Technical Hi, I'm new here and have a Panda 4x4 TA Turbo problem

[slingsby]

I have a 2013 Panda TA 4x4. I've recently had some issues with a lack of power, lumpy tickover and a couple of times refusing to start when hot. I took it to my local Fiat dealer and they diagnosed a turbo problem. They quoted £2400 for a new Fiat turbo or £1650 for a non-Fiat replacement. The diagnostic report shows Waste Gate Valve failure and Air leakage in turbo failure. They are fully booked for over a month so I'm wondering is there a cheaper solution to this and what will happen if I keep driving the car in the meantime. Will I do any damage or will the car completely fail? I have very little technical knowledge so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[porta]

There are plenty of turbo rebuild specialists around the country…the real danger is the turbo disintegrating and bits ending up in your engine

 

[porta]

https://www.autocarmend.co.uk/turbo-repair-carmarthen.html

That came up in simple search

 

[The Panda Nut]

I agree with Porta. Look for a rebuil specialist. There are posts on here about this waste gate issue if you search. Parts are available to enable a repair. I wish you you well with keeping the cost sane.

 

[porta]

I agree with Porta. Look for a rebuil specialist. There are posts on here about this waste gate issue if you search. Parts are available to enable a repair. I wish you you well with keeping the cost sane.

yes, there was a recommendation somewhere on here for a place in Wakefield, a bit too far from Carmarthen, but it shows what can be done without resorting to rip-offs, especially if you’re not okay with carrying out the work yourself

Turbocharger Repair from 195+ VAT | Turbo Dynamics

www.turbodynamics.co.uk

Not that I’d rebuild the rotor as it needs to be set and balanced

 

[slingsby]

There are plenty of turbo rebuild specialists around the country…the real danger is the turbo disintegrating and bits ending up in your engine

Thanks for the reply. So I'd need someone to remove the turbo and then send it off and get it f refurbished before I could get it refitted. It looks like that could be prohibitively time consuming as I don't have another car I can use and I'm in a rural area. Maybe an aftermarket turbo fitted by the dealer is the best option.

 

[porta]

Or take it to the place in Carmarthen

 

[slingsby]

https://www.autocarmend.co.uk/turbo-repair-carmarthen.html

That came up in simple search

Thanks for that. I've sent them a request.

 

[Jon S]

Or take it to the place in Carmarthen

Did they say what the "turbo problem" was? My 2014 TA 4x4 occasionally goes into "limp mode" (the symptoms you are describing) and gives a code for "a turbo boost leak". It does it about once or twice a year and has been doing so for 5 years. Clearing the code takes it out of limp mode and it's all fine until the next time. I have had it thoroughly checked over by an independent who can't find anything physically wrong so we are assuming it is a glitchy sensor. I would get the code read (or buy a reader yourself) and take it from there. code readers are invaluable pieces of kit anyway, mines paid for itself many times over.

 

[slingsby]

Did they say what the "turbo problem" was? My 2014 TA 4x4 occasionally goes into "limp mode" (the symptoms you are describing) and gives a code for "a turbo boost leak". It does it about once or twice a year and has been doing so for 5 years. Clearing the code takes it out of limp mode and it's all fine until the next time. I have had it thoroughly checked over by an independent who can't find anything physically wrong so we are assuming it is a glitchy sensor. I would get the code read (or buy a reader yourself) and take it from there. code readers are invaluable pieces of kit anyway, mines paid for itself many times over.

The report says PO236-62 Air leakage in turbocharger - Signal compare failure and PO244-62 Waste Gate Valve (Functional Test) - Signal Compare failure. The car has done around 74K miles.

 

[Jon S]

That sounds similar but I can't remember exactly what mine was. I would try deleting the codes and if the problem returns immediately then perhaps you need a new turbo but if it doesn't then it sounds like a sensor glitch or wastegate that was sticking. Please bear in mind that I'm not a mechanic and I'm only telling you my experiences which, of course, may have nothing to do with your issues! I know that these turbos did have some problems with sticking wastegates as they get older which is what I thought mine was initially but I've done as I described and put on 40,000 miles since (now on 120k). That said it would be my luck if mine exploded tonight!

 

[rmjbn1]

I agree with Jon S, personally I would also start by clearing the code and see if it comes back.

Some good advice on code scanners on this thread: https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/cheap-scanners-known-to-work.496967/

The error codes may be correct in indicating turbo failure, but they may also have picked up incorrect parameters on a sensor for any number of reasons.

Secondly, I wouldn't trust a FIAT dealership with diagnostic advice, or take a 10 year old car to them for work.

If the error does keep coming back, I would take it to an independent specialist.

 

[varesecrazy]

Thanks for that. I've sent them a request.

Are you based in Dyfed-Powys?

 

[slingsby]

I agree with Jon S, personally I would also start by clearing the code and see if it comes back.

Some good advice on code scanners on this thread: https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/cheap-scanners-known-to-work.496967/

The error codes may be correct in indicating turbo failure, but they may also have picked up incorrect parameters on a sensor for any number of reasons.

Secondly, I wouldn't trust a FIAT dealership with diagnostic advice, or take a 10 year old car to them for work.

If the error does keep coming back, I would take it to an independent specialist.

Thanks for the advice. I'll get a code scanner. My technical knowledge is very poor but I'll give it a go. I've tried to find an independent Fiat place around here with no success. More local garage was very unhelpful with the mechanic just telling me all Fiats are crap.

 

[slingsby]

Are you based in Dyfed-Powys?

I'm in Brechfa near Carmarthen.

 

[varesecrazy]

I'm in Brechfa near Carmarthen.

I seem to recall @UKRMedic
Mentioning a service specialist they use.. within an hour of you

I think its getting worse..as Fiat heyday mechanics are all retiring now

 

[UKRMedic]

I seem to recall @UKRMedic
Mentioning a service specialist they use.. within an hour of you

I think its getting worse..as Fiat heyday mechanics are all retiring now

'Whites" in Llanelli are the guys for this.

Availability is the issue. All garages seem busy as heck these days. What happened to the good old days of just rocking up and it's done there and then?

Mobile mechanic wise - TLD in Neath I've found to be amazing. He knows his stuff and is very cost effective compared to fixed garages.

MOBILE VEHICLE SERVICING, REPAIR AND DIAGNOSTICS

Oil & Filter Servicing (Driving Instructor, Taxi & OAP Discounts)
Dealer Diagnostics ENGINE, ABS, AIRBAG
Fuel Economy ReMapping, Gain 8MPG
Fault Finding & ALL Mechanical Repairs
01792 732731 / 07863 547388 or Via Messenger

 

[varesecrazy]

Perfect , thank you

 

[slingsby]

I seem to recall @UKRMedic
Mentioning a service specialist they use.. within an hour of you

I think its getting worse..as Fiat heyday mechanics are all retiring now

Thanks, much appreciated.

 

[slingsby]

'Whites" in Llanelli are the guys for this.

Availability is the issue. All garages seem busy as heck these days. What happened to the good old days of just rocking up and it's done there and then?

Mobile mechanic wise - TLD in Neath I've found to be amazing. He knows his stuff and is very cost effective compared to fixed garages.

MOBILE VEHICLE SERVICING, REPAIR AND DIAGNOSTICS

Oil & Filter Servicing (Driving Instructor, Taxi & OAP Discounts)
Dealer Diagnostics ENGINE, ABS, AIRBAG
Fuel Economy ReMapping, Gain 8MPG
Fault Finding & ALL Mechanical Repairs
01792 732731 / 07863 547388 or Via Messenger

I'll pay them a visit and see what they say. Many thanks.