I have a 2013 Audi 1.4 Tfsi (123) with a very worrying issue.  I have tried Audi forums but without  resolve.

Every time I start my engine I get the EPC light and most times this is followed by the Engine  light. They don't  come on when the car is underway just at start.

I have had the car plugged in to three diagnostic laptops and no specific fault has been found other than power issue with turbo/supercharger. Each time code was reset but comes straight back.

It is booked in later this week but the garage says they had an almost identical problem recently that required a full turbo replacement.

The EPC light will clear after switching off the ignition 3-5 times and the engine and turbo run fine with the light out.

Any help would be very gratefully received.

Edited 15 July, 20187 yr by ronniebarker

Who was 'they' the Service Desk or the Master Tech?

 

Did they say why it needed a new Turbo and could it not have just required a Turbo Accuator. 

*Easy for them to go with the big bill when the Warranty Provider is paying.*

 

There are lots of threads on this forum on Turbo Accuators for 1.2 TSI & sometimes 1.4TSI's.   There is not always the need for a new Turbo.

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/447512-14-tsi-turbo 

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/236605-blown-turb0-14-tsi-common 

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/446719-out-with-a-bang 

 

How many miles has your car done, when were the spark plugs changed or checked?

Edited 15 July, 20187 yr by Offski

Offski - Many thanks for getting back to me

 

The "Master Tech" was the one that told me it might need a new turbo however; a different Tech that checked the diagnostics seemed to think otherwise hence me worry.

The car is no longer under warranty and the garage doing the work are an independent VAG specialist (Autowork of Salisbury) and came recommended.

A faulty actuator is probably about £100 to fix, a turbo is well in to four figures, although the garage hasn't said by how much.

 

The fault first showed about a month ago and so I bought my annual service forward by a couple of weeks to get the issue solved.

The fault could not be found during the check but they rest the code anyway. It re-appeared within 5 minutes of taking the car away.

 

The bit I don't understand is if the turbo needs replacing then surely it wouldn't work at all.

The issue I have is that the turbo is isolated when the EPC light is on but seems to work fine when the light is out.

So they resolved nothing.

What did the Service involve and how much money did they charge for that?

 

The Turbo goes 'off'  to save the engine, ie Limp mode'.

 

Misfires from a spark plug can cause that, even 2 cylinders shutting down, as is common with 1.4 TSI / TFSI Twinchargers.

Not even Misfires logged as a Fault Code yet the EPS / Exhaust Emissions Control light  or Both.

 

So as long as you are using a 'Qualified Tech with all the gear and more than just an idea'.

 

?

So when were the spark plugs last replaced?,  What plugs are in and at what gap?

 

You need to find out is it the Accuator, or a sensor, or a Intake / Leak issue, even just spark / plugs or an ignition coil.

 

Proper diagnosis before someone says, 'New turbo needed'.

Edited 15 July, 20187 yr by Offski

Despite having the car serviced annually, none of the documentation lists a change of spark plugs.

The last service was carried out (23 Jun) at 43391miles

 

To clarify my earlier question

 

I only get the EGC light on start up

It can take up to 4-5 attempts at switching the ignition off/remove key/switch ignition on but this will clear the EPC light

With the light out, the engine and turbo appears to work fine.

Surely if the turbo is on its way out then I would expect the EPC light/Limp mode to occur whilst driving??

To be clear.

 

Unlikely your Turbo is on it's way out.

Possible an 'Accuator' problem.

 

The Spark plugs were due a change at 40,000 miles. some are gubbed at 20,000 miles.   They should have been checked, and they are overdue replacing.

 

The Limp Mode inhibits the Turbo to save the engine, there are not always fault codes stored for Misfires if not enough in a Cycle.

 

So get a Master Tech with the knowledge and experience to do the diagnosis.

 

What servicing was done if no Spark Plugs changed, Oil / Filter & Air  & Poollen filter and not much else!

Thanks for your very useful replies.

I hadn't  checked the spark plug issue and so have just ordered a set and will fit them as soon as they arrive.

 

I sincerely  hope your diagnosis of my problem is correct as I don't  want a huge bill, especially as I'm looking to sell/trade against a 1.5tsi Karoo (if I can find one).

 

I'll post the answer to both 

Update

 

Offski, Your help has been invaluable

I told the tech guys about the spark plugs and initially this did extinguish the EPC & Management light however, not for long.

Next step was to order and fit a new actuator (£230) and "touch wood", the fault appears to have been fixed but obviously I will monitor it over the next few days to be sure.

Although the actuator did move in and out, it was very stiff in comparison to the new one and I suspect that the EPC light on start picked up this as a fault and inhibited the turbo.

 

Either way, £230 is a significant improvement on £1500 to supply and fit a new turbo.

Incidentally, getting a new turbo from the supplier would have been a 7-10 day wait which in itself tells a story about demand possibly outstripping supply.

 

Once again, many thanks for your help