Does Your VW/Audi 2.0t TSI Have A Bad Turbo 

You hands down, have the best VW videos on youtube.

Something I would like to mention. I had a p0299 code on my mk6 GTi. I checked for boost leaks and checked the wastegate rod. Everything seemed good. I gave in and sent it to the dealer( I don't work on many turbo VW so i thought it was best.). Dealer told me it needed a turbo. Which i agree. It was passing a lot of oil. I replaced my turbo with a nice new one. Still was getting p0299 and lacking performance. I did some data logging over a few days and all different driving conditions. I thought maybe I had an exhaust restriction. I took the o2 sensor out of the turbo housing(CBFA) and put a bore scope in. Saw the cat looked like a solid black chunk. Replaced the downpipe and checked for boost leaks again. This was months ago and the car is running great and no more p0299. While my situation was rare I wanted to put this out there for anyone who is desperately trying to figure it out and exhausted all other options.

I just was test driving my 2012 GTI after replacing the intake manifold. When I got home, I checked the ecu for any codes, and this code was present. I opened RU-vid, and without even searching anything, this was the first suggested video in my feed. Once my car is cool, I'm going to try this out. Thank you once again, Charles!

Hi Charles. I really enjoy watching the video blogs/how-to's for both VW and Audis that you make and as well as Paul. I am new into the VW/Audi family as I have picked up an 06 A4 B7 2.0T FSI. Since picking this vehicle up, Ive been have all sorts of problems. from overboost, to underboost, to cyl4 misfire and other Pcodes that I have seen.I have replaced the TurboCharger with an alternative brand as my old one (WG flapper) assembly was wobbly. Ive ran a boost leak and tighten all pipes,etc.still having the issue. ive replace the diverter valve with the updated version and even purchased the GFB+ and swapped it out with a new DV and then a hybrid BOV. I even replaced the N75 with latest rev. Ive cleaned the gunk out of the intake. replaced the cam follower and also vacuum pump. replaced most of vacuum lines. inspected the BSH revamp delete kit. replaced the PCV valve. What i do notice is that when the engine is idle, i can hear a slight hissing sound but unable to pinpoint it. no leaks from valve cover. there are many times it can only boost at or barely 5. but if i were to start the vehicle in the morning, the car can exceed 5 ~ 15ish @ avg 4.5k rpm. There's also this hesitation when accelerating (it does feel fluid). The car has about 186k miles. compression is at (i might have to use another compression tester) cyl 1~ 3@ 115 and cyl4@ 91. No blue smoke from the tailpipe. car also has an APR stage one ecm upgrade when i purchased the vehicle used earlier this year. someone told be to swap it out with a stock computer to see if the apr upgrade has something to do with it. I do have an obdeleven that i purchased from Paul at www.Shopdap.com and have used to the best of my ability to check the codes, email them and clear em. I also have a boost gauge in the center vent but have not traced it where its connecting to. though one thing i can say is that there is this small vacuum hose that is connected to the intake manifold and reduces the hose to a size similar to 1/8 ID (?) and then connected to some see through inline filter and then connected to a barb fitting and then it is fed through the ecm box. From there Im not sure where it leads to. I really dont want to give up as I have invested alot of time, sweat (living in vegas), long late nights away from the fam while working in the garage. Any suggestion(s) is really appreciated as i would love to get this vehicle back to its glorious state. Cheers, Jason

Thanks for the explanation. VW mechanic told me my actuator arm has play in it. 2011 GTI.

Thanks for the videos! P0299 happened today. Slight tear on the inside of the DV. Will be crawling back under my car to check this tomorrow!

The Wastegate rattle is popular, but in my experience, the actuator arm going to the diaphragm can get sluggish or even seized where it won't open as it supposed to making it sluggish/ wont return all the way to make it seal/ or get stuck partially or fully open. Best way is to just get under there and start looking . Good info for people who are unfamiliar with some of the issues that can plague these cars.

Thank you so much. I found this kind of problem in my Audi A3 2012. Took off the turbo and changed the axis of the wastegate for a brand new ones.

Would also like to thank you for your videos and response to my comments. I bought a 2013 GTI DSG for wholesale cost because it had issues(underboost,misfires,brakes). With your help I have got it sorted out and am still far below book value or even typical asking price in my area.

