Trying to troubleshoot a VNT actuator (with video)

[jrock]

Trying to troubleshoot a VNT actuator (with video)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuSVmNTzdxI


Getting this code
(17964 - Charge Pressure Control, P1556 - 35-10 - Negative Deviation – Intermittent)
I pulled the vac line off the VNT actuator pot, and plugged in my mity-vac. Pulled about 15 inHg and noticed the actuator arm moves (shown in the video) moves about 1/4 of an inch or so but it won’t move any more than this.

Is this normal? Not sure what to make of this.

VNT actuator

 

[TDI_G]

It looks like your VNT mechanism is sticking or the vacuum actuator is bad. Either way, I would recommend pulling the turbo and cleaning it. Before you do that, check the impeller by either pulling the down pipe or intercooler hose off the turbo and feel for movement. A tiny bit of side to side movement is ok but any in and out movement means the oil seals are on their way out. I have a brand new actuator in the classifieds if you want to try replacing that first.