I seem to be losing power from my 2003 2.0 TDI Audi A3 during higher revs and especially in 3rd gear onwards. The turbo is still boosting the power but seems to die off and struggle for power earlier than usual, it's trying to pull as you can feel it spluttering in a way. I just can't fathom out what it is. Is it possibly a missfire? or could it be that the turbo pressure leaking somewhere? It delivers power (somewhat less than normal) if you are tentative with the accelerator but when you prod it you can feel it juddering and fighting for power! Have you any suggestions in this area?

Thanks

 

From past turbo knowledge sounds like you need to have the turbo checked out

 

Most likely a fuel or air issue on the TDI. Check out the air filter and snow screen to make sure they are clear. How long has it been since your fuel filter was changed? How many miles/km on the car? Do you get and CEL codes? It could be your MAF too, but check the easy things first. BTW, do you use any amount of Biodiesel?


Cheers!

 

To be honest, I don't know when it was last changed, I purchased the car in September 07, it had been serviced at 58,000 and there is now 64,000 on the clock. No CEL's have shown on the dash either. So if it is an air or fuel problem, will the problem not be through all gears in all revs or am I just being young a naive?This is my first diesel you see and I am very inexperianced in this area!

Cheers!

 

It definitely sounds like an air or fuel flow problem. Check all of the air passageways including the filter. If you don't find anything there, then I'd change the fuel filter. Those are the inexpensive first steps. Diesel's are very easy to work on, and there isn't a lot of different components to go wrong as compared to a gas engine. It also wouldn't hurt to run some diesel kleen through it for the next few tanks either.



Cheers!

 

Cheers Chef, your advice is greatly appreciated, I will try the air passages, filter etc and the fuel filter and the likes also run some Diesel clean through the next tank of fuel, hopefully will solve my problem. The engine seems to be alot better today, not sure if it's a coincidence or not but seems to be pulling alot more for alot longer and alot more feistier!

I will keep you posted.

Thanks again!

 

Air filter replaced, passageways cleared, all seems to be ok!! Thanks Chef.... a true legend!!

But now I have to contend with my front bumber, some clever soul reversed their heap of junk with what I can only presume to be a tow bar into the front of my car, now I have a ball shaped dent in my number plate & bumper. They must of really hit it hard as my headlight has moved a bit too!!!

What a world we live in, no decency in it at all!!!

 

That sucks!

Glad that you're car is back to running like a sewing machine. LOL




Cheers!