Technical advice pelase - 2011 Ibiza 1.2 tdi - Turbo Control fault - CRASHER are you there?

[Shakinsean]

Hi There,

this is my first post and I am in need of some advice, hoping this might be an issue someone might be able to solve.

I recently purchased the Seat from BCA car auctions (online), the car is a clean 2011 Ibiza 1.2 tdi Copa for my daughter, she is 17 in September and it is the zero road tax model. The car was classiifed as a grade 2 (decent condition) but with an amber engine warning light. I know many cars seem to have warning lights so this didn't really put me off.

The car has covered circa 71,000 miles. There were 3 lights on the dash, DPF, Engine management and the glow plug symbol. The car felt very flat and underpowered when driving back, almost like it was in limp mode but not obviously so (if you get where I am coming from) and progress was steady. I appreciate it is only a 70 hp car but it was definitely lacking any oomph when moving. Otherwise the engine sounds okay. oil level was on the low marker.

I waited a few weeks to get the car to a mechanic who has a VW background but does not possess the specialist diagnostics. He reported back that there is a turbo control unit fault. He mentioned he had come across this before on this particular engine and despite swapping the turbos, it did not solve the problem. Therefore, he said he was reluctant to take this further, as he didn't want me wasting money. People squirm at cars bought at auction, but this car is not a clapped out piece of junk, so I am still motivated to try and sort the problem. There is a good independant VW specialist close to me, but I can't get the car in for a couple of weeks (Midland VW Cannock).

Just wondered if anyone has expeicence of this and am I likely to expect big bills or could this be something simple (wishful thinking) that I might be able to sort myself. I know it will be hard to diagnose from the information I have given, but wondered if there are any conclusuons that can be drawn from what I have mentioned above.

The car is a 3 cylinder CR tdi Ecomotive SE Copa.

Thank you, Sean

[VAG-Abound]

Could be several things, but here's a similar one: Please Help More DPF issues.

[Shakinsean]

Thank you for that pinted, have read the thread and it sounds uncannily similar to my issues. I don't know the history of my car but I do have all 3 lights on, or I did as the mechanic managed to remove one of the lights.

I wonder, if i might be able to swap the turbo for a reconditioned unit, myself? with the lack of pwoer the turbo certainly isn't giving and forward assistance. Cheers, Sean

[Crasher]

To start with you need to get the car fully code read (preferably using VCDS) and post the results on here than have the codes cleared, carry out test run and recode read.

[VAG-Abound]

I wonder, if i might be able to swap the turbo for a reconditioned unit, myself?

You may be able to, but until you know if you need to sort out DPF (or other things) as well it would potentially be a waste of time. Did you mechanic use a code reader to diagnose the turbo control problem, and can they give you the full set seen?

[Shakinsean]

Thank you.

have the car booked in next week, in the meantime folowing your suggestion I have spoken to a frient who can plug a Launch diagnostic in? he doesnt have the VCDS. npot sure he knpws how to work it, but we will give it a go and I will report back the faults.

Cheers, Sean

[Shakinsean]

Thank you also. He did use a code reader but I am assuming it is just the basic tool. I will call him and try and pin down exactly what he discovered.

I have faith its fundamentally a good car, but now questioning if it is a suitable forst car for a young person probably only running local miles. Hoping, I can get it right for her, as her first choice the Polo and they are a little over priced compared to the Ibizas, she now likes the Ibizas and is unaware we have got her a car...shame its a bit of a pup!!

[VAG-Abound]

At the mo I would say fingers crossed that it's the DPF and a forced regen will sort it out - because that's all standardish, no parts work. Won't know until you can get decent codes and / or diagnostics though.

[Shakinsean]

Some good news to report, dropped the ar to Midland VW this afternoon and within 20 mins I received a call back, they ahd identified the problem as a blocked vacuum pipe to a solenoid on the turbo, the pope is £15 plus fitting. I am over the moon, so have booked the car in for a full service and cambelt/water pump in August.

I thought thought I had bought a bad un, just proves that taking it to the right people is key. the car had spent 3 weeks at the last place and it almost had a new turbo. Fundamentally, I can see there is a good car under the road grime.

thanks for all your feedback and have a great weekend.