VW Touareg - Engine Issue

ironclaw

Hi Folks,

Putting this out here on the off chance anyone has had a similar problem. Engine is the manual 2.5 Turbo Diesel (Which is the same block as the Transporter and others I believe) Year is 2007, well driven so this isn't a 'I don't drive my diesel enough' issue.

Issue? Going into limp mode and indicating a fault with the turbo / exhaust system. Generally happens around the 100km/h mark on a cold start. But can otherwise be random.

Whats been changed?

DPF
Entire Turbo (Later ruled out)
EGR Cooler Valve
Boost Converter Sensor
Boost Pressure Sensor

But still indicates a fault. A number of reputable garages have viewed this and have all been excellent to deal with. So it seems to be a very abstract fault. The EGR was the last component changed so frankly astounded when the fault re-appeared.

So, has anyone had a similar issue with a Touareg or this engine block? Or reasonable suggestions?

drunkmonkey

Have you taken it to a main VW dealer to fix? From your post it sounds like its been going to random garages rather than been left with a main dealer to sort out. Without the correct vw equipment no other garage can properly diagnose the problem.

George Dalton

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Have you taken it to a main VW dealer to fix? From your post it sounds like its been going to random garages rather than been left with a main dealer to sort out. Without the correct vw equipment no other garage can properly diagnose the problem.

Nonsense.

tossy

George Dalton wrote: »

Nonsense.

I agree. With a problem that needs a bit of expert diagnosis and time/patience to sort the last place i'd bring it would be a VW garage.

kaiphas

I had the exact same issues in an 08D model. Noticed it was occurring on the same stretches of road (typically road with a slight incline). It was in and out of the garage for about 6 months before VW Belgard finally got it fixed. It was a leased jeep and they replaced pretty much the same list as you have. In the end even though they appeared to rectify the issue I had lost confidence in it and had it replaced with an A6. Pity as the Touareg was the most comfortable vehicle I ever drove but I just didn't trust it to get from a to b. a garage in Cork said the issue was only in the 2.5D and didn't manifest in the larger engines.

Again like you the jeep was doing good mileage, long runs and was serviced regularly.

mickdw

tossy wrote: »

I agree. With a problem that needs a bit of expert diagnosis and time/patience to sort the last place i'd bring it would be a VW garage.

Yes but it does appear that the op has ended up replacing all likely problem parts which suggests poor diagnostics. A good independent is surely the way to go.

ironclaw

kaiphas wrote: »

I had the exact same issues in an 08D model. Noticed it was occurring on the same stretches of road (typically road with a slight incline). It was in and out of the garage for about 6 months before VW Belgard finally got it fixed. It was a leased jeep and they replaced pretty much the same list as you have. In the end even though they appeared to rectify the issue I had lost confidence in it and had it replaced with an A6. Pity as the Touareg was the most comfortable vehicle I ever drove but I just didn't trust it to get from a to b. a garage in Cork said the issue was only in the 2.5D and didn't manifest in the larger engines.

Again like you the jeep was doing good mileage, long runs and was serviced regularly.

Do you have any idea what was fixed?

As regards garages, all garages used are top notch independents who are well respected in their relevant fields. We only deal with specialists. It appears to be a very unusual problem as each of the above list should have, in theory, solved the issued as indicated mechanically and by OBD.

tossy

mickdw wrote: »

Yes but it does appear that the op has ended up replacing all likely problem parts which suggests poor diagnostics. A good independent is surely the way to go.

More likely poor mechanic taking shots in the dark and replacing expensive parts hoping for the right result.

drunkmonkey

George Dalton wrote: »

Nonsense.

Nonsense is changing parts in the blind hope one might fix the problem based on the advise from someone without the proper diagnostic equipment.

maidhc

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Nonsense is changing parts in the blind hope one might fix the problem based on the advise from someone without the proper diagnostic equipment.

I think nonsense is just replacing bits on the basis of a fault code rather than using experience and proper analysis.

ironclaw

tossy wrote: »

More likely poor mechanic taking shots in the dark and replacing expensive parts hoping for the right result.

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Nonsense is changing parts in the blind hope one might fix the problem based on the advise from someone without the proper diagnostic equipment.

maidhc wrote: »

I think nonsense is just replacing bits on the basis of a fault code rather than using experience and proper analysis.

Can we get off the 'Oh the OP must be going to crap garages' etc?

Categorically not the case. Its entirely possible for the best mechanic in the world to miss something as its entirely beyond the scope of what is being seen both on a mechanical or sensor basis. To cover all avenues, the car was seen by a specialist in the exhaust system, an electronics specialist and, to begin with, an overall specialist. They are all big names in their respective fields. And to be fair with the problem presented and global VW experiences, the fixes applied all were the logical right choice.

My intention of the thread was not a (useless & fruitless) garage bashing but hopefully someone saying 'Had the same issue, it was XYZ.'

tossy

How about you post the exact fault code.

ironclaw

tossy wrote: »

How about you post the exact fault code.

I'll get it up here as soon as I'm home. From research it can be pretty much anything from the turbo / exhaust system. Its fairly non-specific.

George Dalton

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Nonsense is changing parts in the blind hope one might fix the problem

I agree 100%. But believe me main dealers are not immune from the "replace parts until the problem goes away" approach to these kind of issues. In fact in many cases they are the worst offenders in my experience.

drunkmonkey wrote: »

based on the advise from someone without the proper diagnostic equipment.

