First time poster so apologies if this is in the wrong place.

My Fabia lost power under acceleration a few days ago and has remained in what, I imagine, must be limp mode since.  There was no light on the dash to start with but a day or so later the EML light came on.  I put some Wynn's turbo cleaner in the fuel tank (probably pointless, I know) and then took the car to a mechanic.  He read the faults (18009, 17964 and 18009) and checked all the things they highlighted but found nothing.  He also removed and cleaned the EGR.  He suspects that the turbo vanes are clogged so I have asked him to do the Mr Muscle treatment on it which he has agreed to.  However, reading the whole thread on this, it sounds like that may not be a cure for permanent limp mode.  Any expert advice on this would be very much appreciated.  The car is now pumping out black smoke when revved but a small amount of power seems to have returned (although I might be imagining it!).

Did you hear a "pop" or possibly more of a "bang" when you lost power?

 

Has your mechanic checked the connections in the turbo - intercooler - manifold boost pipes yet? That's where I'd start.

...then I'd check the condition of the turbo impeller itself...

Thanks for the replies.  No, there was no audible pop, just a sudden loss of power which switching off and on again didn't correct.  All the hoses have been checked but I'll ask him to have another look.  Is it worth cleansing the turbo with Mr Muscle?  I'd take it to a dealer as our local one is very good but I know they'll just want to replace the unit which will run into 4 figures.

Turbo failure is very common, get it checked out, guessing games can be fun but they don't really go anywhere.

Wise advice, sepulchrave.  On that basis, I'll take it to the garage and let them do what they're best at!  Thanks.

Turbo cleaned but, unfortunately, broken.  New turbo needed.  Ouch!

Time for a hybrid 

 

If you look about rebuilt units are reasonable.     

1 hour ago, smileyg said:

Turbo cleaned but, unfortunately, broken.  New turbo needed.  Ouch!

 

What an enormous surprise, sorry for your luck, I had a feeling you were being blinded by denial, it's VERY common on here.

I reckon I can get a reconditioned one fitted with oil and filter change for around £750.  Does that sound about right?  Skoda said over £1000 but that would be a new one.  I'm guessing hybrids cost more and would have implications for insurance.  Thanks for your sympathy, Sepulchrave.  I think it's worth spending the money as I couldn't replace the car for that kind of money.

3 minutes ago, smileyg said:

I reckon I can get a reconditioned one fitted with oil and filter change for around £750.  Does that sound about right?  Skoda said over £1000 but that would be a new one.  I'm guessing hybrids cost more and would have implications for insurance.  Thanks for your sympathy, Sepulchrave.  I think it's worth spending the money as I couldn't replace the car for that kind of money.

 

To be fair that's a bit expensive, basic recon units are around £300 and the labour is quick and easy to do.

Thanks, Sepulchrave.  I'll bear that in mind.  The garage I use is very reasonable and their labour charges aren't excessive.  They were talking about £350 for the unit butnthats probably before VAT.  Is there a good place to get recons from?

Edited 1 May, 20179 yr by smileyg

I've had a reconditioned one fitted last year, garage who done the job got the turbo from eBay he should me the company and said for me to purchase it I said no you can as he is then committed to do the job, fair play recon turbo new oil pipe and labour £490 all in. I gave him oil, filter and bits for a service too. Turbo was £300. Have a look on eBay. 

@sepulchrave Well, as usual, I was starting with the cheap answers of pressure pipe joint failure and then blown intercooler before going to a failed turbo; it's just that I believe in checking the cheap answers unless you know the expensive one has to be right for reasons.

Found a company called Turboworks not far from me who can do a recon for £240.  Have spoken to them and they sound good so have ordered one to go to the garage where my car is.