I've had a CEL for a couple of months. Car starts and runs ok, gas mileage is normal, but engine power is down, I can tell the engine is making little if any boost. On throttle tip in the car feels a bit jerky, like it wants to build boost but something is letting the pressure out. Car just rolled over 100k miles. The timing chain and all maintenance has been done.

Having had experience with other turbos this feels like a bad waste gate or intake leak. I checked for obvious signs of leaks, torn rubber connectors, loose couplings, etc. but nothing obvious that I could detect. I'm suspicious of the boost pressure sensor or the WG diaphragm just from experience on other vehicles, but wish to know if that is a common problem.

Is there any way to DIY to pull the CEL codes? I searched the forum but couldn't find anything.

Any thoughts on what it might be?

I took it to a non Audi repair shop, they said the code had something to do with the low fuel pressure sensor. They reset it and the CEL came back almost immediately on the first WOT. They then replaced the low fuel pressure sensor at a cost of $200, but same problem. Now they want me to leave it with them for a couple of days, unspecified cost.

I checked with local Audi, they want $170 just to read the CEL code. There has to be a better way.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

I just visited Auto zone and pulled the codes;
P0299 - boost in range low
P2181 - cooling system performance

I'm guessing p0299 is a bad diverter valve, but would like some thoughts. Also, where do I get a replacement part and DIY instructions?

Any idea what might be causing the p2181 code?

Thanks.