Limp Mode - new turbo?

[Fillup82]

Hi, I just need a second opinion on this.

I have a mk4 Golf TDI 1.9 (pd150)

It's gone into limp mode (without a code or warning light) maybe 4 times so I got it checked out, the garage is telling me it needs a new turbo which also has an anxiety-inducing price tag attached to it. However, I'm sceptical that it's the turbo that needs replacing - the first time it went limp I checked the pipes and air was definitely getting through alright.

1. Is there any way I can know for sure it's the turbo that needs replacing?

2. If it IS the turbo is it safe to drive as long as I don't thrash it?

3. Forgive me if this is the rambles of a mad man - I just don't wanna pay 600 quid!

Cheers

[GreenV8S]

Unless it's got these new fangled variable inlet vanes I don't see how a turbo could cause intermittent problems. Something sticking on the hot side, or an electrical/electronic problem seems more likely. I'd expect most electrical/electronic problems to leave fault codes on modern engines though.

[Jaybmw]

Most likely map or boost sensor I can't remember the code think it was p3xx.. usual craic with vag.. more serious issue would be stuck vanes on the turbo itself.. which not been a small job is easy.

[stevieturbo]

It will not be in limp mode without some form of warning light.

[littleredrooster]

stevieturbo said:

It will not be in limp mode without some form of warning light.

^ ^ This

It will have fault codes stored which need to be read before you can decide what to do next. Much more likely to be stuck vanes (150 PD has a variable vane turbo, I'm fairly sure), blocked EGR or dirty MAF than turbo.

[Fillup82]

littleredrooster said:

^ ^ This

It will have fault codes stored which need to be read before you can decide what to do next. Much more likely to be stuck vanes (150 PD has a variable vane turbo, I'm fairly sure), blocked EGR or dirty MAF than turbo.

That's what I thought, I feel like the garage is just trying to get the biggest job they can.

Reckon it's worth me changing the solenoid since it's cheap and simple?

[finlo]

Fill you turbo with Mr Muscle oven cleaner, it's a common VAG issue. YouTube overboosting Vw's for details.

[Sardonicus]

VNT turbo's creating over-boost condition on VAG cars seldom cause MIL on will come up on a scan however but condition common as hell

[Fillup82]

finlo said:

Fill you turbo with Mr Muscle oven cleaner, it's a common VAG issue. YouTube overboosting Vw's for details.

Been on youtube all day, still not sure how I feel about the oven cleaner trick.

[finlo]

Fillup82 said:

Been on youtube all day, still not sure how I feel about the oven cleaner trick.

It dissolves carbon and costs a couple of quid, what have you got to lose?