Towing Loss Of Power

[thumpermike1]

Hi All,

 

I'm hoping for a bit of help!!

 

I own a 2004 115bhp Auto.

 

I'm experiencing a loss of power when towing, either with our trailer or our caravan. This problem doesn't always happen!!!

 

When going up a gradient the Galaxy will pull well then all of a sudden it will loose pulling power.

The revs will remain but the speed will drop gradually, it just loses pulling power.

 

If I pull over and turn the engine of and restart the Galaxy it is fine and runs and pulls really well.

 

Any ideas what could be causing this?

 

Any help is appreciated.

 

Mike

[seatkid]

Its going into "limp mode".

 

Can be caused by a number of things but the most likely are a sticky vane actuator on the Turbo or a faulty MAF sensor. Running a diagnostic scan using VCDS or VAGCOM would give further information to help track it down.

[thumpermike1]

Ok,

 

Just ordered a code reader. Is the vane actuator a simple fix? And can it be intermittent?

 

 

[xavier]

It can be intermittent. Look at the FAQ for strip down instructions. I wouldn't call the fix simple, however innotec make a "turbo cleaner" which may be another option. I recently used it on my galaxy and it seems to have restored normal performance and it was fine when towing recently. If you can get under the car, remove the under tray, see if you can manually move the actuator arm for the VNT with a spanner. If it's still (or siezed completely as mine was), it's the problem.

[thumpermike1]

Hi,

Had the fault code read on a Bosch system and the code that came up was

 

"Boost limit control valve under limit"

 

Can anyone point me in the direction as to what is wrong?

 

It pulls really well, no smoke and the limp mode only happens when I'm towing.

 

Since the last 'limp mode' event nearly two weeks ago the galaxy hasn't given any problems.

 

Mike

[thumpermike1]

Hi,

Does anyone know where the boost control valvle is located?

 

[xavier]

I think the reason for some confusion is that the bosch system is giving a different error code to one you'd get from a VAG system. Can you describe what happens when it goes into limp mode? Going uphill, what's your RPM's like? Normally it happens when you're at higher RPMs for a number of seconds, the VNT mechanism should close off and reduce the amount of boost being provided. If the mechanism can't move freely the boost can't be reduced enough and the ecu puts her into limp mode to prevent engine damage. As far as I'm aware there is only the VNT actuator for controlling boost, there's nothing else. Jack up, put on axle stands, remove undertray and get a spanner on the VNT mechanism (13 or 14 ml I think) and see if you can move it. Mine was solid, wouldn't move down or up. Normally it would move down, mine was stuck solid though.

[thumpermike1]

This only happens when going up hill, the rpm's are high and remain high, but the speed reduces.

 

There is a part on the galaxy called a boost control solenoid/valve, is this the VNT?. The description from the Bosch system seemed to point to this. But I'm not 100% sure.

 

Is the VNT on the turbo?

 

 

 

[seatkid]

Hi, Had the fault code read on a Bosch system and the code that came up was "Boost limit control valve under limit" Can anyone point me in the direction as to what is wrong? It pulls really well, no smoke and the limp mode only happens when I'm towing. Since the last 'limp mode' event nearly two weeks ago the galaxy hasn't given any problems. Mike

 

The boost under limit error indicates the vane actuator is unable to move the the max boost position - common because the mechanism is loaded with carbon. If its not a common occurence then an "italian tune up" session might help free it up. By that I mean taking it full pedal to the redline in 3rd and back down to 1500rpm and up again a number of times - take care where you do this and only if you know your cambelt is in good condition. You should see lots of black smoke in your rear view mirror!

Edited September 8, 2013 by seatkid

[chrispb123456]

Do yourself a favour and get a Vagcom/VCDS lite cable from Ebay (under a £10) you will then get a fault code number with a description of the fault.

 

The VNT (variable nozzle turbo) is inside the turbo housing.

 

The actuator is what operates the VNT it is mounted on the outside of the turbo and is operated by vacuum supplied by the boost control solenoid valve (N75 valve)

 

Overboost and underboost will both give limp mode

[thumpermike1]

Hi,

I have already bought the vagcom cable and CD, however after running the scan it asked for the software to be registered with Ross tech at a cost, which I wasn't happy with as this was not mentioned when I bought the cable. So I got the system read when I got the galaxy mot'd. Should I have paid the registration cost? It seemed a bit expensive.

 

Chrispb123456, can the actuator be diagnosed as stuck as suggested by others by using a spanner and moving it & will moving it by spanner remedy it? If the actuator is moving freely would the solenoid valve be a good place to move to next and to be replaced?

 

All of you hep is appreciated.

[SilverBeast]

You may have downloaded the paid for version instead of vcds-lite the free version from the Ross-Tech site.

 

 

[chrispb123456]

You do NOT have to register to scan for fault codes but am guessing what your trying to do is use the auto scan function, this you cannot do without registering.

 

So connect up, turn on ignition without starting engine, click on select then select engine, then click scan for codes once the button is highlighted.

