Seat Inca Diesel Cylinder Pressure Issue

Fluctuating cylinder pressure on a diesel Inca could stem from a few things. Given the higher fuel consumption and power loss, I'd initially suspect something affecting the air-fuel mixture. Start by checking for boost leaks in the turbocharger system – a cracked hose or loose connection can cause havoc. Also, inspect the intake manifold for any signs of damage or blockage. A restricted intake can definitely throw off cylinder pressures. Is the timing belt in good condition and correctly timed? An incorrect timing could affect valve timing which will affect cylinder pressure. Have you checked the measured values of the injectors? Keep an eye on the check engine light code, as that may give more insight into the original fault that triggers the cylinder pressure fluctuation.

Thanks for the quick reply. Boost leaks and intake restrictions make sense. How can I diagnose a timing belt issue? I am not sure I can check the timing with VCDS

Yeah, if you don't have the tools to check timing dynamically, it might be best to leave that to a workshop. Given that you suspect it's a consequential error, and you've checked the usual suspects (boost leaks, intake), it's probably beyond a simple fix. If the timing belt skips a tooth, the camshaft timing will be off which will cause the engine to misfire. Continuing to drive with that may cause more issues, so my advice is to bring it in.

Turns out it was a cascading error. I cleared all the codes, re-ran the diagnostics, and the pressure fluctuation error disappeared. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction! Glad I didn't start tearing down the engine. Appreciate the help!