Absolutely racking my brains out over my turbo

Ted Lindsay

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So, I have a 2005 A3 2.0T AXX.

All of a sudden when I was driving the turbo just basically stopped working. I used ClickMechanic to try and solve it
(“So there is no power at all when I drive, and the turbo doesn't spool. There is also oil leaking underneath There has been a kind of cricket sounding noise that has come from the turbo in the recent months, Like air is leaking perhaps. No Turbo noise at all I think it might be the oil return or feed pipe. Car still drives normally and switches on etc.”)

That’s what I originally said. There is oil leaking from somewhere else (can’t locate it)

The guy came around and said my MAF sensor was the problem.

So I replaced it and it still has like 30% out of 100% power. The turbo makes a noise. But it’s not actually moving (quickly) especially in second and third gear.

Does anyone have any ideas what this could be ? I’m so mind boggled.

Any help would be appreciated or even a garage near Guildford.
 
Plugging it in to a diagnostic machine would probably rule out a number of potential issues.
Could be a boost leak somewhere so check all your hoses are connected and not split. Is your air filter clean? Coilpacks and plugs healthy?
 
I'd be very careful in who you take you're car to. I changed my turbo 2 months ago as i lost most of the power. it could also be that the EGR valve is blocked.
 
Plugging it in to a diagnostic machine would probably rule out a number of potential issues.
Could be a boost leak somewhere so check all your hoses are connected and not split. Is your air filter clean? Coilpacks and plugs healthy?
I’ve tried numerous ones and all that comes up is my cam timing is slow. But we replaced everything possible (and put it down to the remap)
I could have a look. My car is due a service butwould it damage it that much ?
Coil packs have been all over the place. Had to replace some recently same with sparks.


EDIT: for some reason I can’t edit the original post. But I bought the GFB DV+ and I remember before if I let off the accelerator it was like turbo pressure would leave and you could hear it, that’s not happening now. If that helps, anyone ?
 
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I'd be very careful in who you take you're car to. I changed my turbo 2 months ago as i lost most of the power. it could also be that the EGR valve is blocked.

Did you have the same problem as myself ? And the EGR valve solved it ?
 
I’ve tried numerous ones and all that comes up is my cam timing is slow. But we replaced everything possible (and put it down to the remap)
I could have a look. My car is due a service butwould it damage it that much ?
Coil packs have been all over the place. Had to replace some recently same with sparks.


EDIT: for some reason I can’t edit the original post. But I bought the GFB DV+ and I remember before if I let off the accelerator it was like turbo pressure would leave and you could hear it, that’s not happening now. If that helps, anyone ?
First thing I would do is check the DV+ and make sure it's not damaged. I removed mine as I felt it was pointless and I didn't like the noise it made.
I now run a revision G and it's running perfectly.

Who did your remap? Maybe it's running badly and causing the ECU to trigger limp mode.

If Timing is slow then it needs to be checked properly, but rule out other issues first as it may be something simple.

Lots of info on the forum for the best spark plugs to run, and it's good practice to replace all coils at the same time.
 
First thing I would do is check the DV+ and make sure it's not damaged. I removed mine as I felt it was pointless and I didn't like the noise it made.
I now run a revision G and it's running perfectly.

Who did your remap? Maybe it's running badly and causing the ECU to trigger limp mode.

If Timing is slow then it needs to be checked properly, but rule out other issues first as it may be something simple.

Lots of info on the forum for the best spark plugs to run, and it's good practice to replace all coils at the same time.

Hey, so I have a theory that because my Diverter valve (the plastic bit you attach it to, is covered in oil) would that mean that could ruin it. Should I look for cracks, etc?

The car came with the remap but I know the ex owner so could get it removed.

I have a strong feeling the reason I have a CEL and the car is running weird is because of the map.

It’s like the turbo just doesn’t want to go.

Also on my engine where abouts is the EGR valve ? I had a peak under the bonnet earlier but couldn’t find anything.

Thanks again
 
Who was the guy that cam around, a mobile mechanic, a VAG specialist?

If the problem wasn’t always there then what have you done that could have caused it?

First think I would do is run a scan, preferably with VCDS as it’s VAG dealer level diagnostics. Clean any codes. Get rid of the DV+ - they seem to be more hassle than the benefit. If you have oil around your existing DV, is it fitted correctly and the locating key in the right place?

If you’re driving the car, drive to a VAG specialist or a dealer.
 
