****Wastegate valve issue code P0299, do i need a new turbo?*****

[Parti_zan11]

Hello , I have 2009 A4 2.0T, i got check engine light on and I took my car to shop. They ran diagnostics and told me it’s my DV, i got that replaced, the light came back, they ran diagnostics again and said “my wastegate valve has a crack and it’s leaking boost - i need a new turbo”

My question is am I ok to drive it for a while or I have to replace it this second? will it cause more problems down the road if i don’t get a new turbo?

New turbo is expensive, i am not a mechanic so i need some expert advise.

P.S i am not having any issues with power loss or any weird sounds, just check engine light with code P0299.

Thank you in advance!!!

[NitroViper]

You can drive it forever like that, just wont have any boost.
They sell rebuilt wastegate flapper kits on ebay for like $65

[Parti_zan11]

Thanks! i’ll looks into that! do i need to go see a mechanic to install it or is it easy enough to do yourself?

[Jeevan]

Here is the straight answer - you can keep driving as is ignoring boost code untill turbo is dead and car goes into limp mode. It takes around 10-20k miles driving for that.

Then replace the turbo

Replacing wastegate and rebuilding all that bullshit is for gearheads who work of their cars themselves as it take 3 to 4 attempts to figure out the right length on the wastegate. you can't even do that if the waste gate is in really bad shape or warped or cracked. If you don't know anything about cars, replacing turbo is the best option. Judging by the comment above, it's not your cup of tea. It takes about 3-4 hours to do. It's best if you find a good mechanic.


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[Smac770]

My P0299 is probably 6 years old now. Started off intermittent and then was pretty permanent maybe 3-4 years ago. Did try replacing the turbo 3 years ago; didn't change anything. I can keep it off if I stay under 3k, which I do once a year when it's time to do emissions (e.g., yesterday).

That shop needs to take their DV back, since a new turbo will come with a new DV. You got screwed buying the DV first, and the wastegate issue would have been there already.

I say if the power and mileage suits you, you need to do nothing.

[NitroViper]

To use the rebuild kit you'd have to take the turbo off, grind the wastgate arm off the flapper, drill out the pin holding the wastegate sleeve in, pop the sleeve and wastegate flapper out. Replace it with the new stuff, put the pin in and weld the arm back on the flapper.

[Parti_zan11]

Exactly the answer i needed. Can you pls elaborate on “limp mode” like it would barely move once i press the pedal?

- - - Updated - - -

thank you all for your help!

[Jeevan]

Exactly the answer i needed. Can you pls elaborate on “limp mode” like it would barely move once i press the pedal?

- - - Updated - - -

thank you all for your help!

based on your symptoms, its time to buy new turbo right away. looks like its making zero boost

limp mode means car gets stuck in 3rd gear and drives very slow for few miles. when car detects problems it goes into limp mode. its more like avoiding tow bill. if you keep driving in limp mode, tranny will say good night. soon or later car will run rich burning plugs, catalytic convertor, exhaust valves.

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[Parti_zan11]

Right now I still have boost, nothing has changed since before the light came on - still new turbo right away? do you think I could hold it off for a year?

P.S i drive it 70km per day on highway, its my daily commuter

[NitroViper]

based on your symptoms, its time to buy new turbo right away. looks like its making zero boost

limp mode means car gets stuck in 3rd gear and drives very slow for few miles. when car detects problems it goes into limp mode. its more like avoiding tow bill. if you keep driving in limp mode, tranny will say good night. soon or later car will run rich burning plugs, catalytic convertor, exhaust valves.

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None of that is true except for the part "when car detects problems it goes into limp mode" You can drive the car fine in limp mode, Ive done it many time while getting my turbo tuned. It just wont rev over like 3000RPMs but you can still go down the highway at 65mph.

Once it does start going into limp mode which would be a while thats when id buy a k03 ebay turbo. for $350

You could also bend the rod and make it close.... there is a way to rig it for a while.

[Parti_zan11]

Thank you thank you! so i just wait till car in “limp mode” then it’s a sign to take it to shop and get new turbo?

So until then i am safe to commute to work?

[NitroViper]

I drove my car for months with the wastegate flapper just wiggling around and making a ticking noise every time I slowed down. Limp mode can be reset when you restart the car sometimes... but you need OBDeleven or something to reset the engine codes.

[Parti_zan11]

is it automatically in limp mode with P0299 code? if no, how long does it take to get there?

[NitroViper]

Trust me, youll know when its in limp mode lol.

[Smac770]

P0299 and limp mode have nothing to do with each other. P0299 means boost is not as high as it should be for at least 6 seconds. If one day something actually fails, you might see limp mode.

The idea these people are running with is probably that whatever aspect of the turbo has failed to remain tight or sealed will continue to wear until it outright fails. Which is very much likely true. But as I said, been driving for years with P0299. Never once encountered limp mode.

So if it suits you to fix it in a year, fix it in a year.

[NitroViper]

Or... look at the wastegate flapper quick fix post and bend the arm. If it was my car and I didnt care much and only wanted to drive it another year id bend the bar. You would get an overboost code and probably go into limp mode if you beat the crap out of your car but if you drive normal that'll never happen. You would have to floor it full throttle thru all gears to get the limp mode on for overboosting.

[Parti_zan11]

That sounds great! thanks guys! i’ll probably drive it for 6 months than replace the turbo.
This was very helpful!

[KuteKuddlyKoala]

I've had my underboost code for a LONG while now. The car still makes boost, probably isn't making the RIGHT amount of boost, but is still making it ... don't have a gauge. However, I've been driving it perfectly fine, and yeah, definitely looking into getting a new turbo. Question is do I wanna go for the K04.

[RobAudi]

Would a wastegate adjustment correct blow by on a 2007 2.0 A4 B7 Cabrio? New aftermarket turbo but getting clinking sound from turbo area just before leaving major white smokescreens - mostly going uphill or hitting gas on an on ramp.


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