Stuck in Limp mode after Timing Belt Change

ChewMT · Jan 6, 2015

I finished my timing belt swap and found I was now in limp mode. The source of the issue was I forgot to re-connect the pipe to the turbo.

I re-connected the pipe to the turbo but I'm still in limp mode. I've checked the following things:

My timing is good as verified by Vag Com.
I tried disconnecting my battery.
Cleared all fault codes even though it said there were none.

I'm now at a loss. Hopefully someone here can help me out. Keep in mind I'm still a novice with Vag Com.

Seatman · Jan 6, 2015

Keep checking, it's most likely you've missed something else like a vac pipe or plug maybe the maf.

If you have access to vagcom it might even have a code stored

ChewMT · Jan 6, 2015

I just ran a full scan for codes. The only code being thrown is for an intermittent air bag sensor.
I'll double check under the hood again.

ChewMT · Jan 6, 2015

I looked back under the hood again and couldn't see any other issues. Hopefully someone has an idea otherwise it's off to the dealership.

Seatman · Jan 6, 2015

If you have vagcom you could run some tests, like the maf, boost etc.

Not sure either on this one but if the fuel lines were put back the wrong way round I wonder if that could cause it?

I think it's tricky because it could be something you've done while at the belt or it could be complete coincidence and something else has failed.

jjcsnlynn · Jan 6, 2015

Is the timing between the blue and green line? Is the IQ set between 2 and 9? It might just feel like it's in limp mode if these are not set correctly.

ChewMT · Jan 6, 2015

Yes the timing is sitting at ~56 and the iq is at 3.0-3.2

CopaMundial · Jan 6, 2015

If you do not have a fault code then you are not in limp mode.

You may have a constant low power condition, but that is not the same as limp mode.
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/low-power-constant-tdi-engine-repair-and-solution/

jimbote · Jan 7, 2015

check all the vacuum lines including the large hard plastic line betwen the vac pump and booster ...

Rdsoxx · Jan 7, 2015

What are the symptoms?

ChewMT · Jan 7, 2015

My symptoms are; the turbo really isn't engaging. There is no power after 1800 rpm.
I'll take another look after work today. Maybe the intercooler pipe has a hole in it now or something.

Abacus · Jan 7, 2015

CopaMundial said:
If you do not have a fault code then you are not in limp mode.

You may have a constant low power condition, but that is not the same as limp mode.
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/low-power-constant-tdi-engine-repair-and-solution/

I have absolutely had limp mode without throwing a fault code, so it can happen. No codes on the VCDS when I scanned it but cycling the key restored power back, which is indicates limp mode.

ChewMT · Jan 7, 2015

What is cycling the key? Just turning it off and back on?

Rdsoxx · Jan 7, 2015

Turbo not engaging is pretty vague. No power after 1800 rpm is a little better.

If everything was fine before the tbelt swap - I'd focus on the IP pump. However you've already checked that with VCDS.

It's possible you damaged a vac line when raising the motor to do the tbelt. If you raise it just a few inches, the vac lines can get pinched along the rear cowl.

Get a mity-vac and verify you have vac at the supply side of the N75 valve on the firewall. If you do, I would check the actuator on the turbo to confirm it moves. You can also hook the mity vac up to it's vac line and draw a vac to confirm it's still roughly set correctly.

ChewMT · Jan 7, 2015

Sorry about being vague, there really isn't any better way to describe it. The power levels off, it feels like a 3 cylinder Geo towing a Uhaul.

Rdsoxx · Jan 7, 2015

I would check the vacuum lines and actuator movement. It's simple to do.

ChewMT · Jan 7, 2015

Thanks, I'll take a look after work.

JB05 · Jan 7, 2015

Is the MAF plugged in?

ChewMT · Jan 7, 2015

Solved. Disconnected vac hose. Sadly I had to bring it to the dealer and they found it in 2 minutes.

Seatman · Jan 7, 2015

ChewMT said:
Solved. Disconnected vac hose. Sadly I had to bring it to the dealer and they found it in 2 minutes.

Seatman said:
Keep checking, it's most likely you've missed something else like a vac pipe or plug maybe the maf.

If you have access to vagcom it might even have a code stored

What's my prize?

Rdsoxx · Jan 7, 2015

At least you got a lesson

jorioux · Jan 7, 2015

why in the world would you have unplugged a vaccum line for doing a tb job?

ChewMT · Jan 8, 2015

I didn't unplug it. It must have come off, maybe when I jacked up the motor.

Seatman · Jan 8, 2015

ChewMT said:
I didn't unplug it. It must have come off, maybe when I jacked up the motor.

Get some 3mm silicone and replace them, it wont fall off. I used the 3mm for the 5mm fittings too as it's stretchy but you could use 5mm if need be.

elroy · Jan 8, 2015

which vac hose was it?

SuburbanTDI · Apr 18, 2018

elroy said:
which vac hose was it?

Great question. Having that answer would be really handy right about now....

I hear a whooshing sound as I attempt to accelerate and the car shudders and cuts speed. I'm guessing vacuum line, just have no idea where one could be disconnected on my BEW motor.

BobnOH · Apr 18, 2018

Been 39 months, OP never said. Find the vacuum hose diagram for your car. There might be a sticker under hood.

SuburbanTDI · Apr 18, 2018

I failed to fully clip in the hose feeding the turbo. Easily seen from beneath the car.

Stuck in Limp mode after Timing Belt Change

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