Loss of power- turbo actuators???

[Michael]

Greetings. Old member, hopefully some members remember me. Shipped the Sportec RS4 from Switzerland to Japan. No problems since 01 until now, and it has mechanics baffled. Audi Japan couldn't figure it out so they sent the car to TSM (Japan)who deal with Sportec thinking it was a chip problem. Car drives fine for first 10mins then loses considerable amount of power. Feels like driving on 1 turbo. TSM have concluded that either 1 or both actuators (part of the turbo?) are malfunctioning. they're telling me that the fix is to replace (unfortunately) both turbines, for great cost, as Audi Japan are telling them they can't order the actuator by itself. Rather they have to order the entire replacement turbine unit. I smell a rat. Would someone be able to shed light on this topic for me please. I find it hard to believe after only 47,000kms I have to replace both turbines for considerable expense. thank you.

[kcsun]

Could be wrong - but I think that the actuators are controlled by some vacuum pipes at the rear of the engine, it could be a leak from one of them (split hose) that is stopping the car going "on boost"
kc

[johneroberts]

find it hard to believe after only 47,000kms I have to replace both turbines for considerable expense

people have done it with far less
me included
at great cost
best of luck
jr

you could pay for minhea to come over and have a look at it

[CliveH]

I assume that they've already tested and eliminated MAF, DV's, N75 valve, airleaks, etc?

[Nige_RS4]

I find it hard to believe that it is the actuators (or even the turbos) if the car runs fine for 10 mins. I suspect it is going into 'limp' mode when the engine gets warm - hence why you are feeling the loss of power. It could be something as simple as a MAF. My advice is to get a boost guage on it ASAP, or better still log blocks 003 and 015 with VAG-COM and post the results on here - there are a number of owners on this forum who have RS4 data to compare against yours.

Nige.

p.s. which sportec upgrade do you have - this will help with fault-finding.

[flashyg]

Simple, when u have been there. Many times!
Vag com and logs, log bank 115 this will tell much more.

Do the logging and post as Nige said.

[Nige_RS4]

Oops, supposed to be 003 and 115 - in the 'engine' module of course!

[Golich]

I'm with Nige on this one. Seems odd that the car runs fine for 10mins.

Unfortnately the turbos complete with actuators are supposed to be replaced as a pair.

Also I can vouch for a turbo seal failing in mine at 34K miles.

[Michael]

Thanks guys. Will pass on your comments to the shop and revert back with feedback. Merry Christmas.