My TDI has been brilliant until last week when the turbo started to be ineffective intermittently. For instance yesterday I put the pedal down to overtake a lorry on Haldon Hill Exeter; the turbo boost started to work but suddenly it felt like the fuel line was being strangled and I had to change down from 5th to 3rd to get up the hill. Normally it flies up in 5th gear.

Fortunately it is still under warranty but I am disappointed in this on what is otherwise a superb motor. HELP - ANY IDEAS?

Assuming you haven't got an aftermarket ECU or had it remapped, it sounds like it might be MAF sensor related which is quite a common problem and results in poor performance and possibly quite a lot of soot coming out of the back of the car. How many miles has the car done?

Also, if you can find anyone in your area with a VAG-COM cable, they should be able to take MAF readings while you're driving to see if the air flow is correct.....

Chris

THANKS Chris,

No; it is standard as from factory - what is MAF?

Cheers Gibbo

Mass Airflow Meter - seriously though, if its under warranty take it to SMC Skoda! (assuming that's your local dealer like me? ) I work in Exeter - don't see many Skuds about generally, but I've had similar problems myself and needed a new MAF too... Don't hesitate to ring SMC though -that problem will only get worse as the MAF deteriorates, like mine did! Good luck!

All VW Audi group cars have an MAF problem, we see alot of them here. People book them in for a chip and the really need a new MAF sensor!

You might well find its due to heat, especially lately. If it boosts up then holds back its probably due to the inlet temps creaping up so the ECU back the boost of to protect itself.

Thats the crap SMIC for ya, ive noticed it even on std cars.

Yeah the side mount is not the best of things

As bad as SMIC is, having to find 3rd gear on haldon hill in a standard TDI is VERY bad... Sounds like a total loss of boost to me. :( (having had similar recently) As standard the TDI should be able to accelerate up that hill in fifth, not die and necesitate the need to go down the gearbox.

need to get it pluged into VAG-COM then, is normally MAF a problem

last time I had this in my old car it was a new turbo job.

I am much obliged for all your help chaps; I have it booked into to IML (was Ivybridge Motors Ltd) at Plympton. Their receptionist thought it might be a MAF problem, she said it was common on Octavias but not so Fabias. I'l keep you posted THANKS AGAIN