Blown Turbo at 25K Miles

[SilverTDIPDJetta]

This morning, while driving to work, I noticed a severe power loss, eventually slowing me down to 30-35 MPH with foot to the floor. During this time, there was massive smoke coming from the back of the car and the engine was very, very loud both at idle and under load.

Fortunately, I was close to the dealer at the time, so I drove it there. They called me at lunch and said that the cause of this was complete turbo failure, including a stuck wastegate. They also said that this was the first A4 Jetta TDI they have seen with this problem.

I always baby it when cold (keeping revs < 2,500 RPM), but I do drive it hard after it is warmed up. I am not redlining it all the time, but I would say that shifts normally happen between 3,000 - 3,500 after the engine is completly warmed up.

Did I do anything to cause this very premature turbo failure by my driving style?

What can lead to premature turbo failure?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[dieseldorf]

Mike, what mods are you working with?

 

[whitedog]

This morning, while driving to work, I noticed a severe power loss, eventually slowing me down to 30-35 MPH with foot to the floor. During this time, there was massive smoke coming from the back of the car and the engine was very, very loud both at idle and under load.

Fortunately, I was close to the dealer at the time, so I drove it there. They called me at lunch and said that the cause of this was complete turbo failure, including a stuck wastegate. They also said that this was the first A4 Jetta TDI they have seen with this problem.

I always baby it when cold (keeping revs < 2,500 RPM), but I do drive it hard after it is warmed up. I am not redlining it all the time, but I would say that shifts normally happen between 3,000 - 3,500 after the engine is completly warmed up.

Did I do anything to cause this very premature turbo failure by my driving style?

What can lead to premature turbo failure?

Thanks,
Mike

A small change: "What can lead to premature turbo replacement?"

Answer: a dealer that doesn't know how to fix cars and diagnose problems with the control system of the turbo.

 

[SilverTDIPDJetta]

Just springs, 17" tires, performance exhaust. I was just about to do the Stage I Rocketchip, but have not done it yet.

 

[dieseldorf]

I suspect you just got a bad turbo. it certainly would not be the first time.

Have you sent it to a competent dealership?

 

[SilverTDIPDJetta]

I suspect you just got a bad turbo. it certainly would not be the first time.

Have you sent it to a competent dealership?

Well, I guess yes and no. I brought it to Autobarn Mount Prospect, IL. One of three times (5, 10, 20k) they put Castrol Syntec in my PD, BUT with that HUGE exception, they have been excellent, and that includes today. They told me it was a new parts guy who gave the tech. the wrong oil. OK, but my issue was the tech. should have seen that it was a PD and verified that the oil was 505.01

 

[WeekendWrench]

One of three times (5, 10, 20k) they put Castrol Syntec in my PD, BUT with that HUGE exception, they have been excellent, and that includes today. They told me it was a new parts guy who gave the tech. the wrong oil. OK, but my issue was the tech. should have seen that it was a PD and verified that the oil was 505.01

Fill out the survey and let VWOA know. Try and get a few (future) changes for free. That is intolerable. Yes--it is a mistake. Mistakes happen. However, service is part of being a dealer, and especially since VW likes to charge premium rates. You have a very valid expectation to get a premium service done right the first time. Even moreso for something 'routine' as changing the oil. Think of the headache if they would have dumped G50 tranny fluid into the motor just because someone did not check the label. The dealer close to me is in naperville...i hope they do a better job--1200 miles to the 5k oci.

 

[supton]

<snip>
Fortunately, I was close to the dealer at the time, so I drove it there. They called me at lunch and said that the cause of this was complete turbo failure, including a stuck wastegate. They also said that this was the first A4 Jetta TDI they have seen with this problem.

<snip>

Thanks,
Mike

I always thought PD's ran VNT turbos--no wastegate. Have I remembered incorrectly?

 

[SilverTDIPDJetta]

<snip>
stuck wastegate
<snip>
I always thought PD's ran VNT turbos--no wastegate. Have I remembered incorrectly?

supton,

You are correct, I did a search and sure enough, the VNT used on the PD turbos has no wastegate. Well, whatever happened it was not good.

 

[jnecr]

<snip>
Fortunately, I was close to the dealer at the time, so I drove it there. They called me at lunch and said that the cause of this was complete turbo failure, including a stuck wastegate. They also said that this was the first A4 Jetta TDI they have seen with this problem.

<snip>

Thanks,
Mike

I always thought PD's ran VNT turbos--no wastegate. Have I remembered incorrectly?

PDs have a Borg-Warner/KKK VGT turbo (Variable Geometry Turbine). I'm sure it's the same as VNT but they are probably both registered trademarks of their respective companies.

 

[Kabin]

A local AZ TDI club member's new turbo blew. This TDI was an '05 PD 5spd and started making noises so the owner took it to the dealer. The dealer says the spindle is bad and won't warranty it because of after market suspension. I see you also have aftermarket springs.

I know the jury is still out on your's and I find it hard to believe a stealer, but could there be a chance stiffer suspension could add wear to the turbo?

 

[TornadoRed]

A local AZ TDI club member's new turbo blew. This TDI was an '05 PD 5spd and started making noises so the owner took it to the dealer. The dealer says the spindle is bad and won't warranty it because of after market suspension. I see you also have aftermarket springs.

I know the jury is still out on your's and I find it hard to believe a stealer, but could there be a chance stiffer suspension could add wear to the turbo?

No No No No No.

I hope your fellow AZTDI member has obtained legal representation. Because this is a case he can easily win.

To deny warranty coverage, VW must prove that a modification caused the failure. A suspension upgrade can't do that.

An exhaust system upgrade? Not a total slam dunk. But still a tough case for VW and their dealer to prove.

 

[PDJetta]

"To deny warranty coverage, VW must prove that a modification caused the failure. A suspension upgrade can't do that. "

I imagine the dealer would claim that suspension mods equate to racing the car. I'd say the mods were done because the stock suspension is too soft and skiddish to begin with.

--Nate

 

[whitedog]

"To deny warranty coverage, VW must prove that a modification caused the failure. A suspension upgrade can't do that. "

I imagine the dealer would claim that suspension mods equate to racing the car. I'd say the mods were done because the stock suspension is too soft and skiddish to begin with.

--Nate

A couple went out on a fishing trip, though she didn't fish. The second day out, the boat was loaded with fishing gear, but the husband felt sick so he decided to skip fishing for awhile. The wife was bored, so she took the boat out to do some reading in solitude.

Well, the game warden came along and pulled up along side her and asked to see her fishing liscense.

"I don't have one because I'm not fishing", she explained.

"Well, you have all of the gear" said the Game Warden.

"In that case, I'll have to accuse you of rape".

"But I haven't touched you", said that shocked Game Warden.

"Well, you have all of the gear", said the wife.

Moral is, that just because he had modified suspension on the car doesn't mean that he was racing it.

The dealer should not be able to deny the claim based on his suspension.

 

[DrewD]

Personally, I think there is a greater probability of incorrect tire pressure causing the turbo to failrather than a suspension.

I smell a court case in your future.

 

[passatwaggin]

[quote"In that case, I'll have to accuse you of rape".

"But I haven't touched you", said that shocked Game Warden.

"Well, you have all of the gear", said the wife.



[/QUOTE]

can't stop grinning

 

[03_01_TDI]

the stiffer springs caused a jolt on the turbo shaft.. thus causing the failure. JK

I had a stealer not do warranty work on a dash rattle-- becuase I had the engine cover off!

Which is why I never advise anybody to buy a VW. If only Honda would put a diesel in a civic..