Seat Alhambra intermittent loss of power > 80mp

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Thu 1 Mar 2001 22:08
Seat Alhambra intermittent loss of power > 80mp - Andy shepherdson
I bought a Feb. 1998Seat Alhambra 1.9TDI in Nov.2000 with approx.24000 miles on the clock.
On several occassions, whilst travelling at 85mph. there has been a sudden loss of power until the vehicle slowed to 60mph. Changing down through the gears and up again made no difference.
It has been back to the dealer, where fortunately the chief mechanic too experienced the fault twice. Unfortunately the cause cannot be determined despite having been hooked up to the computer.
The garage has changed all the filters and the turbo charger has been checked and appears to be ok.
This intermittent fault is not only embarrasing, it is also very confusing for fellow roadusers as the car suddenly slows down whilst overtaking, it could possibly cause carnage.
I am using the car again but have lost my trust in it. Any suggetions as to what could be the cause? The dealer is willing to help but baffled.
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Fri 2 Mar 2001 06:42
Re: Seat Alhambra intermittent loss of power > - Andrew Moorey
Whilst not on this particular vehicle I have diagnosed a similar problem on a few occasions. A common problem with modern diesels (and petrol) engines is that they are fitted with an Exhaust Gas Recirculator (EGR) valve which recirculates a proportion of the exhaust gas back into the engine to "help" control the emissions. On a couple of occasions they have stuck open which upsets the fuelling. On the VW engine try disconnecting and plugging the vaccum hose which supplies the EGR valve on top of the intake pipe above the turbo. (makes the engine pick up quicker which is a bonus!).Airflow sensors which control the EGR have also been known to fail particulaly on Vauxhall Ecotec diesels.Finally it could possibly be a problem with the fuel lift pump inside the actual Diesel pump failing to lift sufficient fuel for the system to run.
For really Knotty diesel problems try contacting AutoMarine Diesels at St. Leonards Road, Hove, Sussex. 01273 415296.
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Fri 2 Mar 2001 06:43
Re: Seat Alhambra intermittent loss of power > - Andrew Bairsto
You should not be travelling at 85 in the uk.
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Fri 2 Mar 2001 09:27
Re: Seat Alhambra intermittent loss of power > - John Moorley
This was not as drastic as your problem, but might be related...
Our 1994 Passat TDi developed a baffling intermittant fault where it felt as if it was suffering from fuel starvation under load - the diagnostic computer gave no clues.
To cut a long story short, my VW dealer finally traced the problem to the turbo wastegate control valve (a cross-shaped device mounted on the bulkhead on a Passat) - it was thinking that there was too much turbo pressure and so was dumping the boost.
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Fri 2 Mar 2001 18:26
Re: Seat Alhambra intermittent loss of power > - Andrew Hamilton
Could there be some electronic control unit overheating because it is in poor thermal contact with the car. All this needs is replacement white heat conductive grease on back and retightening of screws.
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Sun 4 Mar 2001 13:50
Re: Seat Alhambra intermittent loss of power > - Andrew Brazier
Not quite the same as my VW 1.9TDi (Aug 98), but not dissimilar. After 18 months and 50,000 miles of different remedies, VW and specialist non-VW dealers, the problem couldn't be diagnosed. Most of the remedies in the other replies were tried - nothing. New Fuel Pumps, Turbos, Sensors, Pipework even gearbox!

The only regular characteristic was a total loss of power when under accelaration. Pulling away from Traffic Lights, accelarating to overtake, pulling away from junctions.

Finally, VW bought the vehicle back, once it was decided that a new engine was the next stage ( a hairline crack in the block was suggested by someone).

Do persist in finding a solution, mine got progressively worse over 18 months. I was lucky - it was a company car, if yours is your own I would be very worried about long term problems and saleability.

Good luck.
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