TDI turbo query

Power loss on Passat 1.9TDi. Suggestion has been provided that Turbo is not operating or "sensor" is not connected(is this possible?).

What are basic checks that can be carried out to see if Turbo is working.

Car starts and runs fine on flat road or slight downward incline - no real power when attempting to ovetake or go up hills.

What are basic checks or inspections. Local VW garage will only respond by saning they will take the unit in for "full checks" - will not offer any form of estimate before starting the work.

Anyone assist?

Usually when the turbo goes out you have alot of black smoke (not enough air for amount of fuel being injected).

Usually when the turbo goes out you have alot of black smoke (not enough air for amount of fuel being injected).


Many thanks. No smoke and car starts runs without general hesitation - just lack of power on any upwards incline or when trying to overtake. Just lost for further thoughts.
Michael

Try taking it somewhere to have it checked for codes, there might be something in there even if the check light isn't on.

You could try to replace the MAF (mass air flow) sensor. Or have the current one checked with a diagnostic device if the readings are within range. Had the same problem and the car drove normal (although a bit loss of power, which was noticable after putting the new one in) on flat roads but total loss of power while driving up hill.

MAF's are definitely a common problem. A bit expensive to guess though. Word is that VW is now covering 7 year/70K miles on '99.5 and newer vehicles (not sure how it is in the UK). There's lots of info on this problem.

http://users.vnet.net/w123d/w123d/vw/repair/mafrig.htm

http://www.tdiclub.com/TDIFAQ/TDiFAQ-7.html

(note: the TDI Club states a gas 2.0 MAF will work & is much cheaper)

http://tech.bentleypublishers.com/thread.jspa?threadID=6255&tstart=30

http://www.metalnerd.com/

Having the same problem with 2001 Passat TDI 130 Sport. Turbo works fine up to 3000rpm and then "cuts out" Apparantly the ECU is seeing an overboost condition that then acts to limit the fuel to save the engine from melting. Stripped turbo on VW's advice- nothing wrong there but discovered EGR valve and pipework gummed in carbon. Fault still there- next move to replace all vacuum lines, retest solenoids (N75 valve) and then test ECU for fault. After that I have no idea and VW will be of no help (as usual)
PS Fitted new MAF but no difference. Car is ok when you stop and restart until you reach 2500-3000 RPM. Try cleaning out the EGR and pipework before dragging yourself off to VW. The only fault code displayed on mine was "turbo overboost" Anyone got any more ideas??