Great video , I'll keep this one in my tool box that I carry around between my ears . Thanking

Very useful diagnostic information - will bank that info for any future turbo charger issues i come across. Cheers! :)

GM 1.4L have the same problem, around the same mileage. Same diagnostic procedure. Good video.

Another excellent video. Finally hunted down my mk6 gti undeboost problem. Been watching a lot of your videos. I got to say that they have helped. I actually watched your videos before i bought a VW and before i even had any plans to buy one.

I don't get how you only have 300k subscribers. You've been an amazing RU-vid personality and love watching your videos. Keep up the good work!

Agreed 100%. Great video. 4 motion Tiguan #1. Tiguan #2 then CC #3. Info is spot on. Newer models are way easier to diagnose than the old 1.8t and etc.

just faced this problem in the shop, thanks for putting out great info!!!

always so informative and you have alot of content. thank you, subscribed

Awesome help in diagnosing my turbo problem. This helped me understand what was going on with my 2010 A4. Thanks!

Excellent video bro clear concise easy instructions on how to check engine faults yourself keep up the great work Humble mechanic New subscription here!

Our previous Tiguan which was a 2010 had the turbo fail at around 110k then the timing chain tensioner at around 11400. Which basically damaged the whole engine, cost to repair was going to be around 8000 CAD which was about half the value of the car at the time. However, VW covered 70% of the cost for parts damaged by the tensioner failure, because the car was out if warranty by only a couple of months, and because of customer loyalty. It was disappointing to say the least, but it didn't deter us enough from getting another.

Perfect explanation and demonstration! Thanks for your videos and keep it up! :)

It is videos like this that made me shy away from buying a GTI. Thank you for the awesome videos! Subscribed.

Very good video Charles! Thank you. Good info! Even though I do not have a turbo car its nice to know.

Thanks for sharing this information, much appreciated.

My 2010 Audi A4 130kmiles had this exact same problem. At least this helps me to understand what the dealer was talking about. The only symptoms I noticed were a loss of performance.

Turbo replaced and another P0299 at 2300 rpm and 36 mph. Mechanic did 2 smoke tests and found no leaks so he's replacing the intercooler. I'm definitely getting the P0299 vanity plates in October.

This is the video I have been searching for. Thanks

I love working on a hot engine reminds of playing the game operation wheni was a kid lol

My brother has a 2012 Tiguan and he said he has a code for low boost and I think im going to to try this. Thank you Charles.

to your closing comments, I needed the video. You just helped huge dude. Subscribed.

Good video brother I like this one to the point and precise👍

Nice vid got a car in my bay overnight gonna do this tomorrow morning thanks 👍👍

I love awesone mechanics, but they are hard to find. Thank you for this.

Turbo in my 1.8t was definitely bad... It smoked like a freight train whenever it was running, pulled it out, was a total loss. Great video, I used this to make sure a turbo was bad. Turned out to be a failed actuator.

Hey Charles You are awesome, thanks for this video, friend

I have used VCDS to for a boost leak check. I used to log and plot the values on a graph in excel versus the RPM. You also can see boost curves too for curiosity. And like you said, look for the specified and actual. I'm pushing 20.0 psi with APR stage 2+ with other bolt ons which potentially can cause boost leaks. They're all fine 2 years later. A big thing for those who have early 2.0 TSI engines, I believe 2010 and older, it's the diverter valve. Early engines had a rubber diaphragm that tends to rupture and you have no boost at all. I caught mine before it was going to tear. 2011's and newer got the revised piston DV. You can either do that, or keep the solenoid part and go with GFB DV+ if you're tuned (recommend it). You will get a fault code but it doesn't do anything and no check engine light. Holds boost very well and vents much faster

Thanks for sharing your diag strategies

Very well put Charles, nice and comprehensive... Don't we wish all checks were actually this easy?

Thank you. I just bought a 2013 gti with this code. Now i know steps to troubleshoot and the issues to look out for. Charge pipes and intercooler i checked first thing

subbed. your channel is awesome 👍🏼

Almost bought a bad K03 turbo with this issue. Thank God for this video

If you have a VW or Audi before 2014, p0299 can also be a bad diverter valve. The older ones have a diaphragm in them that crack and tear. Can replace with a newer piston version.

