No Power Limp Mode

[TDIDiesel]

This is my first post and I am having problems with my 2001 Volkswagon TDI with 330,000KM,it has been a great car.

The Problem is simply no power the turbo makes a fluttering noise in first gear and I can bearly make it and maintain 100KM/H. I do have a CEL,but no code scanner. I know the cummins motor like the back of my hand but the VW is a new world. Does it have an intercooler?How is the Wategate controlled?Are the turbos prone to failure?With my knowledge of the cummins motor i would say it has a boost leak(It smokes like a freight train)but black smoke not white so i don't think its a injector problem. I read about a N75 valve,that contrlls the wastegate right? Is it a common problem like a cummins motor to have a boost leak. I will check for shaft play tomorrow. Oh and it hold about 3100RPM and slowley speeds up

Any suggestions is appreciated! :idea:

[jtanguay]

no wastegate on that motor.  the turbo is controlled by a set of vanes.

sounds like the turbo isn't making enough boost if you're smoking badly.  the computer should be able to compensate for this, and so you would get way less power.

best bet is to find someone with the VAG com to diagnose.  it could be as simple as a bad or gummed up sensor.  the intake on your vehicle must be VERY dirty by 300'000km+ (because of EGR; soot & oil mixing...)

[Doug]

While doing research on fuel pumps, I read that there is a default setting for the TDI which is activated when a sequence is missing in the operating mode. It allows enough power to limp home or find service. You have to be able to diagnose that ECU so find a full service shop or a dealer like JT says.

[superspringer]

sounds like a sticking VNT - corrosion/carbon can obscur the control ring especially at that kind of mileage!

[arrowsmithdiesel]

Get someone with Vag-com to tell you the code, but the manual fixes can be anyone of these:

FIRST THINGS FIRST check your oil... sorry but it has to be said with a highmileage car such as yours. $0-5500 just for not doing an oil change with the proper oil.

Air inlet tube into the airfilter box.  There is a screen at the bottom if clogged will cause this..  Cut the screen out with a razor knife. $0

Air filter is soaking wet/dirty/ready to be replaced. $15

MAF sensor- just past the air box is packed.  You can try to clean it but they are around $130 to replace.

Then Intercooler pipes like to come off especially if you have hit something down below, (read: had too much fun in the snow day last week) this is a two part check.  Passenger side front beside Splash Pan is the black plastic pancake pipe for the Intercooler.  This has clamps on it and when you whack chunks on the road with out a good aftermarket skidplate these like to pop off also look at your oil pan while you are at it.  This will also cause your problem.. $0 if it just the pipe off, if you want a replacement skidplate and splash pans drop me a line.  $375

Next look at your exhaust.  Does it actually get to the back of the car? if it has not been replaced and you still have the stock Catalytic Converter this could cause your problem, it will be gummed up with 3300000miles of gunk.  $0-1100 depending on level of rot.

Next on Top of the motor with plastic engine cover off you will find the Intake Manifold.  There is a Black plastic pipe with a hose clamp at the end of the pipe, if it is off this will cause your problem, if not take it off, and look inside. If you have never had the intake cleaned you will see a 2.5" wide space with about a 1/4" whole in the middle of the black GUNK!! its time to have your intake cleaned if this is the case.  $0-800 at the stealership, or do it yourself its a good way to become friends with your car. There is lots of instructions on "other sites" one simple google search away.

If you get passed all that then start looking at the turbo, good luck!! $650 and up