Touran '07 suffering nervous breakdown

[Howdo]

Hi all, I'm new so bear with me...also I live in France so using google translation for engine parts

My touran (bought 3rd-hand) recently went to the garage for problems with the particle (particulate?) filter. The probe? needed replacing and in the process they saw lots of encrusted goop build-up so spent ages cleaning it out.. since then the fuel usage has gone up from around 6L to 10L and the central locking and the electric windows on the RH doors no longer work, nor does the A/C.

We've checked the fuses, nothing out of order there.

I've looked at several posts on this site and, though there are several useful ones, I'm not sure if pumps or modules apply to my problem - though please feel free to correct me!!!

Also, though this has been a problem since day 1, when using A/C or heating if at slow speed or idle, engine fumes come in through the fan system. Not so much of a problem in the summer but winter usage can be a real PITA.

This car is turning out to be a veritable money-pit, it almost seems like each time it comes out of one problem another crops up almost straight off and I'm quite frankly running low on confidence with the local mechanics...

Looking forward to an avalanche of helpful replies

[Rob69]

You don't say if this is one of the last PD engines or one of the first common rail diesels, I'm thinking it will be a pd fitted with dpf, and you have just had the filter replaced at considerable expense? If the original dpf is still fitted it could be blocked causing excessive exhaust backpressure, poor mileage and exhaust leaks in the engine compartment. To get to the bottom of your poor fuel consumption you need someone with decent diagnostics and knows what to look for, same goes for the exhaust leakage into the fan system. The failed door switches could be due to the cables being broken where they bend as the door opens and closes, AC could be low on gas, failed pressure switch (g65 i think) . Unlikely to be related or due to the recent dpf work carried out unless they damaged items while cleaning the 'goop', Again, a full diagnostic scan with vcds would likely flag up some fault codes, you probably need to find a better garage.

[Howdo]

I'm thinking this site needs a glossary of terms and acronyms!

Rob69, most of what you've said makes perfect sense to me, thanks for that.. as for PD vs common rail - no idea! If I specify 2.0 TDI 140cv does that help? (should have put that in the first post, I know)

I've been looking into a device called OBDeleven, seems like a good alternative for vcds, at least as far as keeping oneself informed and fore-armed with some knowledge before taking it to the garage with a gallic shrug..

As for the 'goop' - a bit of web-searching showed a fair few videos of people injecting/applying a very thin stream of water into the air intake pipes to help break down any carbon build-up, hence leaving the car running smoother and more economically. Any idea if this could work in my case?