Bora 1.9TDi Loss of Power

[DiverDave]

Hi all,

Got up this morning, started my car and stalled it. Strange i thought. Started it again, and really struggled to pull off the drive (which has a slight incline). Once on the flat road i floored the car.....and there was hardly any power there. I again turned off the engine, started it (it starts fine btw) and again no power.

I am sure i can hear the usual turbo whistle and there are no lights on the dash. I haven't got access to VAG COM and have read a few threads on here that point to various things like the air flow meter etc. As i need the car to get to work, can anyone throw in some suggestions, or possible quick fixes i could try?

For your info, the car is a 2000 W reg with 126k on the clock. I do service it regularly too. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Ok, so a little update. Just got home and i can definately hear the turbo spin. The car does seem to rev ok, but it isn't as responsive, if i floor the acclerator pedal, it seems slow to get the revs up. However i can hear a good whistle which i assume is the turbo. I have attached a pic below of (excuse my ignorance here, im no mechanic!) the turbo actuator. This moves freely but with the engine on or off it doesn't change its position (im not sure if it should however).

21.jpg

My final thought was to disconnect the battery to try and clear any potential faults, with no affect. If anyone can shed some light i really would be grateful, i spent £94 on a new central locking motor only last week and on Monday my central heating packed up so money is tight. Got use of the girlfriends Ka tomos but after that i think im going to have to dust off the mountain bike.

[DiverDave]

Anybody??

[mikeybutch]

It seems that you will need some diagnostics and money to sort this.If the whistle is loud it may be the turbo cos it s/b more of a low whoosh as the revs kick in

[Alan G H]

Your picture is of the anti-shudder valve actuator. It only moves when you switch the engine off. The turbo actuator is tucked way down the back of the engine, and is not easy to see. I think the only way you would see the turbo actuator move is to disconnect the vacuum pipe, and use a manual vacuum pump on it. As I said, it is not easy to see. Are you sure all the turbo hoses and pipes are in good condition and not leaking?

[DiverDave]

Ok, well from what I can tell the anti shudder valve never changes position but does seem to move freely. I've got a tow truck coming on Saturday so it can be plugged into a computer. I just hope this won't cost the earth! Might be time to trade her in
Thanks for the responses though. Will keep you posted with any updates.

[DiverDave]

Well my car has been fixed. It was as expected, the good old Mass Air Flow meter! Can't believe this fault didn't bring up a warning light on the dash. Also can't believe one sensor can pretty much cripple the car, but there you go. Im just glad to be back on the road!

[mikeybutch]

Result.I think it would show up on diagnostics

[DiverDave]

Yeh im sure it would, which begs the question why didn't it bring up the engine management light, unless the bulb has gone lol! Been thinking about buying a cheap diagnostic reader from flea bay but found it quite a minefield tbh. And i keep thinking is it time to change the Bora, its a W reg with 125K on the clock and i keep thinking whats going to go wrong next! Just not sure what to buy next!

[mikeybutch]

You are right. I rely on my son who has VAGCOM but even then its not100% cos he had an S3 once that had a faulty throttle body that didnt show and it took 3 mos and much money to find with checking everything.Hard to say with old cars but our 99 V5 has 166k same clutch and mechanicals but g/box is a little notchy otherwise still drives well with heated leather Recaros.Real value for money motoring if you only potter around