How to tell if the turbocharger is broken?
4 Answers
Methods to determine if the turbocharger is broken: When the turbocharger is damaged, oil leakage may occur, the impeller may be broken, the rotation of the impeller may become jerky, and the rotation gap may be abnormal. The turbocharger is an important component of a turbocharged engine, essentially an air compressor that primarily uses exhaust gases to drive the engine's turbine, thereby introducing more fresh air and enhancing the engine's power. Modern cars generally use electronic injection systems, and the use of turbochargers is becoming increasingly widespread. The exhaust turbochargers in cars mostly use a single-entry turbine housing, utilizing only the pressure energy of the exhaust gases without any other auxiliary power.
As an owner of a turbocharged vehicle, I’d like to share some common signs of a failing turbocharger. The most noticeable experience is sluggish acceleration—when you press the throttle, the car responds slowly, as if it’s lost its kick. Additionally, you might hear a high-pitched whistling or rattling noise from the engine bay, especially during hard acceleration, which could indicate bearing issues in the turbocharger. Another telltale sign is the illumination of the dashboard warning light; some vehicles may display specific trouble codes like "insufficient boost pressure." Another related symptom is unexplained increased fuel consumption—I’ve noticed the car requires more fuel to maintain power, leading to more frequent refueling each month. Whenever these symptoms appear, I immediately stop to inspect the vehicle to avoid prolonged damage to other engine components. The turbocharger is a critical part for enhancing engine efficiency, so regular maintenance—such as timely oil changes and using high-quality filters—can significantly extend its lifespan. Overall, paying attention to these driving changes helps detect issues early.
I think the supercharger is broken, and the most reliable way to check is through auditory and visual inspections. When the car starts or accelerates, a properly functioning supercharger produces a slight whirring sound, but if it's broken, you'll hear a high-pitched whistle or metal scraping noise, as if something is stuck inside—the sound is harsh and continuous. I also make it a habit to observe the exhaust tailpipe. If there's blue smoke, it indicates oil leakage from the supercharger seals, causing the oil to burn off. After opening the hood, I inspect the supercharger's exterior for oil stains, cracks, or looseness—all signs of oil leakage. Additionally, if the tachometer fluctuates unstably at idle and the engine shakes more frequently, it suggests an issue with the supercharging system. I regularly clean the engine bay to prevent dust buildup from affecting the supercharger's performance and recommend a simple visual check every month. These simple methods have helped me avoid major repairs and improved my vehicle's reliability. Poor supercharger maintenance can increase overall vehicle repair costs, so early identification can save a lot of money.
I noticed that the supercharger is broken, and fuel consumption will increase significantly. Previously, driving in the city, it used 9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers; after the problem occurred, it increased to over 11 liters, because the supercharging function failed, and the engine load became heavier. Oil consumption is also faster, and almost every maintenance requires adding more. At idle, the vehicle has irregular vibrations, as if the engine is struggling. In this regard, regular oil changes and using specified oil products can prevent it. A broken supercharger may also cause exhaust emissions pollution, which is not environmentally friendly. These small changes help me identify the fault.
