VW Crafter & Transporter • AdBlue • Diagnostics
Stuck with an AdBlue countdown that won’t clear on your VW Crafter or Transporter (T5/T6/T6.1)? Codes like P207F and P204F are common on these vans and can trigger reduced power, warning messages, and eventual no-start. Here’s what those codes mean, the fast checks you can do, and how we fix the system properly so your van stays legal and gets its BHP back.
If you’re unsure about the legal side of AdBlue repairs vs removal, read Is AdBlue delete legal in the UK?
What P207F and P204F actually mean
P207F is typically logged as “Reductant Quality Performance” or “Reductant System Efficiency”. On VW vans it often points to issues with how the AdBlue (DEF) system is dosing and how well the NOx is being reduced.
P204F is a wider “Reductant System Performance” code. The ECU sees poor dosing outcomes over several drive cycles. On its own, the code doesn’t tell you which component failed — it flags that the system, as a whole, isn’t converting NOx as expected.
Both codes can trigger the dreaded no-start countdown. Clearing the codes without fixing the cause will see them return fast.
Typical symptoms on Crafter & Transporter
- AdBlue warning and “No start in XXX miles” messages
- Reduced power/torque (BHP loss), heavy fuel use on long runs
- Codes linked to pressure (check with OBD) and dosing, e.g. P20E8, P20EE
- Warnings that won’t clear even after topping up AdBlue
If DPF load is high, the SCR system can struggle. A quick read on our remap calculator won’t fix it, but it helps you understand stock vs expected power once the system is healthy.
The most common causes we find
AdBlue delivery problems
- Weak pump or low pressure (related code: P20E8)
- Crystallised dosing injector / blocked filter or lines
- Tank heater faults causing winter freeze and restriction
Sensor and control issues
- Downstream NOx sensor drift or heater failure (can lead to P20EE)
- Wiring/ground faults to pump module or sensors
- ECU software requiring updates for dosing control
Exhaust & aftertreatment conditions
- DPF restriction elevating temps and skewing dosing feedback
- Exhaust leaks ahead of SCR reducing NOx conversion
- Poor AdBlue quality or contaminated fluid
If regeneration keeps failing, see our DPF cleaning service.
Four quick checks before you book
- Scan and save a report — don’t just clear codes. Freeze-frame data helps us pinpoint the fault fast.
- Top up with fresh, ISO 22241 AdBlue. Old or cheap fluid can trigger performance errors.
- Inspect the exhaust for leaks before the SCR. Even a small leak can ruin conversion and set P207F/P20EE.
- Note conditions when the warning returns (after frost, during long motorway run, heavy load, etc.).
Want to understand your baseline power? See: BHP by reg lookup and BHP by OBD.
How we fix the countdown and keep your van compliant
We diagnose first, fix the root cause, then complete the correct drive cycle so the countdown clears and stays cleared. Our approach protects your engine, maintains compliance, and restores lost BHP.
Our diagnostic flow
- Guided dosing tests: commanded rate vs expected conversion
- Pump pressure build-time checks, line/injector inspection and flush
- NOx sensor heater and correlation test (upstream vs downstream)
- Electrical load and ground checks to the pump module
- Software updates where applicable
After-repair validation
- Prime, reset adaptations, and complete the SCR drive cycle
- Check for stored/permanent codes and confirm closed-loop control
- On-road verification: restored torque, stable temps, no warnings
If DPF load is excessive, we’ll perform a DPF clean first. Only a healthy system will keep the countdown away.
Affected VW models & engines
- VW Transporter T5, T6, T6.1 — 2.0 TDI (EA189/EA288 variants)
- VW Crafter all Euro 6 2.0 TDI variants (incl. BiTDI)
- Related platforms: MAN TGE, some Audi/Skoda/SEAT with similar SCR setups
We also repair Ford Transit/Custom, Mercedes Sprinter, and Peugeot/Citroën SCR systems. See local info: AdBlue solutions in Staffordshire.
Ready to sort the warnings and get your power back?
- Call us with your reg and fault codes.
- We’ll run full diagnostics and fix the root cause.
- We complete the correct drive cycle so the countdown clears.
- If you want more torque after repairs, consider a safe Stage 1 remap.
