Hi everyone, please do excuse as I come across a bit noobish as I am trying to learn everything from various other forums and am from South Africa so there isn't too much info this side.

Anyway, I have been having boost issues with my A3 (the turbo was replaced in April 2014(before I owned it)) since September this year, the car did not go limp but just lost power and eventually the check engine light went on again.

I took it to the local Audi dealer the first time (at great expense!) and they fixed an air intake pipe - I thought this had solved the issue but the engine check light came on over the weekend. It was back into Audi this morning and they ran their diagnostic test which came up with the P0234 code and did a mock quote for a new turbo as this was their determination.

Through a little help from the following: Audi Online Technical Library - Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) Tables https://www.obd-codes.com/p0234 Diagnosing and Fixing Limp mode for A4 1.9TDI [low power troubleshooting] - TDIClub Forums - I realised that it may not be the turbo that is going but it could be a related component. I am still not driving the car just to be safe.

My question is - could anyone here help me possibly narrow down the cause (wastegate, MAF, the actuator, hole in one of the vacuum tubes, faulty n57 or the turbo vanes being gunked up) or know any good turbo mechanics in South Africa.

I will appreciate any help and try to be as noobish as little as possible!!

 

I almost forgot, if anyone could recommend any positive tips to prevent issues like this it would also be valued - I am a conservative driver (no gear changes about 2200 RPM generally and not much use of the turbo).