100% Free

No Scanner Needed

Carly logo

Carly Community

christopherloewe8

Dodge Magnum Boost Leak Causing Stalling and Hissing

My car started acting up with a CEL, horrible performance and weird whistling noises. When accelerating, there is a loud hissing sound and sometimes the engine stalls at idle. Fuel economy is terrible lately. Pretty sure its boost pressure related, possibly a faulty actuator valve in the turbo system. Had some bad experiences with mechanics before, so looking for advice on diagnosis and repair costs before taking it in. Anyone dealt with similar boost leak symptoms? Running a 2010 Dodge Magnum diesel with 141410km on the clock. What should I expect for repairs and which issues should I watch out for?

4 comment(s)

gerhardfrost93

Had almost identical symptoms on my 2013 Dodge Journey diesel. The turbo actuator was failing, causing inconsistent boost pressure and those classic whistling sounds during acceleration. The turbocharger wastegate wasnt opening and closing properly, leading to boost leaks. The diagnosis confirmed a faulty electrical bypass valve and damaged actuator. Required replacing the full turbo actuator assembly since the internal components were worn. Not a quick fix, the entire turbo needed removal to access and replace the actuator valve components properly. This is considered a serious repair as boost pressure issues can potentially damage other engine components if left unchecked. The stalling and poor fuel economy were direct results of the turbo not maintaining correct boost levels. Essential checks during repair: Boost pressure sensor readings, Turbo shaft play, Wastegate operation, Intake manifold for cracks, All boost hoses and clamps This type of repair requires specialized diagnostic equipment and experienced techs who understand turbocharger systems. Would strongly recommend having it properly diagnosed rather than attempting DIY fixes.

christopherloewe8 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details about your Journey. My Magnum had similar boost control problems last year. The symptoms pretty much matched, whistling, stalling, and terrible fuel economy from the boost leak. Got it fixed at a shop that specializes in turbo systems. Did you track the repair costs for the actuator valve replacement? Also curious if youve had any other turbo wastegate issues since the fix? Mine has been running great for about 8 months now but always good to know what to watch for.

gerhardfrost93

Great to hear your Magnum is running well after the turbo repairs. The total cost for fixing my Journey's boost pressure actuator fault came to 250€, which covered replacing the electrical bypass valve that was causing the problems. The turbocharger has been performing flawlessly since the repair. No more boost leaks, wastegate issues, or pressure sensor warnings. Key was having a shop that really understood boost control systems handle the work. The consistent boost pressure has made a huge difference in both performance and fuel economy. Just keep monitoring for any changes in engine sound or performance. A properly functioning turbo system should maintain steady boost without any unusual noises. So far, the actuator valve replacement has proven to be a lasting fix, with no recurring boost control problems over the past year.

christopherloewe8 (Author)

Thanks for the advice. Finally got around to taking my Magnum to a turbo specialist shop last week. The boost pressure symptoms were exactly what you described. They found the turbo actuator was shot and needed a full replacement. Bill came to 780€ total, more than expected but worth it for the proper fix. They showed me the worn actuator valve components and explained how the failing wastegate was causing the boost leaks. Shop did a thorough job testing the new turbocharger parts and boost control. Car runs like new now. No more whistling or stalling, and fuel economy is back to normal. Really glad I went with a specialist who knew turbo systems instead of my regular mechanic. Will definitely keep an eye on boost pressure and watch for any early warning signs in the future.

Join the discussion now: