I have a Skoda Fabia 2007 1.4TDI and 2 weeks ago I was travelling home and suddenly it started whining and lost power. The garage thought it was a timing belt problem, as one of the bolts on it had broken, so they fixed that but then found out that when driven, the problem was still there. They are now telling me it’s the turbo and have given me back the car until they can get the part.

I live 700m above sea level in Tenerife and I work at sea level on the coast. They say that even without power, it should be ok to drive down to work and home, as long as I take my time, and that I don’t overdo it, and that the noise is just noise and won’t damage the car, but I’m unsure what to do. Is it ok to drive on, or should I leave it parked up? It’s just that where I live is in the middle of nowhere with no bus service and it’s difficult going this long without a car. I’m having to rely on the goodwill of neighbours.

 

Help please!

51 minutes ago, kirstyjay said:

Help please!

Ok, but I have a question first. Do you have white smoke and/or increased oil consumption since this noise started?

I don’t know… White smoke, no. Oil, I’m not sure. I haven’t been driving it until today, so I haven’t checked.

Just checked oil and it looks ok. 

29 minutes ago, kirstyjay said:

I don’t know… White smoke, no. Oil, I’m not sure. I haven’t been driving it until today, so I haven’t checked.

Spoke too soon. I’ve broken down with white smoke halfway home. 

Complete turbo failure or a boost pipe has come off.

2 minutes ago, kirstyjay said:

I’ve broken down with white smoke

😞 Dead turbo.

That’s why I love this forum. Straight talking. Thanks guys home now. At least I know what to expect.