sarahwagner1

Skoda Rapid turbo lag issue

Alright, car gurus, I'm officially stumped and hoping someone can throw me a lifeline. My 2012 Skoda Rapid with a gasoline engine is giving me headaches. The check engine light is on, and the car feels like it's lost half its power. It's got about 118769 km on the clock. It feels like there's a serious turbo lag. Fuel consumption is also up. I'm thinking it might be related to the turbo. I've heard something about a vacuum switching valve maybe being defective. I'm getting poor engine response and suspect a pressure drop. It almost feels like a compressor surge sometimes. Any ideas?

4 comment(s)

I had a similar issue with my Skoda Rapid. Check engine light, power loss, and all. The problem was a faulty pressure sensor, causing the ECU to think there wasn't enough boost. Have you checked for any signs of a vacuum leak? Listen for a hissing sound near the turbo.

A pressure sensor, huh? Interesting. Where exactly is that located, and how would I check for a vacuum leak myself? I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to car mechanics, but I'm willing to learn. Is it something I can easily see or feel?

The pressure sensor is usually located near the intake manifold or the turbocharger itself. As for the vacuum leak, it's tricky to find without proper tools. If you're not experienced, I'd advise against fiddling with it too much. A vacuum leak can cause a pressure drop, leading to poor performance and potentially damaging the turbo. Think of it like trying to inflate a tire with a hole in the hose. It's best to take it to a workshop to get it properly diagnosed. They can use a smoke machine to pinpoint any leaks.

Turns out you were spot on. I took it to a trusted mechanic, and they confirmed it was a faulty vacuum switching valve causing a vacuum leak. They replaced it, and now the car is running like a dream. Cost me around 140€. Thanks a bunch for your help.

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