Droversdog

I should add that there was no obvious reason for the cause of the bent actuator rod.

Hello Everyone, I hope this may prove useful to some of you. Vehicle - Skoda Octavia 1.4TSI DSG. Nov 2013. MDSH. 52000 miles. CHPA engine. Fault - EPC warning light and or engine management light(s) coming on almost at random with resulting loss of power, incl. limp mode. Infuriating! - Fault would not occur if the Stop/Start was permanently switched off. - It was possible (on many occasions) to create fault if vehicle brought to a halt with warm engine, moved gear lever into neutral. Stop/start switched off engine. Attempted to move off and stop/start would not restart vehicle. Warning lights would then show. Fault code - simple OBD reader "TURBOCHARGER/SUPERCHARGER BOOST CONTROL MODULE 'A' ". Generic fault code. On some occasions no fault recorded. Clear fault & vehicle would perform as normal until the next time. New 70AH AGM battery fitted, coded to vehicle. Full electrics check. Fault persisted. Actuator not seized, apparently working correctly. Wastegate moving freely. Main dealer - Diagnosed Fault Code P334B, Turbo wastegate actuator malfunction. Actuator only available with complete new turbo. Dealer recommended replacement of turbocharger - £1710 inc. VAT. Rationale appeared to be fault code and manufacturer's bulletin. - When I asked why the vehicle performed without fault whilst the stop/start was switched off, I was informed that I probably did not drive it fast enough for the turbo to cut in. Learn something every day! Independent also recommended new turbo. Turbo - Original item 04E 145 721B (Replacement turbo would be 04E 145 721F) Actuator - 04E 145 725S (Not available from main dealer as complete item or service kit). Made in Austria by MAHLE. Readily available from part suppliers within EU. Sourced genuine item, delivered within 8 days £125. Item value was below Customs threshold. Decision - Not to fit a new turbo, but to investigate condition of actuator, wastegate etc. Actuator - Removed actuator and found that the actuator rod was bent. This made it very difficult to remove from wastage arm. Please see image. - Negligible wear in wastegate bearings, wastegate arm. Wastegate arm to actuator connection is not bushed. - Wastegate moved freely. - Cleaned wastegate arm thoroughly and polished bearing surface. Greased with ceramic brake grease 1300C - Fitted new actuator. Greased before assembly. (Plent of grease on wastegate arm prevents circlip flying off during dismantling/reassembly) - Actuator appeared to be plug & play. No requirement to initialise. - Vehicle started immediately. - No faults recorded since. - Stop/start working correctly. It does seem that the wastegate to actuator arm needs to be kept clean and regularly lubricated. Out of interest I dismantled the old actuator. Substantial man-made gear drive system. No obvious wear. Motor functions. Corrected arm alignment and no doubt it would function if refitted to the vehicle. Images refer. I am most grateful to my great friend Matthew, who runs M&H Autos, Stert Valley Farm, Crookwood, Potterne. Wiltshire for his help and advice. From the outset we were convinced that the vehicle did not require a new turbocharger and thankfully this has proven to be so. Good luck!