What Causes Low Turbocharger Circuit Pressure?
2 Answers
1. Leakage in the boost air duct: Mainly caused by poor sealing, especially at the connection points of the air ducts before and after the turbocharger intercooler. Improper installation can easily lead to poor sealing, or aging and cracking of the sealing rings, resulting in air leakage. 2. Fault in the exhaust gas turbocharger itself: Damage to the turbocharger itself prevents it from achieving the boosting effect, such as turbocharger seizure, which is generally caused by poor lubrication or cooling of the turbocharger. 3. Leakage in the intake pipe system: Faults in the fuel tank ventilation system, leaks in the pipes leading to the intake system, or faults in the crankcase forced ventilation system. 4. Excessive exhaust back pressure: For example, blockage of the three-way catalytic converter, poor exhaust gas discharge, leading to excessively high back pressure in the exhaust pipe, hindering the normal rotation of the exhaust gas turbocharger, thus causing excessively low boost pressure.
I've encountered the issue of low turbo pressure quite a few times. Common causes include problems with the turbocharger itself, such as worn internal blades or damaged bearings, leading to low boost efficiency; loose or cracked intake/exhaust pipe connections causing air leaks and pressure drops; faulty wastegate valves stuck in the open position, allowing exhaust gases to escape directly; malfunctioning sensors like the boost pressure sensor sending incorrect data; or aging vacuum hoses leaking air and affecting control. These issues can result in sluggish acceleration and increased fuel consumption. I believe paying attention to unusual noises during daily driving and regularly checking pipe seals can prevent many troubles. If sudden power loss occurs on the highway, pull over to a safe spot immediately for inspection. Maintaining small details saves money on major repairs later.