Loss of Power uphill

T6NOMAD

T6NOMAD

@RobNomad
VIP Member
T6 Guru
I know this topic has been debated a few times and none of the posts are similar to my issue.

So my van is a 2019 T6 150HP with 190,000km (118,000 miles).... I started having DPF issues with the light come on, so cleaned the DPF which worked but ultimately decided to just buy a new DPF as the van is intended to do lots of travel next year.

Initially it was a panel van which we had converted in full to a camper - so I am guessing we have added about 400kg - 500kg worth of gear to it... (Its a T32)...

Its also a Swamper style conversion with BF Goodrich all terrains and a Snorkel with the scoop facing forward.

What i have noticed is that when I am on the highway cruising 120km/h (74mph), cruise control on in 6th gear (Its a manual), when ever i get to an incline it starts losing power, where i basically need to drop it to 4th gear to pick up speed again....

I initially thought it was the blocked DPF = fixed that but problem still there
Connected my OBDEleven, checked the MAF live data and according to ChatGPT they are within the norm, so its unlikely that the MAF is dirty however I still think i should clean it..

Could it be that the snorkel facing forward has scooped up water and dirt and my Air filter is not letting air through? (I havent opened it since the Snorkel install so should probably have a look)...

Is the boost hose known to rupture like the Discovery 3 boost hose is known to do? I had this problem on mine when i had it but there wasnt a DPF so the soot was building up on the rear...

There are no car faults coming up either..

Any ideas or suggestions on this conundrum? Or is it completely normal for the car to lose power when loaded with some weight?
 
Must admit, I’ve got a T6.1 150bhp (CXFA I think?) and mine struggles on the steep bit of the M1 at Barnsley. But 5th gear gets its cruising again, don’t need to drop to 4th. Mines not converted yet, but got a heavy slider R&R bed in the back.

Remember, they are geared for torque not speed, so kind of expected I guess.
 
Yup, it's the CXFA.

What you say makes sense about it being geared for torque and not speed. I don't have another van to compare to, but i do have a 2013 Audi A3 2.0TDI (also 150bhp) and its a completely different drive - doesn't lose power at all etc.... Its geared different to the van
 
Bear in mind that your Audi is going to be a lot lighter and not shaped like a brick!
 
T6NOMAD said:
Or is it completely normal for the car to lose power when loaded with some weight?
Click to expand...
The available power remains constant unless a defect arises. The engine load is increased as a uphill gradient increases.
As the vehicle speed increases the aerodynamic drag increases; doubling the speed increases the drag by a factor of 4, trebling the speed increases the drag by a factor of 9.
This isn’t T6 or vehicle specific, the same applies to any object passing through air.
 
DXX said:
The available power remains constant unless a defect arises. The engine load is increased as a uphill gradient increases.
As the vehicle speed increases the aerodynamic drag increases; doubling the speed increases the drag by a factor of 4, trebling the speed increases the drag by a factor of 9.
This isn’t T6 or vehicle specific, the same applies to any object passing through air.
Click to expand...

That makes perfect sense. The point in question, however, is the countermeasure to the above. When a gradient is introduced, additional effort is required to maintain the same motion, and that effort is what isn’t available hence the question - is this normal for a T6 or is there an underlying problem that needs resolution.
 
Doesnt seem to be an issue on my 110 with 300kg of conversion permanently aboard. It scampered up the tight back lanes of Snowdonia comfortably enough.
 
Sasquatch said:
Doesnt seem to be an issue on my 110 with 300kg of conversion permanently aboard. It scampered up the tight back lanes of Snowdonia comfortably enough.
Click to expand...
From standstill up to the top end of 4th gear mine has no struggle, its more the highway cruising speeds and inclines where it loses power.... How does yours handle freeways and hills? do you need to drop a gear or 2? or does it maintain the speed?
 
T6NOMAD said:
That makes perfect sense. The point in question, however, is the countermeasure to the above. When a gradient is introduced, additional effort is required to maintain the same motion, and that effort is what isn’t available hence the question - is this normal for a T6 or is there an underlying problem that needs resolution.
Click to expand...
The only way you’ll know whether the engine is performing according to VW spec’ is to put in on a dynamometer.
IMO it would be advisable and cheaper to adjust your expectations.
 
On the open road I peg typically about about 66mpg. That keeps me legal and stops the National Express kamizake pilots mistaking me for a US carrier. At this speed it does 44mpg, and im nefer having to tread down a gear on inclines on the motorway.

On hills and the like off the motorway im having to choose a gear appropriate to the road speed and incline, but its never straining itself to the point of anal prolapse.
 
T6NOMAD said:
Its also a Swamper style conversion with BF Goodrich all terrains and a Snorkel with the scoop facing forward.
Click to expand...
Reducing the frontal area and rolling resistance back to standard would be a good place to start if you want maintain speed in a higher gear.
 
I think its just the gearing. The 5 speed ratios seem to be better suited, but the 6 speed is a stronger box.

I rarely use 6th gear, only on the motorway is it necessary and if theres a hill its back down to 5th.

6 speed 150 4motion with full camper conversion.
 
doncarlyon said:
I think its just the gearing. The 5 speed ratios seem to be better suited, but the 6 speed is a stronger box.

I rarely use 6th gear, only on the motorway is it necessary and if theres a hill its back down to 5th.

6 speed 150 4motion with full camper conversion.
Click to expand...
This pretty much confirms my suspicion. Thank you :) I've noticed the car drives better in 5th gear. Thus the consensus is --> 6th gear is an overdrive gear, not a power gear
 
Last edited:
You could consider getting it remapped. I have 6 speed manual and had it mapped from 148 to 181bhp. Made a massive difference uphill especially with a caravan in tow. Also use 6th gear all the time on motorways, its just quiter with less revs and strain on the engine.
 
Was just saying the same yesterday:

StratosFearXX

Thread 'More power needed!'

Damn I need more power! My old 20 yr old T5 2.5, mapped to 181bhp just cruised up Garrowby Hill in Yorkshire, new 6.1 Kombi 150 definitely struggled yesterday on the way to Bridlington ... Bosch ECU 😢
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Mine's a 2024 150 6 speed manual Kombi 4Mo. Maybe 300kg of stuff in the back, only 3000miles on it, don't believe there's any problem with it though the silly big wheels aren't helping.
 
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