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Who was the guy that cam around, a mobile mechanic, a VAG specialist?

If the problem wasn’t always there then what have you done that could have caused it?

First think I would do is run a scan, preferably with VCDS as it’s VAG dealer level diagnostics. Clean any codes. Get rid of the DV+ - they seem to be more hassle than the benefit. If you have oil around your existing DV, is it fitted correctly and the locating key in the right place?

If you’re driving the car, drive to a VAG specialist or a dealer.
He was a mobile mechanic.
I’ve run runs of scans via different equipment and nothing comes up. Should I just try a normal revision of the diverter valve.

Do you know any good places near Guildford ?
 
Without wanting to sound rude, this is where you need to do a bit of thinking for yourself.

Have you changed anything? If so, double check it to ensure it's fitted/operating properly.
Is the DV below something that contains oil like a pipe? If so, check that pipe.
As far as I know, EGR's are fitted to diesel engines. You didn't mention what fuel your car uses in the first post, so people answer with potential problems they may have had on their own engines, hoping to help.

As mentioned above, if the DV is seated incorrectly then you will have a boost leak, which in turn will reduce power and probably trigger the CEL.

I typed 'Vag Specialist Guildford' into google and got a hit right away https://vasmotion.com/
We are here to help, but we can't do it all for you.
 
Get rid of the DV+ and get the Revision G (check AKS website)

- RDGarage Services in Shepperton,
- VRT is Slough,

both are a VAG specialist.
 
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Without wanting to sound rude, this is where you need to do a bit of thinking for yourself.

Have you changed anything? If so, double check it to ensure it's fitted/operating properly.
Is the DV below something that contains oil like a pipe? If so, check that pipe.
As far as I know, EGR's are fitted to diesel engines. You didn't mention what fuel your car uses in the first post, so people answer with potential problems they may have had on their own engines, hoping to help.

As mentioned above, if the DV is seated incorrectly then you will have a boost leak, which in turn will reduce power and probably trigger the CEL.

I typed 'Vag Specialist Guildford' into google and got a hit right away https://vasmotion.com/
We are here to help, but we can't do it all for you.
Hi. Took the DV+ off today, checked it over for cracks etc, nothing wrong.
Installed it back on, made sure it was tight yet I still have the same problem.
I thought the oil was leaking from a faulty PCV, but it doesn’t seem that way. I’ll take it there at some point, hopefully they will be able to help.

The check engine light isn’t the issue: I don’t think
 
Get rid of the DV+ and get the Revision G (check AKS website)

- RDGarage Services in Shepperton,
- VRT is Slough,

both are a VAG specialist.
I don’t think the DV+ is causing the problem, because A. I took it off today and it’s perfectly fine (looks brand new) and B. This problem started happening after it was installed.
 
The problem started happening after it was installed :whistle2:? Where did you get it from, us it genuine?
 
The problem started happening after it was installed :whistle2:? Where did you get it from, us it genuine?
It is genuine, I also plugged in an autologic today and got the DTC P0299 which shows underboost.
Looks like a vag specialist might be able to help, as I assume oil is leaking from the turbo.
 
My very first action would be to get a few tins of brake cleaner and some rags and clean up every bit of oil and residue that you can find. Get it sparkling clean.
When that is done, go for a drive. Take your time at first and pull over and check the areas you have cleaned. One of them might reveal a leak.
If you find no issues driving steady, open her up and see if the boost causes the leak.

I suffered oil on the underside of my engine cover above the DV and turned out to be a hairline split in the PCV hose. I replaced this hose and the oil issue went away. You may have the same, but it sounds a bit more serious.
 
My very first action would be to get a few tins of brake cleaner and some rags and clean up every bit of oil and residue that you can find. Get it sparkling clean.
When that is done, go for a drive. Take your time at first and pull over and check the areas you have cleaned. One of them might reveal a leak.
If you find no issues driving steady, open her up and see if the boost causes the leak.

I suffered oil on the underside of my engine cover above the DV and turned out to be a hairline split in the PCV hose. I replaced this hose and the oil issue went away. You may have the same, but it sounds a bit more serious.
I see. That’s a great idea. I’m going to buy a new DV valve. And inspect all of the pipes. I would imagine it’s the PCV leaking as that can cause problems!

Thanks for your reply!
 
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Booked into a garage that deals solely with VAG
Will let you know on any updates.

Replaced DV valve.

Looks like it will be a turbo replacement due to not much boost at low rpm and more at higher.