With my strange starting problem and all, just wondering if theres a way to tell you are in limp mode (hard or soft) without a boost gauge. I have no CEL light, was just wondering if there was an easy way to tell.

 

Vag-com can tell you boost, and frankly if you are used to how the car responds, it should be apparent with diminished pull. I believe disconnectinc battery for 10 minutes (-) and then reconnecting, allowing the 2 minutes with the key forward first click to let the throttle body realign, should reset the limp, at least until whatever triggered it initially triggers it again. That said, you are really doing yourself a disservice by not having a boost gauge. I have no mechanical experience, I mean not even an oil change, and I installed mine with basically no trouble. It is very useful information to have on your car and a requisite (imo) for other performance modifications. You can cheap out on ebay or a local autoparts store short term if you like, but you really should try and install one this weekend.

 

+1 for that, couldn't have said it better myself.