What are the symptoms when a turbocharger fails?
2 Answers
When a turbocharger fails, it may exhibit symptoms such as insufficient power, blue or white smoke from the exhaust pipe, increased fuel consumption, and unstable turbo pressure. Since turbochargers often operate at high speeds and temperatures, it is important to avoid driving immediately after starting the engine and not to shut it down right away. Regular maintenance and inspection of the turbocharger are also essential. A turbocharger is an air compressor that increases the intake air volume by compressing air. It utilizes the inertial force of the exhaust gas from the engine to drive the turbine in the turbine chamber, which in turn drives the coaxial impeller. The impeller then compresses the air delivered through the air filter pipe, pressurizing it before it enters the cylinder.
When my car's turbo failed, it felt completely powerless, like dragging a dead weight—accelerating was a real struggle, even with the pedal to the metal. The most noticeable change was the sound; the smooth whistle turned into a chaotic hissing, especially annoying on the highway. Fuel consumption shot up—a full tank that used to last 600 km dropped to under 500, hitting my wallet hard. Black smoke from the exhaust was alarming. Even worse, the car responded sluggishly, making overtaking or climbing hills nerve-wracking. The mechanic diagnosed it as either turbo oil leakage or a seized impeller, and replacing it cost me thousands. Addressing it promptly is crucial, as long-term damage could lead to even costlier engine repairs.
