Engine
Turbocharger
A turbocharger uses exhaust gas to force more air into the engine for more power.
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Combustion flow
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What it does
- Uses exhaust energy to spin a turbine and compressor
- Pressurizes the intake air
- Boost typically 0.5–1.5 bar for road cars
When it fails
- Whistling or howling noise
- Loss of boost and power
- Blue or black smoke from the exhaust
- Oil burning or leaking
How to diagnose
- Check the intake pipes for oil leaks
- Pressure-test the intake system for boost leaks
- Check the wastegate actuator movement
- Listen for bearing noise with the engine running
Maintenance
- Let the engine idle after hard driving before shutdown
- Change oil on schedule — turbos live and die by oil
- Replace damaged hoses and clamps
Use the diagnosis order. When a part fails, confirm each hypothesis with measurements before replacing anything — codes and symptoms overlap.
Related part
Intercooler
The intercooler cools the pressurized air from the turbo before it enters the engine.