Another northern state failure
16,000 mi on SE w/ 6spd MT, outside about 45*, no lights until just before final failure, then blinking glow plug , steady on engine light. Build date 6/13, purchased 7/13 w/ 36 mi on it. Dealer serviced at 10k. 80 miles/day RT commute, slow through town for a few miles, then max highway speed posted is 55, slow through 2 towns along the way. Perfect commute for this car, avg near 50 mpg last summer, low 40's through the winter. Warning signs - high pitched whine few weeks ago, initially thought I was hearing radio interference - turned it off to check, still there, wondered if I just never noticed it before (new to turbos and diesels). Had been using additives, but not since January (wanted to see if it affected mpg). 5 days before final break down, had the first episode of no engine response - could floor it, no response whatsoever. Downshift, was able to pick it back up. Intermittent over the next few days. When it finally went, the lights came on as above, pulled over when I could. Difficult restart, then went in to limp mode. Smoking. Drove a bit, smoked worse, pulled over, let it cool down. Restart, slower limp mode, lots more smoke . Tow truck called.
Dealer experience so far has been good. Called next day, turbo's gone, they said they needed to get a bolt or plug or something that allows them to bypass the turbo and run the engine to check for damage, they had accounted for all metal parts of the broken turbo. Number unknown, I haven't seen it. Asked me if I needed a loaner, and that the determination was turbo only, or new engine. Went up Sat to pick up the loaner, (spent Fri nite reading the disc. thread so I knew the story, what to ask, etc- thank you all!) got to talk to the mechanic doing the work. Seemed conversant with the issue, told me this was their third. Asked about DPF, alignment after dropping the subframe, etc., all positive responses. Word today is that engine checked out, so they'll get the turbo and whatever else, should be done this week. Also asked his opinion on engine heaters, he was very positive, and so I went up today and brought my Frostheater I had not installed, he said he'd put in on since it'd be easy. I had gotten mixed messages on it locally, and had no trouble starting this winter, so hadn't installed it myself, but now it's going in for sure- who knows if it'll have any impact on the turbo issue, but can't hurt (no garage, either). Very pleased so far with dealer response - and I didn't buy the car there. Wife feels I should push for an engine, but on the thread, looks like changing out the turbo has been the standard, without demonstrable engine damage? Will update with any progress. Oh yeah - I drive reasonably, maybe too easy on it - typically shift before 3000, run below 2000. I plan on adjusting that, rev higher at least once in a while - if this one is going to blow, I want it to go fast. I love this car, but I want to trust it again. My loaner is a Passat gasser, AT - I would not own that car. Keep reaching for my clutch, and "only" averaging 30ish mpg- great for the size, but that ain't 50...