Many cars have turbochargers to boost the power allowing you to use a smaller engine. When the turbo isn’t providing boost you’ll certainly notice the lack of power. Follow this Real Fix to see how a lack of power issue was diagnosed on this Volkswagen Passat.
Vehicle
2007 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L
Title
Engine Lacks Power, Replaced Turbocharger Control Shutoff Valve
Complaint
The customer states the engine lacks power.
Cause
Confirmed the customer’s complaint and found the engine lacks power. Performed a visual inspection of the air intake system and found no obvious faults. Performed a visual inspection of the ignition system and found no obvious faults. Connected a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel pressure test port and found the measured fuel pressure was within the specified range. Performed a visual inspection of the vacuum hoses and found no obvious faults. At idle, used a scan tool to monitor live data and found the turbocharger control shutoff valve was erratic. Disconnected the turbocharger control shutoff valve connector, visually inspected the connector and terminals and found no obvious signs of damage. Used a multi-meter to test the turbocharger control shutoff valve wiring harness and found no obvious signs of damage. Removed the turbocharger control shutoff valve and found during a visual inspection that it was torn. These test results verified the turbocharger control shutoff valve was faulty.
Correction
Replaced the turbocharger control shutoff valve and verified the vehicle operated properly. The customer’s concern did not return.