A turbocharger rarely fails "on its own": in most cases the cause is insufficient lubrication or an encrusted variable geometry. Replacing it without removing the cause means breaking the new one too.
Typical symptoms
- Loss of power above a certain rpm
- Blue smoke (oil) or black smoke (rich mixture)
- High-pitched whistle or siren noise
- Limp mode with boost pressure faults
- Increasing oil consumption
Real causes
- Oil not to specification, degraded or changed at intervals that are too long
- Partially blocked oil feed pipe
- Variable geometry stuck by soot
- Clogged crankcase breather: pressure in the sump pushing oil out past the seals
- Switching off immediately after hard use
Prevention
- Respect the oil intervals, or even shorten them if you do many short trips
- Let the engine idle for a few dozen seconds after a demanding stretch
- Have the actual boost pressure checked periodically
How MasterTuning helps
We check the component with real measurements, not by elimination: flow rates, pressures, corrections and signals read directly from the ECU. We repair, replace and recalibrate the software when needed. Centres throughout Italy.
Want an accurate diagnosis? Contact MasterTuning and book at your nearest centre.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell if the turbo is broken?
Loss of power above a certain rpm, smoke, abnormal whistles and boost pressure faults. Confirmation comes from checking the play and a leak test.
Can you drive with a failed turbo?
Only to reach the workshop: if the turbo is leaking oil or has excessive play, debris can end up in the engine.
Can the variable geometry be cleaned?
In many cases yes, if it is not yet damaged: it is removed and freed of soot, then the actuator travel is checked.
Failed turbocharger: symptoms, causes and how to avoid breaking it: what are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms are: loss of power above a certain rpm; blue smoke (oil) or black smoke (rich mixture); high-pitched whistle or siren noise; limp mode with boost pressure faults; increasing oil consumption.
