03 Alhambra - Turbo problem ?

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Wed 8 Aug 2007 22:56
03 Alhambra - Turbo problem ? - don
I have limited mechanical knowledge so i am asking for any help i can get . My Wife has a 2003 1.9 tdi 130 bhp seat alhambra which for the most is an excellent car . However our family holiday involves towing a caravan which is when this problem presents . I will describe as best i can The vehicle gets to about 1800 rpm seems to hesitate a flat spot so to say a sucking or whirring noise can be heard at about 2200 rpm it appears to free itself a puff of black smoke leaves the exhaust and the vehicle continues underpowered and no turbo assistance appears to be available. This problem does not arise without caravan and vehicle will accelerate sharply. the car has been diagnosed and no fault with air mass meter or waste gate has been found. a soggy fit was suggested between bottom pipe at turbo and intercooler has been suggested. has anyone experience of this as reluctant to dispose excellent car.


Tweak to subject line - PU
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Wed 8 Aug 2007 23:06
03 Alhambra - Turbo problem ? - Screwloose
don

What were the stored codes found at the diagnostic? Has this "soggy fit" been repaired?
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Sat 11 Aug 2007 11:40
03 Alhambra - Turbo problem ? - don
sorry been at work mate firstly they didnt fix soggy fit as thought unlikely to be cause and hadnt got part the codes were 76 parking assistance ,09 left tail light 09 left indicators 01 engine electronics (17664) engine coolant temperature circuit As you see nothing suggesting symptoms i explained . I have been told everything from sooted up veins in turbo through blocked cat faulty air flow sensor to split hose and am extremely confused just hoped someone else had experience of problem thanks don
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Sat 11 Aug 2007 12:40
03 Alhambra - Turbo problem ? - Screwloose
don

I'm finding it very hard to decipher your posts. Break them up into sentences - my eyes are going boggly and the fault description in the first post can be read in many different ways.

17664 is a serious code; without engine temp info the ECU will be making guesses - although that's probably not causing what sounds suspiciously like dropping to limp-home. Fit a new temp sensor.

This hissing is significant; any loss of pressure from the turbo/intercooler pipework will be detected and will cause the ECU to drop into limp-home mode to protect the engine.

There are many codes that cover low inlet pressures [17964 would be expected] and it's very odd that one isn't stored. Have you had this re-read since the last incident.

Intercooler/pipe leaks are often given away by oil stains; the pipe clips do fail regularly and it's always the one you can't see. "Soggy fits" aren't wanted on a pressure pipe; if in doubt - fix it.
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Tue 14 Aug 2007 16:18
03 Alhambra - Turbo problem ? - don
if you send email address i will send copy of printout m8, Strangely hiss really only detected with caravan on tow not detected when car not towing.
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Sat 11 Aug 2007 12:29
03 Alhambra - Turbo problem ? - nortones2
One pointer to the competence of the diagnosis: there is no wastegate on this engine, as the moveable vanes of the turbo control the pressure generated. I'm no expert but suggest you have a check of condition and fit of all pipes to the system, the movement of the variable vane turbo mechanism, and the condition of its pneumatic connection. Have you had a Seat dealer look at it, or even better, a diesel fuel injection specialist? There have been postings re the variable vane gadget, and the MAF.
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