Topic: Carbonization for VW Jetta TDI

[cwagly]

Hi, First timer here.
Can someone answer a question for me? I have a 2001 VW Jetta TDI and I ahve been losing power. As per the dealership, they said that its carbonization (build-up of carbon). They told me that they have to take apart and clean the EGR valve and also replace the mass air flow sensor. I was told it would cost me at least $1000 to $2000 bucks. They said that its the "ingredients in the fuel". I do know that in Alberta, there are strict guidelines that need to be followed when it comes to emissions and the sort. I feel like I am getting hosed!!! I heard rumors that other owners in Alberta (hopefully in Canada) has had the same problem and that they got the work done for free. Is there anyone who has had this problem had work done for free and if so, how and why? I feel if some get it for free then all should. Please let me know
Cwagly

[brian]

I don't know about the TDI engine in particular, but I STRONGLY question why they would want to replace the mass airflow sensor for some problem that has resulted from using "bad fuel".  Usually it can just be cleaned with electrical contact cleaner or something if dirty....

If I were you I'd also visit (and register) at that forum *specifically* for VW TDI owners.... I think it's called Club TDI or something... I beleive I have heard about people getting carbon or coking problems with their TDIs because they only drive them short distances and they don't get a chance to warm up properly, but I don't know if that is the problem you have.

Good luck.

[mark]

I second Brian's suggestion.  You can likely clean the mass air flow sensor yourself - you can find instructions on a site like Club TDI.

Is there any kind of injector cleaner for diesel engines?  A longish, higher speed / high rpm run on the highway is the old "Italian Tune Up".  I don't know if its as applicable to diesels, but I suspect it might help some.

The most important thing is to get some advice from a group of knowledgable TDI enthusiasts.

Good luck.

[Brigitte]

I have a regular engine - but the mass airflow sensor was a problem on this car in the past.  It was replaced under warranty by the previous owner, according the service records.

Don't know if that helps, but what the heck.

Brigitte

[awdriver]

Do some reading on TDIClub.com

Sounds to me like you should find yourself another dealer/reputable VW specialist mechanic.

A bad MAF will definitly cause power loss - but so will intake clogging.

The bad MAF on my 1.8t was replaced under an extended part (ie "crappy part") warranty - that may apply to your case as well.  The dealer was a bit reluctant to replace it til I told them that I tested it myself and found it to be bad.

$1000-$2000  WTF!!!!  You think they could be a little more exact about how much they'd like to hose you!   Wow!  I wouldn't worry - I think you will find a much cheaper solution if you do some research.

[maritime_storm]

Check the snow screen at the opening of the air intake, they tend clog up causing a loss of power preblem. www.TDIclub.com is the site they were talking about. It does have some good info on it.

[cwagly]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all you help so far. Have you guys done the work yourself. This is a first for me when it comes to Diesels. I can work on gas engines but diesels are different. Has anyone done the work themselves? Can anyone give me a few pointers? When I took off the hose to the EGR valve, I can see its all clogged up. What is the best way to clean it?

[skywalker407]

hi Cwagly try cleaning it with regular varsol and a brush not a wire brush or bring it to crappy tires and ask them to used their wash tool basin wich come with a brush and varsol incorporated for a small fee and blow dry it with air to remove excess cleaner and reinsert it into place (egr=exhaust gas recirculation valve)

[handshake]

I have a similar power-loss problem with a 2001.5 tdi golf. First I had the MAF replaced (under warranty,) and found that my intermittent (no turbo) power loss persisted, tho I had been operating at contant, siginificantly reduced power for about a year! The (lousy) dealer then blamed the problem on a leaking vacuum hose and a dirty EGR, which he took care of for $100 (not $1000-$2000 (?!) ). The problem persists.
This article:
http://www.tdiclub.com/TDIFAQ/TDiFAQ-8.html
addresses some possible fixes. Before I let this sucker replace the power relay for my ECU (his next suggestion,) I'm gonna hook up some VAG-COM and see if any of the other indications are available.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I had the same issue with my '01 Golf TDi at around 205K. Going up a hill on Hwy 401 I could have the fuel pedal mashed to the floor and I'd be losing speed up the hill!  

My dealer is awesome, and knew what the issue was - it is a common and well documented issue with higher mileage TDi's. The higher sulphur-content North American diesel fuel effectively contaminates these components over time. It is expensive to fix through the dealership, but because I'm not mechanically inclined in the least, I payed to let them to it.

The MAF sensor and EGR valve may be independently causing the problem, so they advised that although both could be suspect they'd do one, see if there's any improvement, if not swap back and change the other and do similar. In my case, it was just one (forget which one). The dealer quoted me about $950 for both, but I paid about $300 or so for the one.  

First time I hit the highway onramp, there was a huge smile on my face. I hadn't realized the power I was missing! My car was back! I now have 225K and all is still well.

I'd say that even at the dealer level, over $1,200 for both then you are genuinely getting treated questionably.

The MAF issue with VW Group 1.8T's is different.

(Message edited by sirAQUAMAN64 on November 21, 2004)