I also wanted to note to you, that if you see another turbo with this problem, take the car for a ride with the drivers side window down, and listen for an intermittent "tick tick" or "tsk tsk" sound when in 2nd and 3rd WOT. The reason why I'm noting this is because if you get another one in with shaft play, that "tss tss" ticking sound under WOT might be the exact sound that's specific to the problem. That way, if that's the sound you hear, you can already have an idea before even having to look at the turbo. Sorry for long posts. You've helped me with a few questions and I'm just reporting back a few things I've learned about driving with a bad turbo. Should also note that I could feel an overall decrease in performance the 2 weeks before I had a VW mechanic inspect my car. Harder to chirp 2nd and (I'm APR stage 1, no less,) and I could feel something weird happening in 6th at low rpm if I pushed the accelerator down from 60 mph to 80 mph and up. I can't really describe it, almost like air was leaking out which made it feel like invisible fingers were barely squeezing the fuel line. Hopefully this long and bizarre headache of a journey is finally coming to a close. 15 P0299 error codes since October, and no noticeable physical symptoms of a bad turbo aside from the tick ticking sound and the power band feeling off in 6th. The tick ticking is very subtle though, and I think you can hear it through the intake. It's something you have to listen for but once you hear it, you can't unhear it. I wonder if the sound has to do with the wastegate not seating properly. I also didn't hear the wastegate fluttering very often. Like "less than normal" not often. Ayeeeeee I hope the brand new Borg Warner KO3 turbo that comes in tomorrow has an updated design. The brand new turbo in your video looked a little different than the OEM ones that I've seen.

There are workarounds for the bad flapper. I pulled the wastegate, cut the arm, threaded a piece on the end to be able to adjust it and was able to fix the slack. Fixed the p0299 issue.

Good call on this tip man. If I ever see this issue a K04 upgrade will be in my near future.

There was a moment in the video that HumbleMechanic didn't blink for more than 30 seconds! I think he's a robot and needs to reprogram his ecu. :) Nice videos!

Great video man thank u. very helpful and useful info

Hey Humble Mechanic! Loved the video, super informative. Question... My 2011 coded and it was the check engine light. The code was P0299. The dealership confirmed it was my turbo and recommend replacing it. The price was too high and so I'm holding on for my old VW mechanic. Today the light was on, then I got back in my car and the check engine light went out. Since the diagnosis I've been driving it very gingerly. Any thoughts on why the light's out?

You solved my AUdi TSI problem : P0299 Turbocharger under boost problem . Thanks

Bought a brand new apr k04 kit for my octavia EA888.2 straight off apr dealer. I'm facing the same under boost error. Although apr is suggesting me to reset the wastegate mechanism, I've a gut feeling that the issue is happening due to apr providing us a 3.5 Bar sensor wherein k04 run flawlessly on 3 bar tune. Gonna load the 3 bar tune next week to see if it fixes the issue. If not, I'll have to proceed to reset wastegate. Excellent video!

7:48 can you give more details? How to monitor actual boost? What to compare it with? Thanks

Great info buddy.. Thank you 🙏 For the video

Hi! Talk about P00AF ! Thanks and great videos!!

Hi Charles like you said I got a Tiguan with the same under boost fault and it was loose on the waste gate pivot I installed the anti rattle clip that you can get at the VW parts department it's meant to reduce the noise from a loose waste gate but I installed it and it did solved the under boost for a while but the other day when the customer came in for a service there was a fault for low boost but at least it's way better with the clip on now what I do is on all CCTA engines I install the clip before the the problem is there I think that it will help prevent the wear of the waste gate there is an other thing to look for is the cut off valve on the turbocharger if the car is a early production it might have an old style valve with a torn diaphragm I've seen it before the other day I got a Jetta with this fault and the hose close from the throttle body for the sound generator for inside the car the spring clip was left off when the dealer replaced the injectors on warranty.

Das Very Good Tips and Info Especially Waste Gate Shaft Play Exhaust Housing of Turbo

Thank you bro 😊 you're my hero, you have saved the day

Some 1.8T movies would be excellent. Maybe a video on diagnosing water ingress on the B5.5 Passat? Seal along the window, sunroof drains, battery tray area drains, and finally, the pollen filter tray.

Excellent explanation, Thank you very much.

