Hi, I have a ford focus 1.8 tdci 56 plate that has recently seemed to lose power. It now feels like the turbo isnt boosting. I have checked the hoses for leaks and couldn't find any. I have also disconnected the maf sensor and it made no difference. I went to a turbo specialist who said the turbo actuator was functioning but there was slight resistance. He didnt seem to think it was faulty. I occasionally get a systems fault error which shows a code p0299, which is a low pressure turbo boost problem.Any help appreciated.

have you checked the turbo intercooler pipe isnt cracked?

this is a re post of a same prob by same bloke....

already stated, needs new air filter clean out air box, check pipes intercooler and air feed.. clean out maf sensor

this is a re post of a same prob by same bloke....

already stated, needs new air filter clean out air box, check pipes intercooler and air feed.. clean out maf sensor

Will fit air filter when maf cleaner arrives. If that doesn't work i will recheck hoses. Are intercooler hoses the silver metal ones at the back? If split will there be any dampness?

unsure about yours by my are black metal and rubber... on my tdci the only silver metal ones (from the top of my head) is the egr pipe work.....

unsure about yours by my are black metal and rubber... on my tdci the only silver metal ones (from the top of my head) is the egr pipe work.....

I will take a look thurs after work as im working till 8.30pm tomorrow.

Removed the duplicate thread from the forum

Removed the duplicate thread from the forum

I fitted new air filter, cleaned out the air box, removed the maf sensor and cleaned with maf sensor cleaner. The car is exactly the same :(

you didnt clarify if you have found a crack in the turbo pipe?

you didnt clarify if you have found a crack in the turbo pipe?

I can't see anything that's cracked. I even had the missus hold the revs up, so i could feel for leaks, but nothing. Is there any way to check pipework other than visually? The other thing i noticed is that very little smoke comes out the exhaust. Before the problem the car would puff out smoke when started from cold, now there is very little.

The best way to check pipe work is feeling, but there is little you can do other than run your hand across all pipes.

General loss of power, it could be something like a duff turbo cartridge, but it seems you need a professional to review further...

Cars fixed! Hooray! After going to 3 different garages i was sent to argyll diesels in east kilbride. Turned up, Mechanic said leave it with us and i'll give you a call in a couple of hours. Phoned back to say actuator arm in turbo had come off. It's apparently held on with a rose joint. Told me he would try to repair it otherwise a new turbo was required. Phoned later to say it was fixed. :)

Good going! what was the final bill?

£158. £66 per hour. Worth it as other garages said it could be 4-6 hrs to find problem. Better pay more per hour if they can fix the problem in less time :)

Forgot to ask about tuning.. I have heard of people getting the ecu chipped or reset to give more power. Can this be done with a 1.8 tdci?

Pretty much any ECU can be remapped (diesel gets a lot more than petrol will). It just depends what you want, you generally have three catagories:

1) Tuning Box - Plugs into the electric system and is a remap in a box. Can be removed at any time and doesnt affect the ECU image.

2) Bluefin - Remap on a device - Allows you to backup your current ECU and install your remap like an app on a phone, or a program to a computer, you can revert at any time with your device. These tend to be a generic image that improves the car but wont get every ounce of power out of it!

3) Remap - This is the biggy. A custom remap by a company, they take your car, put it on a rolling road, read it, fiddle with it, tweak it, tart it up and squeeze every drop out of it. They write this to the ECU, but once its done, its done! If the ECU is replaced, or reset by Ford, then you need another remap.

thanks very much for info. I will have a look at the options and decide which is best. Thinking about bluefin option..

Bluefin is a good way to go, you dont get the "personal" program but you do get the backup and restore options!