1.9TDi Turbo cutting out Error P1557

gabhan16

I have seen some threads on this about cleaning the VNT valve? Is this easy to do and how would I go about it? No mechanical experience with any cars

It's a VW Passat

gabhan16

To elaborate, my turbo cuts out when I get to about 3000 revs in 1st 2nd or 3rd gear or earlier sometimes in 4th and above.

If I restart the car it's fine, no error was and when one did I knew someone who ran the diagnostic with this error. The diagnostic machine must have reset it coz it worked for a day or two but then cut out again.

George Dalton

Have you checked the actuator on the turbo to verify that the VNT is sticking?

gabhan16

I haven't to be honest, how would go about that? Cheers.

George Dalton

The easiest way is to operate the VNT with a hand held vaccum pump and see if it moves freely.

To be honest with you from your description of the problem it doesn't sound to me like a VNT problem.

You say it sometimes happens in first gear, does it only happen under hard acceleration or can it also happen on light throttle?

Which shape Passat is it?

gabhan16

Hard acceleration and its a saloon 100bhp.... Took her out there a while ago and it seemed fine but no doubt it'll show again

George Dalton

Which model? B5.5 or B6?

gabhan16

George Dalton wrote: »

Which model? B5.5 or B6?

B6 I think, it's a 03

gabhan16

Anyway for me to check for sure?

gabhan16

actually looks like it's a b5.5 due to the year after a look at wikipedia

George Dalton

2003 would be a B5.5.

The reason I asked was because the B6 models have a common problem with the wiring that can lead to the overboost fault code.

In your case with the B5.5 it is likely to be either a faulty MAP sensor or a sticky VNT.

gabhan16

George Dalton wrote: »

2003 would be a B5.5.

The reason I asked was because the B6 models have a common problem with the wiring that can lead to the overboost fault code.

In your case with the B5.5 it is likely to be either a faulty MAP sensor or a sticky VNT.

Can the map sensor or sticky valves be pricey?

George Dalton

The MAP sensor is cheap enough, around €60. The VNT is expensive to sort out properly because it is built into the turbo. The only 100% way to sort it out is to replace or recondition the turbo.

gabhan16

George Dalton wrote: »

The MAP sensor is cheap enough, around €60. The VNT is expensive to sort out properly because it is built into the turbo. The only 100% way to sort it out is to replace or recondition the turbo.

Lets hope it's the sensor, the Passat just cost me 3k, if it is the VNT would it be worth repairing?

George Dalton

Sounds like you bought a Donedeal special. Whoever sold you the car probably knew about the problem and decided to sell the car rather than fix it.

Worth fixing alright but will still cost you a good bit of money, to get a garage to remove the turbo, send it away for reconditioning and then refit it you would be looking at around €900 in total. If you can DIY it you will get away with spending less.

gabhan16

Thanks for the advice anyway

gabhan16

How much would it cost just to fit one roughly if you don't mind?

George Dalton

We would be charging about 5 hours labour so €250 + VAT. Don't forget that as well as the replacement turbo you also need to allow a few quid extra for oil and filter, air filter, turbo oil feed line, seals, gaskets, nuts, bolts etc.

gabhan16

I have cleaned the actuator rod with WD40 but still seems to be happening, you mentioned you don't think it's sticky VNT vanes? Why do think that?

George Dalton

Usually a sticky VNT won't lead to limp mode until you are in 3rd, 4th or 5th gear. It would be unusual for it to cause limp mode in 1st gear as yours is doing. Did you try to move the actuator rod up and down when you were working on it?

gabhan16

I got a fella to do that for em so I din't to be fair. Could I move it with my hand to see? And if so what kind of response should I get from it?

gabhan16

ive tried to replicate it in 1st and 2nd but couldn't last few days only 3rd and 4th maybe i was mistaken. i need to drive it a bit more to find out i need to get it to someone who knows more than me i guess

George Dalton

If it is happening more in 3rd and 4th then it is more likely to be a sticky VNT.

Anybody that is familiar with the setup of a VNT turbo should be able to diagnose it in a very short time to be honest. Where are you located?

gabhan16

Cork City

MidlandsM

George Dalton wrote: »

2003 would be a B5.5.

The reason I asked was because the B6 models have a common problem with the wiring that can lead to the overboost fault code.

In your case with the B5.5 it is likely to be either a faulty MAP sensor or a sticky VNT.

Yeah, any i'v had it nearly always turns out to be the map sensor.

cork city ehhhh, you are approx just 1hr.40mins from George

gabhan16

ill see if i can get up but i know one or two guys here in cork that are supposed to be handy with VW, if you were nearer id be up to ya in a shot george

George Dalton

I'm sure there are plenty of places in Cork that will be able to get you sorted, hopefully someone will be able to suggest somewhere for you to try.

gabhan16

Good call, anyone here know any vw mechanics in cork city?

gabhan16

I've seen a new turbo on ebay for 330E, 2 years warranty. For that price would it be better that a recon of the engine? I'll check the MAP sensor first of course, just preparing for the worst.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/TURBO-CHARGER-VW-PASSAT-3B-3B3-3B6-1-9TDI-1-9-TDI-ATJ-AJM-/380600281724?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item589d8b6a7c#ht_7022wt_1162

George Dalton

That is a cheap chinese copy of the proper Garrett turbo. Literally not worth fitting if you got it for free.

gabhan16

Cheers, good to know.