Hello Charles, I´m writing from Ecuador. Thanks for the useful videos you publish. One quick question, would you advice to buy a 2.0 tsi or 1.8 tsi equiped car? here I have a couple of options with very low mileage cars. Both passats 2014 with less than 40 k miles! I own a skoda octavia tdi and I have changed the turbo twice already,,,, thanks so much for your time and answer!!

Great video! I have this issue on my Skoda 18.TSI, year 2014 and I'm wondering should I replace turbocharger with the exact same model or to look for upgrades as dealer is claiming that this problem is not a warranty issue?

Here we go, my Audi shop said my turbo is going bad. P0299 has been popping up for about 6 months. And I haven’t driven much for about half that time. Anyways, all hoses are rock solid. They narrowed it down to turbo. Ugh. 2013 Audi A3 8p premium plus stage 2 apr tune. Transverse motor. I’m gonna wrench it myself. Great info, thanks

Nice video. Very Clear

After this long P0299 nightmare, I was finally able to get my car into an actual VW mech and I have a bad turbocharger, and I finally got eyes on it and it's doing exactly this. Make that 7 correct diagnoses. Happened at 61000 miles on my 2011 VW GTI

Good explanation, thanks!

very very helpful video!!! mine has same problem~~

Very good video!

We do a lot of these on 2.0t tfsi a4's and you can distinctly hear the waste gate rattle when shutting the engine off or after simply revving the engine up.. On the Audi side we have extended warranty for the worn out waste gates, in Canada at least

Just finished the DV swap on a 2013 Tiguan 2.0T TSI this morning.. Easy Peasy, 30min max. Unplugged the harness on the factory unit, and oil ran out of the connector.. Yep, she's done.

Bought a 2011 VW Tiguan 4Motion from the dealer. Ended up having a bad turbo charger. Luckily they're replacing the turbo with a VW used turbo, free of charge. Hopefully it works out and the used turbo is good.

What do you call SUBSTANTIAL and KNOWLEDGEABLE the answer is HumbleMechanic Sharing what you know with us great video Thank you very much. Take care and have a great day HumbleMechanic From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

Hi, thank you for your video, could you please tell me how can the problem of west gate arm movement be fixed? Maybe you have some videos or tutorials or links for me? thanks in advance anyway!

Great video.

super helpful, thanks man

Nice thanks for the info

Great video! I recently got a differently fault that I've been looking up. Not sure if it is related. Any clue on P-2563? I can't figure it out. I already re-adjusted the voltage range, but the darn car just loses boost at high speed. (At low speed it's fine).

Good info, Thanks.

My VW Golf (1.4 tsi 122 hp dsg 165000 km.) went into fail safe mode on several occasions when driving on the Autobahn. After looking into the matter (vcds and checking the arm of the wastegate) I decided to replace the turbo for a brand new Garrett turbo. Costs : 500 euro and 2,5 hrs. of labour. Now runs like a new tsi again.

I am a senior citizen who owned an O7 Audi A4. Car was a nonstop litany of recalls, electric problems, and turbo issues. At 50K, the turbo ceased altogether--a $4,000 repair. You'd think that VW/Audi could get this 2.0 turbo sorted out. They've only been making this engine for 15+ years.

You the best master to explain

I had that code, but it turns out it was a loose spark plug!!! I felt like such a dummy taking that to the shop

Charles, I just saw your video about extra training for techs. I'm a journeyman and started working for VW just over a year ago. Would you consider doing a "Tech Series" going over your experiences as a foreman and things you've found that help you diagnose stuff in the shop, common issues, and weird issues you've run into?

CHECK ALL YOUR SENSORS! I had p299, epc, plus some slight timing chain rattle, low power, low torque response, p130a, p2337, p102f codes that ALL got fixed after replacing my CRANKSHAFT SENSOR! All my other sensors were pretty new except this one and didn't even expect a fix when I replaced and everything was fixed. Before expensive parts I recommend trying the sensors. I apid for a shop diag that didn't even mention sensors and luckily tried it on my own. I've driven it hard even at full throttle multiple times now and no engine lights weird noise so far. on the new sensor. Power and torque all feel great. Wish I'd replaced the sensor 50k miles ago. '14 Jetta 1.8 tsi

Love your videos, very helpful. I've got an 06 A3 with the low boost code. OBDeleven live data shows it's making zero boost. No noticable play on the wastegate arm at all. No obvious big boost leaks. Car has the updated DV. Any ideas aside from a bad turbo?

