Skoda Octavia - Skoda 1.9 TDI 2003. Limp mode. Turbo problem

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Sat 14 Feb 2015 18:12
Skoda Octavia - Skoda 1.9 TDI 2003. Limp mode. Turbo problem - ScoBro

Hi Folks

Hoping someone may be able to shed some light.

Been doing some work on my mums 1.9tdi octavia. 2003 155K

If driven hard, after about a mile it goes into limp mode. Just done the VNT mr muscle clean. Run it with the code reader on, no fault codes.

If you turn it off and re start it clears immediately and then flies.

Another issue is from starting, if you rev it hard it then missfires, sounds like it's running on 3 cylinders. Injector issue?

the turbo problem, I'm leaning towards the vaccum solenoid or N75 valve as they are also called.

i have moved the turbo actuator by hand and it is quite stiff to push down. Does anyone know if it should be stiff or slack etc. Also only probably moves only about 10 - 15 mm tops.

If anyone could shed some light, would be much appreciated!

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Sun 15 Feb 2015 12:32
Skoda Octavia - Skoda 1.9 TDI 2003. Limp mode. Turbo problem - dieselnut

It sounds like the turbo is overboosting, which although puts the engine into reduced power mode, doesn't bring up the EML light.

You really need a good code reader like VCDS so you can look at live data & pending codes.

There is only one reliable way to clean the turbo, & that is to take it apart & clean out all the soot from the variable vane mechanism. The operating rod should move about 18mm smoothly.

These engines also suffer from the injector loom breaking down as it runs inside the head, maybee the cause of your missfire.

Also check the cam lobes, these wear & cause all sorts of strange problems if the engine hasn't been run with the correct PD oil.

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Sun 15 Feb 2015 18:33
Skoda Octavia - Skoda 1.9 TDI 2003. Limp mode. Turbo problem - Railroad.
A stupid question perhaps, but did you Mr Muscle the exhaust turbine side or the compressor side of the turbo? Some people don't realise that the vane ring that sticks is on the exhaust side, and the exhaust front pipe needs to be disconnected to access it.
The actuator link should move nice and freely when the vanes are cleaned. Innotec Turbo Clean is an excellent product. Follow the instructions to the letter though.
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Wed 18 Feb 2015 19:20
Skoda Octavia - Skoda 1.9 TDI 2003. Limp mode. Turbo problem - Oli33

Look for a leaky vacuum line around and towards the turbo! Maybe bitten by a marten or something like that.

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Sun 22 Feb 2015 20:47
Skoda Octavia - Skoda 1.9 TDI 2003. Limp mode. Turbo problem - Big John

Check fo Vacuum leaks. On this age of 1.9pd engine the vacuum system operates three things:-

1) Variable vanes

2) EGR valve

3) Anti shudder valve

Does the engine shudder shudder when you turn it off - if it does then its an indication that you have a leak.

This can be a breakdown of one of the many rubber interconnect hoses or the rubbing through of a hose (rigid or flexible) due to vibration - and these engines vibrate!

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