Ok, I'm going to add my woes to this thread in hopes that someone can point me in the right direction.....
I've read and taken the advice above in the original post.
Not sure if it's turbo time.
2002 Jetta TDI with ALH engine...365,000 km. I've owned it since new.
I've experienced several years of limp mode occurring (as prescribed) on long trips when hauling hard up hills with a heavy load etc.
In recent months the limp mode has been occurring more frequently and on routine trips around town. Additionally I was getting a bit of hard brake only occasionally though. The cycling ignition worked to reset the turbo but sometimes MIL And sometimes not.
In an attempt to solve this problem I've taken the following steps:
-read this thread about limp mode

-replaced air filter
-tried MAF Test (disconnected it and the power sucked just as bad, no improvement)
-replaced a worn seal in the vacuum pump (where it bolts onto the head)
**this actually fixed the hard brake problem (or at least it hasn't happened since)
-replaced all vacuum lines with proper non-collapsing lines
-intake manifold and EGR cleaned out
-new turbo actuator as the old one was likely the initial problem.
After these were done the car ran great for a day.
The next day it started and ran but without any turbo. No MIL.
Now the car is running full time as if it has no turbo at all.
I swapped out the vacuum pump for another one as the old one was a bit weak (but still producing vacuum) There is no turbo whine or spooling noise, No MIL and no clue what to do next other than post here.
