what is normal turbo sound for a TDI?

**sootyscottie** · 02-09-2008,07:39 PM

Just a quick question to settle my mind.

I have just bought an 05 2.0TDI sportback with 70k on the clock.

This is my first diesel car , and my last 2 cars were both 1.8t petrol engines (Seat leon cupra and cupra r).

My question is about turbo dump noise on gear change.

Basically, i am quite suprised at how loud it is on a diesel. When driving in a built up aread, ie high street etc, i can distinctly hear the turbo dump. It is not loud enough to turn heads, but i can definately hear it quite clearly. Also, i can occasionally hear a slight 'chatter' noise after the dump. (this is the best word i can use to explain). I have never really been able to hear the 'dump' on the petrol turbos, as they were recirculating, so am i right in saying that the diesel does not recirc?

Basically i want to know if this is normal, because if it isn't, i would like to get it sorted out.

Thanks in advance

**eko** · 02-09-2008,08:05 PM

On my 2.0 tdi Passat when I change the gear I can hear the ‘pressure release’ from the dump valve. It is quite loud. However, I do not hear any other noise. I hope this helps.

Ed

**Crasher** · 02-09-2008,08:11 PM

They do get noisy as the turbo is failing which is an extremely common problem on that engine.

**sootyscottie** · 03-09-2008,08:47 PM

When you say failing, do you mean it will be likely to die soon or just general wear and tear , so will perform the same ,all be it a bit noisier?

**Crasher** · 03-09-2008,11:57 PM

They start wheezing and whining and then start losing oil. It is such a common problem that my local TPS (VAG genuine parts) keeps two in stock at all times. Lots of other VAG turbo’s are unreliable and they are all to order, not in stock-it is that much of a problem. One local taxi company had seven Octavia 2’s with the BKD 2.0 16v engine, we serviced them all and five out of them had failed turbo’s at less than 50K.

**sootyscottie** · 04-09-2008,10:32 AM

What would be a good check to see if the turbo is failing?
Would any error codes get thrown up or is there some other way of checking to see the condition of the turbo. ( apart from taking it off that is

)

**Crasher** · 04-09-2008,11:01 AM

They do throw out error codes but apart from excessive oil in the change pressure system and odd noises, there isn’t much warning until they fail.

**sootyscottie** · 04-09-2008,12:44 PM

Thanks for the info crasher.
Looks like i shall just wait and see if the turbo goes:P
I can guarantee that it will fail just after my warranty ends !

**allycooke** · 10-11-2008,03:23 PM

Originally Posted by Crasher

They do get noisy as the turbo is failing which is an extremely common problem on that engine.

does anyone have any further details on noisy (whine / whine'ing) turbos on the 2.0 tdi engine.

my 56 plate 2.0tdi (170 quattro) has started making a horrible whistling (almost like a distant police siren) sound between idle - 2000rpm. I should also add that it only has 35k on the clock.

the Dealer has confirmed there are no technical or performance related problems - no errors being shown on the ol' compooter. however AUDI UK say this is due to a chance in "pitch" of the turbo fan which can happen and say i should just live with it.

however I'm not happy with this response as the "whistle" is noticeable even above the radio/fan - and to be honest to me sounds like it's on it's way out. the car still has warranty for another 12 months...and it sounds more like AUDI UK don't want to pay for the £2500 turbo replacement.

anyone else successfully had Audi replace the turbo? or worse had a failure because Audi UK wouldn't cough up.

cheers, Al

**allycooke** · 12-11-2008,12:42 PM

Audi UK are still sticking to their guns - no replacement on the turbo unless it is impacts the performance. I don't think AUDI UK understand I don't want a new turbo..I just want the whistling/whining noise to go away. it was there for the previous 30k and I don't buy into the "pitch" change story.

however their is some possible good news......the dealer mentioned that on their recent master-technician conf call my car was raised in the Q&A by Audi UK and another dealer mentioned a Turbo "software" upgrade fixed a similar problem on a car they had with the same problem.

So the update CD is now on order for my car...and fingers are crossed it's a turbo mapping issue and the upgrade / change will stop the noise.

I'll keep ya all posted.