Again I agree with what you are saying here about the proper diagnostic equipment. This does not mean main dealer diagnostic equipment however.

In your initial post above it appears that you trying to suggest that nobody outside of the dealer network can diagnose this problem in the correct manner? This is absolutely not the case and this is what I was referring to as nonsense. The VW diagnostic equipment will only return the same fault codes as the diagnostic equipment that a decent independent will have at their disposal. There is nothing special about the dealer tool in that regard. Any diagnostic tool is only as good as the person interpreting the information that it provides.


Apologies to the OP for hijacking the thread, I just couldn't let the comments from the above poster go unanswered. As tossy says, if you have the exact fault code then post it up here. Whereabouts in the country are you based?

ironclaw

Hi folks, fault code is 299. Which according to VAG is: "Boost Pressure Regulation: Control Range Not Reached"

George Dalton

I would be looking very carefully at the vacuum system and the boost sensor wiring next. Given the fact that everything else has been replaced.

ironclaw

George Dalton wrote: »

I would be looking very carefully at the vacuum system and the boost sensor wiring next. Given the fact that everything else has been replaced.

From my reading of it, I agree. Its interesting as it seems to be a fairly widespread issue but the fixes range from un-tuning a car, to changing a turbo or the DPF. All of which are not applicable here.

I think a leak is the only option left

dieselbug

I must say you remain very calm for someone who has apparently spent a lot of money on an issue not yet resolved. Others, I think would be making all sorts of threats at this stage. Full credit to you for your patience and understanding.

Were all parts replaced new and genuine? Is engine control software fully up to date

Not too sure about the accuracy of the fault code you posted (see link)

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/16619/P0235/000565

ironclaw

dieselbug wrote: »

I must say you remain very calm for someone who has apparently spent a lot of money on an issue not yet resolved. Others, I think would be making all sorts of threats at this stage. Full credit to you for your patience and understanding.

Were all parts replaced new and genuine? Is engine control software fully up to date

Not too sure about the accuracy of the fault code you posted (see link)

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/16619/P0235/000565

No point getting annoyed as all the boxes and checks have been made by mechanics I trust. Its something so obscure or hidden that it might take a 7th look to find it! It easy to miss a tiny haircrack that could be triggering a leak and hence boost warning.

From further reading, it would appear a live VAGCOM scan of the boost pressure might be an option.

That code seems to have two pages linked to it: http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/16683/P0299/000665

George Dalton

Where are you located?

dieselbug

There may be many causes for this fault, some very basic, some not.

You have a high opinion of the garages that already worked on the car so I would presume that all basic testing has already been carried out, leaks, vacuum pipes, manifold choke, etc.

It's impossible to give an accurate diagnosis via the internet but there are many tests to be done before replacing expensive components without being sure it's necessary, ie back to basics. As others have said, you need someone who can study the information and make sense of it. Live data at the time of the fault would be a good starting point. Any good independent garage will be equipped with vcds, vag com, or better, leak detection gear etc. As George Dalton has asked, if you give your location, some may be able to help or make a recommendation.

Glenvw

Was air flow meter checked???

dieselbug

Glenvw wrote: »

Was air flow meter checked???[/QUO

I dont know if it was checked. I would consider it a necessary check though and many others before replacing expensive parts.

It's a variable vein turbo setup with a feedback system I would think and as such with many fault options, mechanically and electrical.

Glenvw

I can only assume it was checked as its such a obvious common fault area. I would also be looking at the anti-shudder valve as I have seen it before where the vacuum line has had poor connection and also mounting brackets coming loose.

ford jedi

hi your fault code is very straight foward it,seems boost related, surely checking the live data with the engine under load will have shown you exactly what all the replaced components were actually doin, just from that code , boost pressure is not coming in to range of boost desired pressure under load , mainly caused by leaking intercooler hose/pipe, does the car go in to limp mode just after a good accleration or on cruise? and after engine restart does the fauilt go away for a few mind and come back? does you car have electronic turbo actutor or vac system?

ironclaw

Hi folks, just as an update to this, appears to be fuel related. Currently testing with and without additives, and the difference is stark. Fuel pump is also under scrutiny. It would appear though that a catalog of problems occurred around the same time i.e. Some things we repaired would have failed soon anyway. Just seemed to be bad luck. ECU seems overly sensitive to any variance on the boost pressure.

Air flow and boost has been completely ruled out at this stage.

dieselbug

Might be worth trying a genuine fuel filter on it if it dosent have one already.

ironclaw

dieselbug wrote: »

Might be worth trying a genuine fuel filter on it if it dosent have one already.

Cheers but we only deal in genuine parts.

johnbb

Hi Guys
I drive the 3.0 auto touareg 2007 and have owned it for about 9 months now.
Up to last weekend i had this sudden loss of power while driving about 4 times.
An engine warning light will come on and return to workshop comes up also.
I left it into the VW garage and they ran a diagnostic but could find anything.
This weekend however was different and while on a motorway in the fast lane she lost power scary stuff.
Pulled into the hard shoulder switched it off restarted it and away we went. It lost power 6 times within an hour. This issue is such a pain.
I will be leaving it in to the garage again this morning.
Any ideas because if this keeps happening i will have to sell it.