Hello!

Any ideas on this problem?

1999 Octavia 110 TDI with tuning box: Overtaking the other day it suddenly stopped pulling, almost as if I'd run into the rev limiter ( I hadn't ). From then on the engine has felt flat and the idle has gone lumpy when cold. Also an occasional hesitation low in the rev range. Also the computer average fuel consumption read out seems to be reading high now.

Have read about ECU and MAF problems. Also heard about turbos giving up on these transverse engines; in fact it almost seems as if the turbo isn't boosting properly. But would that account for the lumpy idle?

Before I push it over a cliff or spend a heap of cash not solving the problem, has anyone any ideas on this one?

All suggestions greatfully received!!

:confused:

Lumpy idle sounds MAF related. Or possibly a split vacuum hose.

Search for cleaning the MAF on here, but split hose would make sense. I'd lean towards the hose at the power went as you booted it to overtake, which would have put a vacuum hose under more pressure.

Does it smoke more than usual?

Do you have access to VAG-COM to read the fault codes?

Also, perhaps try taking your tuning box off and see if things improve? Have a look at the turbine and check it spins OK? Someone else posted a link to this site which I've been reading avidly: http://tdiclub.com/TDIFAQ/TDiFAQ-8.html

Thanks to all who posted.

I've looked at the myriad of turbo related hoses and changed 2 that looked a bit dogeared. No luck, car still down on power. I definately need to get someone to do a fault code read on it. I haven't noticed more smoke than usual and I've taken off the power box and the fault is still there. The link to the TDI club is intriging and gives me lots to go at. thanks all again.

Almost certainly the MAF has gone. Just changed mine. 10 minute job. Sweet as a nut again. Try your nearest German, Swedish and French Auto Parts - they do one for round about