A crack in your charge air cooler will definitely be a problem for driveability. Follow this real fix to see how cracks in the charge air cooler caused a code P2279.
Vehicle
2012 Audi A3 1.6 Diesel
Title
P2279, P2359, Replaced Charge Air Cooler
Complaint
The customer states the check engine light is on.
Cause
Confirmed customer complaint, engine management light was illuminated. Connected a scan tool and found code P2279 – Intake Air System Leak and P2359 – Boost Pressure Too High/Low. Performed a visual inspection of the air filter and the air filter housing and found the air filter was clean and observed no evidence of any damage. Performed a visual inspection of the turbocharger air tube and charge air cooler, but found no obvious faults. Using a smoke machine, induced smoke into the turbocharger induction system to check for leaks and found smoke emitted from the charge air cooler. Further inspection of the charge air cooler revealed signs of cracking. The results of these tests verified the charge air cooler was faulty.
Correction
Replaced the charge air cooler, cleared codes, performed a road test and verified the vehicle operated properly. The check engine light did not illuminate and no fault codes returned.