 

The lever that operates the vanes/nozzles can be worked with a short spanner see video below

 

 

There is a strong spring inside the actuator that should return the arm to the top

[thumpermike1]

Hi,

Followed the above instructions and vag-com has given me the following,

 

17964 - charge pressure control:negative deviation

P1556 - 35-10 --- intermittent

 

Does this confirm the advice given earlier? Just want to see if this info helps before I get under the car!!

 

Thanks for the advice chrispb123456!!!

 

[xavier]

It's likely the mechanism is either siezing or stuck. There can be other causes, but I'd rule this out first. It was certainly the cause on my galaxy. Another way you can diagnose problems is to use the logging feature in vcds, you log the data you're interested in, plot on a graph and depending on the curves you can get an idea what the cause is. I'd post the graph I got from VCDS but I can't seem to upload it.

[chrispb123456]

Hi, Followed the above instructions and vag-com has given me the following, 17964 - charge pressure control:negative deviation P1556 - 35-10 --- intermittent Does this confirm the advice given earlier? Just want to see if this info helps before I get under the car!! Thanks for the advice chrispb123456!!!

this means you have underboost, check the arm with the engine idling, it should have now moved to the full load position, (against the spring pressure fully down)

[xavier]

Could also be a split in the vac line to the actuator, would still suggest getting under the car to check though. If the arm won't move, the VNT mech is coked up. If it moves easily as chris says check it's positioning correctly at idle.

[niallsan]

Hi Thumpermike1

 

Just wondering if you have scanned the auto box for errors?

My Galaxy went into limp mode while towing a caravan. It would happen while in 5th gear going uphill at about 1600rpm. It then goes into 3rd gear and wont change up until you pull over and turn off and on the engine. I drove about 120 miles in 3rd before I found this out!!!!! :wacko:

After scanning with vag com a problem with the 'lockup clutch' in the auto box showed up as an error...don't remember the code.

I believe either the clutch itself is getting worn and just can't handle the load or there is some solenoid prob in gearbox controller.

To stop it happening while on hols I just used the car in Tiptronic mode and it worked no problem.

There might be some problem with a sensor someplace telling the autobox that the car is under load and 'now its time to change down a gear'???

 

Also, when not pulling the caravan, the car works fine!! tG

 

long story short...scan autobox!!!!

 

Regards

 

Niall

Edited September 19, 2013 by niallsan

[francyboy]

hi there the problem i have with my galaxt 1999 is that the turbo kicks in for a few mins after startup then dies, have only got the car 2 weeks, replaced the n75 and intercooler pipe as it was ripped, still no joy in getting it working all the time, also accuter moving freely, am at wits end over it(hate being beat lol), could someone tell me what cable exactly i need to order for a 1999 ford galaxy 19.tdi as im confused when looking on ebay there seems to be more than 1 option and ive never used it on my laptop before, would be far cheaper than going to ford or an indy if i had my own cable and software, any info would be greatly appreciated

cheers

[chrispb123456]

Here you are.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAG-GROUP-USB-COM-PORT-OBD2-II-KKL-ECU-DIAGNOSTIC-CABLE-LEAD-WORK-VCDS-LITE-409-/271036790042?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item3f1b0d351a

[thumpermike1]

Hi All,

Beleive it or not i have not had chance to get under the car for various reasons, or excuses, but we have just bought a new caravan and i need to get this sorted now, as ordered by the wife!!

Can i ask that if i find the VNT actuator does not move freeley, what's the best fix? I have seen some good reveiws on here for innotec turbo cleaner, would that work?

I have not has a single issue with the car since i started this post, apart from when i towed the caravan for a short distance in October! But having cleared the code before this trip it is now back again.

[thumpermike1]

Hi All,

 

I have the innotec turbo cleaner now and I'm planning to use it on Saturday.

 

One part of the cleaning kit needs to be added to the fuel filter, firslty can i do the through the larger connection of the three on the filter?

Secondly i was planning on adding it to the old filter and then change this on a service due next month, any reasons not to do this?

 

Any advice appreciated.

[thumpermike1]

Hi,

Wanted to post an update on this. I decided to send the car to a diesel specialist and he diagnosed the N75 solenoid, apparently they are a common failure at 80k miles. I had this replaced and had a cleaning treatment done on the turbo.

I have towed the caravan a number of times since and not one bit of trouble.

Also, buy the N75 solenoid from VW, half the price of Ford!!!

 

A tip though, if you needcto replace the N75 valve get it from VW, half the price of ford!!!

[thumpermike1]

Hi,

Wanted to post an update on this. I decided to send the car to a diesel specialist and he diagnosed the N75 solenoid, apparently they are a common failure at 80k miles. I had this replaced and had a cleaning treatment done on the turbo.

I have towed the caravan a number of times since and not one bit of trouble.

Also, buy the N75 solenoid from VW, half the price of Ford!!!

 

A tip though, if you needcto replace the N75 valve get it from VW, half the price of ford!!!