Gerrard Actuator 1.9TDi

[Zardoz]

Im trying to diagnose / fix my limp mode by a process of elimination (cheapest stuff first )

I replaced all my vacuum lines yesterday and got as far as having a look at how to get to the exhaust side of turbo to try and clean it with Mr Muscle. When I was snooping about I tried moving the actuator arm by hand and it just wouldn't budge at all! It was was awkward to reach but from the vids I'd seen I imagined it should move without too much elbow grease.

Does that sound like the actuator has gone completely or could the (most likely) sticky vanes be holding it in place?

 

[Zardoz]

One other important thing is the ONLY vacuum line I haven't replaced yet is the actuator line...

Need to get my stands back before I can get underneath though.

 

[sockpuppet]

From memory I don't think I could get my hand to the actuator and I ended up using VAG-COM/VCDS to flex the turbo vanes and I could see the actuator moving.

Instructions from the forum:
A good way to be absolutely sure of cycling the vanes through their full travel is to use VAG-COM, put it in group 11 and click "basic settings". This puts it into an automatic self-test mode where the engine fast-idles at about 1400 rpm and cycles the vanes through their full travel. (The fast idle speed is presumably to avoid a compressor stall when the vanes open fully.)

 

[Zardoz]

Thank you. Sadly I’ve no access to VAG-COM. Might have to invest.

 

[Zardoz]

Forgot to follow up on this!

I did the Mr Muscle trick down from the EGR to the cast iron side of the turbo and also freed up the sticking actuator arm with lots of WD40.

Worked a treat and happy to say I've not had limp mode since.