'01 TDI turbo issue?

1.9L TDI engine...5 speed manual transmission...no mods, bone stock. no recent service other than replacing a clutch.

Just all of a sudden today, my '01 VW Golf TDI lost power. When I get to the RPM range where the turbo usually kicks in, it just sounds like it's either sucking air, or blowing air out.

My bet is blowing air out, but i'm not for sure. It almost sounds like a helicopter is taking off. It starts off quiet, but then get's fairly loud as the RPM's climb.

I've checked simple stuff such as connections, hose clamps, and it's all intact and seems to be in good working order.

Just seeing if anyone else has had this problem, if there is a simple fix, and how much it may cost me to get it repaired.

Thanks in advance to anyone who will help me out with this!

Any check engine lights and how many miles on car? My first thought if all lines are intact is bearing failure or oil line clogged. Service to dealer is needed. If you heard it whining before all this happened, its generally bearings. Your cost for a new turbo charger is roughly $700-$1000 installed.

Yeah, the check engine light has been on for a long time. I checked it with one of those diagnostic devises, and it came back as something with the catalytic converter or something? If i remember correctly. Either way, I talked to my father about it and he said it wasn't anything that needed to be looked at. Just simply an "idiot" light more or less. As far as miles on the car, just over 80,000. 80,500 something in fact.

As far as the whining, I have never heard any whining at all.

Don't know if the sound you hear is related to the cat, but i do believe that there was a recall on the cat. Check with your dealer. As for VW check engine lights there is usually something wrong when they pop up so i won't just ignore them. These car are like babies they need alot of care and if they're crying, it's for a good reason!

I'm taking it straight to the dealership in the morning. I also heard from someone else that they think the wastegate may be stuck open? I'm not even sure what that means. But either way, I'm taking it in in the morning.

Thank you for your help, it is much appreciated!

If you unplugthe maf sensor on the airbox does it drive better? If so the sensor is bad and needs replacement. Very common on the tdi because the oil vapors get in the sensor wire and burn out the sensor.