Power drops on steep inclines

Andyp · 26-01-2008, 15:13

My trusty 1.9td classic taxi with 180,00 on the clock (soon to be retired) has developed a random fault on steep inclines where the power suddenly drops. If the ignition is switched off then on then the problem disappears. Almost like it resets itself. The turbo is not making any noise whatsoever.

I am wondering if it may be the electronic accelerator... any suggestions.

Thanks AP

THE KICK INSIDE · 26-01-2008, 19:22

Possibly a total red hearing but (when the engines cold) try tapping the cat and see it it rattles....

i have seen diesel passats where the cat crumbles and a big piece can move and obstruct the exhaust...you stop and it moves away....

Andyp · 27-01-2008, 02:03

ok thanks.. thats interesting. I will have to speak to my mechanic about that. Although.. if the cat has crumbled would there not be other symptons as well though.

One thing that is strange is that it has only happened on a specifc hill at around 60mph. As yet it has not happened on other inclines... very weird

Octygone · 27-01-2008, 09:10

Mine does exactly the same. steep hill, accelerate up and change into top gear ............no turbo, switch off and restart and everything is fine, it's going into the garage next week so will let you know what they find

rotodiesel · 27-01-2008, 09:11

I assume this is uphill. If so, the engine will be on maximum boost if you are accelerating. A common fault is for the engine control to select "limp home" mode if it sees an overboost condition. There are several causes for this, but sticking VNT vanes is a favourite.

Don't be fobbed off into replacing the turbocharge in this case - the vanes can be freed. There is a VAGCOM routine which exercises the VNT control so you can see what's happening.

Get the codes read first before you disturb anything.

rotodiesel.

Octygone · 27-01-2008, 09:19

It's under warranty so cost is not an issue

....but they reckon turbo problems are very rare on a superb, I think exactly the same as you and think it is over boost with the vanes stuck wide open so I hope they find it

THE KICK INSIDE · 27-01-2008, 11:49

my md's passat had this, and thinking back i think it was something stuck on the turbo...that was before his cat disintegrated and did pretty much the same...

Baker21 · 27-01-2008, 19:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andyp

My trusty 1.9td classic taxi with 180,00 on the clock (soon to be retired) has developed a random fault on steep inclines where the power suddenly drops. If the ignition is switched off then on then the problem disappears. Almost like it resets itself. The turbo is not making any noise whatsoever.

I am wondering if it may be the electronic accelerator... any suggestions.

Thanks AP

Good to hear that your Superb is on 180k, can I ask what mechanical problems you have seen during the last 50k, if any?

Andyp · 28-01-2008, 00:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Octygone

Mine does exactly the same. steep hill, accelerate up and change into top gear ............no turbo, switch off and restart and everything is fine, it's going into the garage next week so will let you know what they find

Well I am sorry to say that I am actually glad that you have the same problem! And I am looking forward to finding out what the problem is. Thanks

Andyp · 28-01-2008, 00:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by rotodiesel

I assume this is uphill. If so, the engine will be on maximum boost if you are accelerating. A common fault is for the engine control to select "limp home" mode if it sees an overboost condition. There are several causes for this, but sticking VNT vanes is a favourite.

Don't be fobbed off into replacing the turbocharge in this case - the vanes can be freed. There is a VAGCOM routine which exercises the VNT control so you can see what's happening.

Get the codes read first before you disturb anything.

rotodiesel.

Great .. Thanks.... AP

Andyp · 28-01-2008, 00:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baker21

Good to hear that your Superb is on 180k, can I ask what mechanical problems you have seen during the last 50k, if any?

Hi.. Ok... In general the car has been the best vehicle I have used as a cab in 25 years.

At around 80,000 ish (two and a half years or so back) the turbo started making a whistling noise, nothing major and it gave no problems. As it was still under warranty (2 years unlimited) it was diasnosed (if I remember correctly) as the cat breaking up.. and.. aparantly this would also cause problems for the exhaust.

So, at 80,000 I had a new turbo, cat and exhaust system all under warranty. Now, what caused this in the first place.. well... I have kept very quiet until now but I think I may have been to blame as I bumped started the cab on about three consequetive cold mornings when the battery went flat. It was from then that I had the problem. So, I am thinking that I may have been the culprit as I since learned that bumping a car with a cat is not on.

At around 130,000 .... which is within the last 50,000 as you asked about...the dual mass flywheel had to be replaced (out of warranty) and, with a new clutch, this was around £600. (Clutch had been replaced prior to this).

It has had an alternator and starter motor as well.

