Turbo woes - what's the first thing to check for?

[VRS#483]

Hello all. My vRS is having some boost issues. Its a 2.0 CR CEGA Engine and im getting flashing glowplug and MIL Light on the dash

VAGCOM says 009571 - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor Circuit: Implausible Signal

The coil light only comes on after I've been driving for a while and have to slow down to stop at lights/traffic.

The boost is intermittent. Sometimes it has a little tug, other times nothing at all / flat spots.

It makes a whining noise similar to a police siren when changing up.

I have to be honest, and I admit that I drive a 30mile commute through Liverpool 5 days a week and most of the time the driving conditions are not the best for the type of car (or driver!)

I think, if I get this problem fixed, I'll add a couple of motorway trips on the homebound commute to open my baby up a bit and stretch her legs. I'd be more than happy to thrash the bits off her every now and then (for maintenance purposes )

What would be the first things for me to check/fix?

I've just got some forte turbo cleaner on standby and have bookmarked Lofty's legendary Mr Muscle thread with an Italian tune-up in mind. Am I dreaming in thinking this could solve my problem or am I to look further into MAF/actuator testing and replacing? I have a vacuum test kit at my disposal too but I could do with a little guidance on how to use it on things other than brake system bleeding.

I hope it wont go as far as turbo replacement as my wife will no doubt banish me to the son's playhouse in the garden to fend for myself when she's sees the bill! :(

I feel as though I've read a fair bit on this but I'm sure, being a novice to TDIs, I've completely overlooked something!

Thanks for reading this passage of misery. I look forward to any reply.

[andyvee]

Sounds like the sensor on the turbo needs replacing......

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[andyvee]

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/index.php?/topic/242051-Turbocharger-Boost-Control-Position-Sensor#entry2842223

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[jmattley]

I've just had this issue fixed under warranty, I think the part is around £150 if you buy it yourself, but going off the date of your car, if you have a 1 year extended warranty, then it should be covered.

[VRS#483]

Cheers. Nice one. The sensor/actuator would be my next option if the cleanout didn't work. That way it'll be a bonus if I can fix it without lifting a spanner, if it isn't fixed then at least its been cleaned out anyway. I've already made a note of this kit; I've seen it for 135 on eBay (WIN) but I don't have a penny's worth of knowledge on how to fit it (LOSE!). Could I be putting the car at risk if I drive it in its current state?

I also know nowt about extended warranties...are they worth looking into??

[Dallan]

Its the turbo vane actuator, i had the same issue and fault, the diaphram inside the unit is probably not airtight and needs replacing

Also it wont harm the car, the only issue is that while the light is flashing the car wont do a dpf regen, so after a few days you may get that pop up also, when i had this issue i had to drive somewhere i would not have to stop on so the glowplug warning stayed off, eg motorway, stop car to reset the glowplug and keep going till the regen finished about 20 mins.

Edited 12 June, 2013 by Dallan

[VRS#483]

Dallan, can I ask where yoy got your kit from?

[Dallan]

Dallan, can I ask where yoy got your kit from?

VW Dealer, i gave them the kit part number 03l 198 716a and they ordered it in

[VRS#483]

Cheers, Dallan. What was the damage in the end? ...(to your wallet, I mean)

[VRS#483]

I was talking to a local VAG specialist about this problem for a 2nd opinion but he wouldn't accept it as being just the actuator.

He said "Nope, actuator's fine. It's the dpf. It's common problem, as we have four in already with the same fault. Gonna be expensive I'm afraid though."

This was the same bloke who tried to convince me that both door mirror indicators needed replacing during last year's service...I declined and found they both worked fine on the way home. Robbin' get!

[VRS#483]

Found this. Good start

http://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/products/vw-2-0-16v-tdi-common-rail-vacuum-actuator-for-cbaa-cbab.html

[VRS#483]

If its the actuator that's faulty on my turbo am I to expect any boost at all? I drove into work this morning and I swear it had a good poke...perhaps I'm imagining things, it is stupidly early in the morning!

[VRS#483]

Well, got the actuator replaced for 180 all in. The diaphragm had split, therefore loss of vacuum and limited/non existent boost. It's been a week since it was replaced but the boost still seems to be inconsistent, ie. Hesitant at low range, none or plenty of boost in higher gears, louder noises than normal. I'm stumped

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