Is my turbo dead or can I hope for something cheaper to fix?

[garvitron]

So my bug died in downtown philly a while back and have been trying to get it going ever since. The obvious problem was a hole in a hose. that was replaced and it idles well again but all the power is gone. The turbo sounds terrible and I don't feel the boost at all. here are the codes that I have currently:

16622- manifold pressure/ boost sensor signal too high

16487- mass air flow sensor signal too high

17705- pressure drop between turbo and throttle valve

16490- manifold/air pressure not a plausible signal

16500- coolant temperature sensor/ not a plausible signal, intermittent

The problem with my car is that the engine blew up at about 55k because of the water pump failing. The VW dealership in Parkersburg WV put in a used engine with a DIFFERENT ENGINE CODE! I should have APH I instead have AWP. I don't think they changed the computer when they did the engine and this could be the cause of a lot of my problems. The two mechanics I have talked to have said that the Turbo is prob broken and I may need a new computer on top of that.

Any ideas on possible problems/fixes?

Should I sell it broken and get out while I can?

Should I fix then sell?

PLEASE HELP!!!

[D2Beetle]

So when you picked your NB up at the dealer after the engine swap was it running properly then?

[eliteboi]

Originally Posted by garvitron

So my bug died in downtown philly a while back and have been trying to get it going ever since. The obvious problem was a hole in a hose. that was replaced and it idles well again but all the power is gone. The turbo sounds terrible and I don't feel the boost at all. here are the codes that I have currently:

16622- manifold pressure/ boost sensor signal too high

16487- mass air flow sensor signal too high

17705- pressure drop between turbo and throttle valve

16490- manifold/air pressure not a plausible signal

16500- coolant temperature sensor/ not a plausible signal, intermittent

The problem with my car is that the engine blew up at about 55k because of the water pump failing. The VW dealership in Parkersburg WV put in a used engine with a DIFFERENT ENGINE CODE! I should have APH I instead have AWP. I don't think they changed the computer when they did the engine and this could be the cause of a lot of my problems. The two mechanics I have talked to have said that the Turbo is prob broken and I may need a new computer on top of that.

Any ideas on possible problems/fixes?

Should I sell it broken and get out while I can?

Should I fix then sell?

PLEASE HELP!!!

Umm in your info and it says you have a 2001 hence you DO NOT have an APH engine code that was 2000 only

[eliteboi]

I have been told I could be wrong but there is a (slim) chance of it

[garvitron]

Yes it was running ok when I picked it up. The CEL was on though. It has been 2-3 years since the engine swap. also I might be confused about what engine code was in it originally but I know the one I have now is wrong. it is the engine from the Turbo S model.

[scrawnyirishboy]

If I understand correctly, some early model 2001's came with the APH motor.

When you say the turbo sounds like crap, please be more specific. Is it making a loud whooshing sound, like an airplane taking off? Could be the hose before the intercooler popped off. Happened to me once, swore I had some issues too with it.

I'm not a mechanic, but replacing the ECM is more than likely pretty expensive. Before you go and do that, a few things I'd do:

- Check all your hoses for bad connections, leaks, etc.
- Check your intake and exhaust for leaks as well. They can set off a few of those codes, apparently. Would also lead to a change in sound on your car.
- Remove the throttle body and spray it with a good TB cleaner. Carbon build-up can occur and sometimes leads to some of these problems.

Even if the turbo was shot, which it doesnt sound like, unless you're looking at going with a big turbo conversion you can probably get a used K03 for less than what you'd pay to replace the vehicle. But if it isn't whats listed above it sounds like it could be an ECM software issue, or just a blown MAP sensor. But like I said, I'm no mechanic. I've just ran into the whooshing sound thing myself.

[scrawnyirishboy]

not to double post, but why would you ever take a car home from a dealership with a CEL still up? Do you often let people take money from you and not complete their job? And why would you drive on a CEL and not get it looked into for 2-3 years?