Recently it has had new front shocks but I blame this entirely on those damn humps that I am constantly (as a taxi) driving over in Brighton.

The engine still feels good.. very good infact.. and the car does not drive like it has done 180,000 and the body work is great. I have kept this cab for longer than I have ever kept others (normally go for new every three years at about 120,000) and it is coming up for 5 years in april.

However.. and there is always a however.... I have only just started getting a chattering from underneath... and I suspect it could be the gearbox.. although it could be something to do with the clutch as it does seem to go when dipping the clutch.

I have to say that the car has always had servicing every 10,000 on the dot and it has to go thru a very strict "Conditon of fitness" taxi test for Brighton & Hove City Council. This is far stricter than the usual MOT.

I wouldnt say that it is the most economical taxi to have as I managed around an average 32ish around town.. but I do have a large sign on top so that may make a difference. Also, it does tend to go thru front tyres. Additionally, my model does not have the fold down back seat.

Comfort wise it can not be faulted.. My customers always state that they have loads of room

My only real complaint is that it has gone through several CV joints on both sides,

I would certainly buy another one and I am thinking of retiring this before april ( I usually then keep the cab going out for private use..... I still have my 2001 Octavia thats on 128,000).

The new version looks nice but I dont want to wait until september.

AP

Baker21 · 28-01-2008, 08:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andyp

Hi.. Ok... In general the car has been the best vehicle I have used as a cab in 25 years.

At around 80,000 ish (two and a half years or so back) the turbo started making a whistling noise, nothing major and it gave no problems. As it was still under warranty (2 years unlimited) it was diasnosed (if I remember correctly) as the cat breaking up.. and.. aparantly this would also cause problems for the exhaust.

So, at 80,000 I had a new turbo, cat and exhaust system all under warranty. Now, what caused this in the first place.. well... I have kept very quiet until now but I think I may have been to blame as I bumped started the cab on about three consequetive cold mornings when the battery went flat. It was from then that I had the problem. So, I am thinking that I may have been the culprit as I since learned that bumping a car with a cat is not on.

At around 130,000 .... which is within the last 50,000 as you asked about...the dual mass flywheel had to be replaced (out of warranty) and, with a new clutch, this was around £600. (Clutch had been replaced prior to this).

It has had an alternator and starter motor as well.

Recently it has had new front shocks but I blame this entirely on those damn humps that I am constantly (as a taxi) driving over in Brighton.

The engine still feels good.. very good infact.. and the car does not drive like it has done 180,000 and the body work is great. I have kept this cab for longer than I have ever kept others (normally go for new every three years at about 120,000) and it is coming up for 5 years in april.

However.. and there is always a however.... I have only just started getting a chattering from underneath... and I suspect it could be the gearbox.. although it could be something to do with the clutch as it does seem to go when dipping the clutch.

I have to say that the car has always had servicing every 10,000 on the dot and it has to go thru a very strict "Conditon of fitness" taxi test for Brighton & Hove City Council. This is far stricter than the usual MOT.

I wouldnt say that it is the most economical taxi to have as I managed around an average 32ish around town.. but I do have a large sign on top so that may make a difference. Also, it does tend to go thru front tyres. Additionally, my model does not have the fold down back seat.

Comfort wise it can not be faulted.. My customers always state that they have loads of room

My only real complaint is that it has gone through several CV joints on both sides,

I would certainly buy another one and I am thinking of retiring this before april ( I usually then keep the cab going out for private use..... I still have my 2001 Octavia thats on 128,000).

The new version looks nice but I dont want to wait until september.

AP

Interesting to hear all that mate and I appreciate you taking the time to write it all down for me........

Duffelcoat · 29-01-2008, 12:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baker21

Good to hear that your Superb is on 180k, can I ask what mechanical problems you have seen during the last 50k, if any?

Stop being such a woos Baker! You must be driving your car like a granny paranoid that the thing is about to spontaneous combust at any second.

My theory is drive it like you want to other wise there is no point having it and I am fairly sure maintaining your car will be cheaper than buying another one even if something bad does happen...

My old pissat tdi had 185k on the clock and was fine, even when my mechanic said oh no you need to do a lot for the MOT it came to £350, much cheaper than buying anything else...

PS all the above in good humour...

Baker21 · 29-01-2008, 12:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duffelcoat

Stop being such a woos Baker! You must be driving your car like a granny paranoid that the thing is about to spontaneous combust at any second.

My theory is drive it like you want to other wise there is no point having it and I am fairly sure maintaining your car will be cheaper than buying another one even if something bad does happen...

