No communication, boost pressure warning

[JayDeeDub]

Hi all,

First post, sorry to start with a disaster. And sorry in advance if I get terminology wrong - not mechanically competent at all.

Love my SWB Caravelle 2L DSG. 2016 reg, had some minor issues with DPF needing regen and a replacement EGR before. But nothing as big as now - might not be a VW owner soon if I take main dealer’s cash offer…!

Problem started with lack of power, engine conservation mode. Booked into main dealer, went to limp across to Guildford - lost power then would stall. Restarted a couple of times then stopped completely. Towed to VW. Fun started then (2 months ago).

First multiple questions from garage about after market mapping etc - never done anything like it. But they couldn’t communicate with the ECU. Said it was the body control module needed replacing. Did that, then said they cleaned the “earth terminals” and hey presto “limited communication”.

Now they’re saying it’s a “boost pressure” warning. They’ve said it’s 10-15 hours work to get at the turbos, then no guarantee that it’ll be a fix. They’ve offered us cash for the van - £18.5k.

We’re a family of 5 and a dog squeezed into a ridiculous car currently so we’re desperate. But it’s got 45k miles on the clock, and I’m loath to take a low ball offer. One other trusted mechanic says it’s too much for him to take on (he’s VW but not Transporter specific) so stuck with them at the moment.

My questions:

1. I’ll get the specific code if I can, but are the turbos likely to be the error, or is it a matter of just getting them off and seeing?

2. Is the work likely to come to more than the value of the van? It’s not in great cosmetic shape, some small dents and scratches, and the front bumper took a hit from a post I didn’t see so probably needs replacing at some point. But I’ve looked and similar good condition Caravelles go for £35k on auto trader. I can’t believe it’ll be an £18k bill!

Again, sorry for the lack of detail - really appreciate your help - anything at all advice wise appreciated.

Want to stay as a T6 owner - depressed at looking at 2016 Ford Galaxys as a replacement…

 

[Chippie1]

Why offer to buy the van off you in your hour of need! Something smells fishy to me!

 

[JayDeeDub]

Right?! And yet, VW van centre so can’t possibly be dodgy…

 

[Chippie1]

No main stealers deffo not dodgy
Apologies can’t help with issues but like you said the bill can’t be 18k but depends on your circumstances and if you want or can keep on investigating with the cost factors! I would be looking at vw specialists not main dealers

 

[DXX]

I assume it’s a 204PS CXEB engine as you mention turbos in the plural.
See Tale of woe
@Tourershine maybe able to confirm how many hours to replace the turbocharger assembly and possible confirm the cost of the turbocharger unit, as far as I’m aware VW only supply the complete assembly.
Unless you get the van to another repairer for assessment you are stuck with the current van centres solution.
Make sure you keep records preferably emails and recorded messages as this could be a protracted case.

 

[Dellmassive]

Sounds like the van had a few different unrelated issues.

And the garage may have misdiagnosed some of the issues.

I'm wondering if the BCM issue was just a bad ground connection,?

I think I'd be looking at getting a second opinion, maybe get it to a VW indy for another look.

And offering you cash for the van is ringing alarm bells with me..(are they saying the will fix it then sell on for profit?) - that sounds odd behaviour for a main dealer. (Service and sales are normally seperate)

 

[JayDeeDub]

No main stealers deffo not dodgy
Apologies can’t help with issues but like you said the bill can’t be 18k but depends on your circumstances and if you want or can keep on investigating with the cost factors! I would be looking at vw specialists not main dealers

Yeah, I'd love to get it towed somewhere I trust to get a good second opinion. Anyone have any tips in the Surrey area?

 

[JayDeeDub]

Sounds like the van had a few different unrelated issues.

And the garage may have misdiagnosed some of the issues.

I'm wondering if the BCM issue was just a bad ground connection,?

I think I'd be looking at getting a second opinion, maybe get it to a VW indy for another look.

And offering you cash for the van is ringing alarm bells with me..(are they saying the will fix it then sell on for profit?) - that sounds odd behaviour for a main dealer. (Service and sales are normally seperate)

Personally I think they had dodgy ground connections, tried to claim the BCM needed replacing. I'll definitely dispute that, though not sure how I'll argue against "here's the old module, it's broken" as it's not like I can visually inspect it for damage...

Yeah. I think slightly odd behaviour to take the van off me. No main dealer ever does anything they think won't end in profit.

 

[JayDeeDub]

I assume it’s a 204PS CXEB engine as you mention turbos in the plural.
See Tale of woe
@Tourershine maybe able to confirm how many hours to replace the turbocharger assembly and possible confirm the cost of the turbocharger unit, as far as I’m aware VW only supply the complete assembly.
Unless you get the van to another repairer for assessment you are stuck with the current van centres solution.
Make sure you keep records preferably emails and recorded messages as this could be a protracted case.

I saw the Tale of woe, and that was part of the reason I decided to post here - sounded v similar tbh.

And yes, totally agree - records essential. Protracted is where we're currently at, any longer and it's entering into "ridiculously long"...!

 

[JayDeeDub]

No main stealers deffo not dodgy
Apologies can’t help with issues but like you said the bill can’t be 18k but depends on your circumstances and if you want or can keep on investigating with the cost factors! I would be looking at vw specialists not main dealers

Thanks, glad you agree the bill can't get up that high (although Parker's puts the valuation at more like 29k, still 11k difference...). VW specialists is good advice - any you know in the Surrey region?!

 

[JayDeeDub]

Why offer to buy the van off you in your hour of need! Something smells fishy to me!

Totally agree. But we're a bit trapped now. Either tow it elsewhere, big bill there (as well as residual bill at VW main dealer), then may be left in same situation of replaced turbos but more faults. Bit of a nightmare.