Rapidrob
Veteran Member
'96 Passat TDII was cruising along at 65 MPH for 40 miles and came to a nine mile long 15% grade hill where the speed limit went up to 75 MPH. I set the cruise to 75 MPH and was rolling along. About 1/2 way up the hill my engine slowly lost about 20% of its power. It was N O T in limp mode. I have had LIMP mode happen over the decades and there was always a CEL light. When it had gone into limp mode it was very abrupt with very little throttle response.
I pulled off of the interstate and the engine idled normally. I accelerated away and once again felt a loss of power as the engine was increasing in RPM to about 3,000 RPM RPM but the pull was at least 20% weaker than normal. It was cool but not cold as in jelled fuel.
I got to my destination OK and parked the car for several hours and then drove the 50 miles back home where the speed limit is 65 MPH up some very steep mountain roads. The engine never missed a beat. I did pass several slower semi-trucks at 75 MPH with no issues.
I did check all of my vacuum lines with no issues found. I have no idea why the engine just started to slow down very gradually under a steep incline/load?
A clogging fuel filter?
A dying turbo?
Any helpful ideas what to look for?
Thanks.
I pulled off of the interstate and the engine idled normally. I accelerated away and once again felt a loss of power as the engine was increasing in RPM to about 3,000 RPM RPM but the pull was at least 20% weaker than normal. It was cool but not cold as in jelled fuel.
I got to my destination OK and parked the car for several hours and then drove the 50 miles back home where the speed limit is 65 MPH up some very steep mountain roads. The engine never missed a beat. I did pass several slower semi-trucks at 75 MPH with no issues.
I did check all of my vacuum lines with no issues found. I have no idea why the engine just started to slow down very gradually under a steep incline/load?
A clogging fuel filter?
A dying turbo?
Any helpful ideas what to look for?
Thanks.
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