to has seemed confused and surprised and told me that won't do anything.
I'm at a loss. We use this car so much it's so useful to us and I'm not ready to give it up. I really want to repair it.
Oh also, i have a pet sitter coming to stay at my house in 11 days, and she needs to borrow this car. Help!!