Hi Charles. I love your videos! I have a mkV gti with the fsi engine. I’m assuming this method would apply to that too? Thank you

I hav also detected on Pasat and A4 a rattle from actuator when decel but you’re way is the 100% way for sure

Thank you for the video Charles, very informative. Question for you or anyone out there that might know. 2008 Audi A4 2.0T, I got a P0236 and P0299 but no check engine light. Car is in limp mode won't go above 50mph. Any advice?

If this is the reason I have p0299 on my mk6 GTI I will you give you a hug bro. So much help from your chanel

I have a 2006 2.0TFSI has the same code. Replaced a turbo that I know has done 90,000 miles, car was great with replacement "Ridex Turbo". It lasted about 4 months and the code returned along with a rattle. Figured the turbo was good so changed the DV to a REV G and the car was slightly better but still had P0299. Took it to a mechanic and turns out the wastegate had fallen off and was rattling around inside the turbo. New Borgwarner unit being installed by the shop.

Cheers n thanks great video

Yup. Got that code two weeks ago. Took it to the dealer and they said the turbos toast. Completely replaced under warranty.

Thanks its help a lot👍

HI, HUMBLE, i have a 2006 passat 2.0 turbo engine and would like to know the measurement specifications for camshaft lobe, the one drives the cam follower and high pressure pump, i would love to hear if you can help me with that info. thanks a lot and keep going w great technical info videos.

I note the Golf and Jetta aren't mentioned. They have TSi engines too. But if a turbo fails on a 1.8 hell just get a better turbo and upgrade.

Can you do a video on Audi haldax failure and how to tell!!! Thanks 🙏

I have 25k miles on my 2014 A4 Quattro and I've been having this code come up. I swapped the DV, cleared the CEL and the code remains. Bad turbo?

Great video. I hope people will watch until the warning about heat before they go about. Haha.

I should add that this issue may not give the driver the classic symptoms of a bad or failing turbo. I wasnt rolling coal, I wasnt sputtering and going into limp mode. I wasnt spitting out black and blue/white smoke from my exhaust pipes. The only "telltale" signs that my turbo was failing were the chronic P0299 underboost codes and the loose play on the actuator arm of my turbocharger, but as far as driving conditions that may have been indicative of a failing turbo, the ONLY sound I heard from the turbo while driving was a "Tss tss tss" sound when under heavy acceleration in 2nd and 3rd. It would tick maybe 2 to 4 times in quick succession between shifts in 2nd and 3rd especially. So drivers be advised, your turbo may not exhibit any or many outward signs of failure for up to 10000 miles with this problem but you'll know if you hear that tss tss tss noise.

Love your videos! Excellent, quality content with great personality - just subscribed! Question/situation for you: I just purchased a used 2012 GTI DSG with 129k miles about a week ago from a reputable VW dealer. It came with a 3 month, 3,000 mile powertrain warranty. There is no MIL, and no driveability issues but I do hear the wastegate rattle when i rev it in neutral, when the engine revs down. I will check the wastegate arm for play, but I'm just wondering if I do find play in the turbo, and there is no MIL, would there be a way to get this covered and have the turbo replaced possibly? How long does it seem to take for faults to show up from this type of play in the turbo? I suppose it could just be play between the wastegate actuator rod and the arm going into the turbo, which that clip may take care of? I just don't want to have to replace a turbo shortly after my 3 month / 3,000 mile warranty expires. At the same time I realize there needs to be an issue in order for them to fix something. Please let me know your thoughts! Thank you in advance!!

I hear some beeping coming from the engine when the key is turned on and the car loses power sometimes and resets the clock .and sometimes won't start . Any help? Thanks.

what were the symptoms of a failing n75? And did you diy, if so can you tell me the steps? The issue im having is when building boost around 2500-3000 rpm is sluggish but after 3000 it builds boost fine. I've replace the diverter valve and no change, also looked at the wastegate actuator rod and wastegate flap rod there is no play at all. So i might be thinking the n75 has failed and there might be a boost leak. So if you have any troubleshooting advice that would be awesome! Thanks.