My old pissat tdi had 185k on the clock and was fine, even when my mechanic said oh no you need to do a lot for the MOT it came to £350, much cheaper than buying anything else...

PS all the above in good humour...

You would be surprised at my driving style in all fairness.......

As for waiting for the car to spontaneously combust, not in the slightest but there is nothing wrong with wanting to know what potential faults I can look out for before they happen surely?

Duffelcoat · 29-01-2008, 13:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baker21

You would be surprised at my driving style in all fairness.......

As for waiting for the car to spontaneously combust, not in the slightest but there is nothing wrong with wanting to know what potential faults I can look out for before they happen surely?

I go for the ignorance is bliss approach to it all, when it goes bang have a look then, you won't be going anywhere else and thus have the time to look!

As for your driving I am curious as to why I would be surprised! Not sure which way you are leaning there!!!

Andyp · 30-01-2008, 03:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baker21

Interesting to hear all that mate and I appreciate you taking the time to write it all down for me........

You are very welcome

Andyp · 18-03-2008, 16:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Octygone

Mine does exactly the same. steep hill, accelerate up and change into top gear ............no turbo, switch off and restart and everything is fine, it's going into the garage next week so will let you know what they find

Any update on this?
Thanks

Supurbia · 18-03-2008, 18:21

Christ with all that lot replaced I'd be throwing a fit, regards to your problem, check the hoses that are on top of the air filter box, if one of these has a hole or comes loose all the power goes with it, start with the simple stuff eh

26-01-2008, 15:13	#1
Andyp Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Power drops on steep inclines My trusty 1.9td classic taxi with 180,00 on the clock (soon to be retired) has developed a random fault on steep inclines where the power suddenly drops. If the ignition is switched off then on then the problem disappears. Almost like it resets itself. The turbo is not making any noise whatsoever. I am wondering if it may be the electronic accelerator... any suggestions. Thanks AP

26-01-2008, 19:22	#2
THE KICK INSIDE Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: STAFFORDSHIRE Posts: 62 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Power drops on steep inclines Possibly a total red hearing but (when the engines cold) try tapping the cat and see it it rattles.... i have seen diesel passats where the cat crumbles and a big piece can move and obstruct the exhaust...you stop and it moves away....

27-01-2008, 02:03	#3
Andyp Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Power drops on steep inclines ok thanks.. thats interesting. I will have to speak to my mechanic about that. Although.. if the cat has crumbled would there not be other symptons as well though. One thing that is strange is that it has only happened on a specifc hill at around 60mph. As yet it has not happened on other inclines... very weird

27-01-2008, 09:10	#4
Octygone Old Git Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Wiltshire Posts: 6,682 Thanks: 180 Thanked 107 Times in 67 Posts	Re: Power drops on steep inclines Mine does exactly the same. steep hill, accelerate up and change into top gear ............no turbo, switch off and restart and everything is fine, it's going into the garage next week so will let you know what they find __________________

27-01-2008, 09:11	#5
rotodiesel Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 613 Thanks: 4 Thanked 69 Times in 61 Posts	Re: Power drops on steep inclines I assume this is uphill. If so, the engine will be on maximum boost if you are accelerating. A common fault is for the engine control to select "limp home" mode if it sees an overboost condition. There are several causes for this, but sticking VNT vanes is a favourite. Don't be fobbed off into replacing the turbocharge in this case - the vanes can be freed. There is a VAGCOM routine which exercises the VNT control so you can see what's happening. Get the codes read first before you disturb anything. rotodiesel.

27-01-2008, 09:19	#6
Octygone Old Git Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Wiltshire Posts: 6,682 Thanks: 180 Thanked 107 Times in 67 Posts	Re: Power drops on steep inclines It's under warranty so cost is not an issue ....but they reckon turbo problems are very rare on a superb, I think exactly the same as you and think it is over boost with the vanes stuck wide open so I hope they find it __________________

27-01-2008, 11:49	#7
THE KICK INSIDE Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: STAFFORDSHIRE Posts: 62 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Power drops on steep inclines my md's passat had this, and thinking back i think it was something stuck on the turbo...that was before his cat disintegrated and did pretty much the same...

18-03-2008, 18:21	#18
Supurbia Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 743 Thanks: 2 Thanked 22 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Power drops on steep inclines Christ with all that lot replaced I'd be throwing a fit, regards to your problem, check the hoses that are on top of the air filter box, if one of these has a hole or comes loose all the power goes with it, start with the simple stuff eh

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