Suspected turbo actuator motor issue - ECM-1517/1540/1600

Seb Van Ders · Jun 1st, 2024, 01:37

Hi Guys,

I have intermittent limp mode

Engine is Euro 4 D5 with electronically controlled turbo actuator.

Codes are
ECM-1517
ECM-1540

ECM-1600

These are overboost codes, and the first 2 suggest either turbo or turbo actuator faulty. the last code suggests MAP sensor faulty

A quick (maybe long) run through of what i’ve done so far.

Both MAP and MAF sensors have been replaced with Bosch ones,

The type of limp mode i’m experiencing is where occasionally the car decides to cut off boost from 2k rpm and onwards, and lets off a dump valve kind of noise when i take my foot of the throttle. It makes the car rather sluggish. This tends to happen more often whilst cruising, never ever happened when the car has been thrashed, whether the engine is cold or hot.

I have taken off the electronic turbo actuator before, and felt the VNT vanes move with absolutely no resistance what so ever. after inspection of the turbo actuator, the plastic gears seem like they’re ok however there is about 1-2mm of back and forward play from the worm gear.

I’ve checked all boost pipes and they seem to be fine. Swirl flap arm is still in place.

After running VIDA on the passenger seat, I looked through the graph showing:
Boost desired pressure
Manifold absolute pressure
Turbo control motor position
And i’ve noticed the actual boost pressure is lower than desired boost, which I find very strange. I will show with a picture below. Please do let me know of any other parameters I should look at.

IMG_5409.jpg

I tend to see a fair few forums on google with people experiencing these kinds of codes and symptoms but i never find anyone being successful with their fix.

I’m planning on getting the turbo actuator replaced with a reconditioned one next week, so just before i empty my wallet, im hopefully going to get enlightened by some clever people on this forum supporting my idea or perhaps thinking it’s somthing else. I also hope this helps other people with similar problems.

I appreciate any help and advice!

iainmd · Jun 3rd, 2024, 09:30

Is that engine a variable vane turbo? If so, could be the vanes sticking.

Simmy · Jun 3rd, 2024, 10:06

it possible that the gears inside the actuator have failed which could stop the vvt from working.

DazN · Jul 8th, 2024, 12:47

Did you source a refurbished actuator...?

Was it a genuine Volvo one?

Jun 1st, 2024, 01:37	#1
Seb Van Ders New Member Last Online: Jun 2nd, 2024 19:29 Join Date: Sep 2023 Location: Pulborough	Suspected turbo actuator motor issue - ECM-1517/1540/1600 Hi Guys, I have intermittent limp mode Engine is Euro 4 D5 with electronically controlled turbo actuator. Codes are ECM-1517 ECM-1540 ECM-1600 These are overboost codes, and the first 2 suggest either turbo or turbo actuator faulty. the last code suggests MAP sensor faulty A quick (maybe long) run through of what i’ve done so far. Both MAP and MAF sensors have been replaced with Bosch ones, The type of limp mode i’m experiencing is where occasionally the car decides to cut off boost from 2k rpm and onwards, and lets off a dump valve kind of noise when i take my foot of the throttle. It makes the car rather sluggish. This tends to happen more often whilst cruising, never ever happened when the car has been thrashed, whether the engine is cold or hot. I have taken off the electronic turbo actuator before, and felt the VNT vanes move with absolutely no resistance what so ever. after inspection of the turbo actuator, the plastic gears seem like they’re ok however there is about 1-2mm of back and forward play from the worm gear. I’ve checked all boost pipes and they seem to be fine. Swirl flap arm is still in place. After running VIDA on the passenger seat, I looked through the graph showing: Boost desired pressure Manifold absolute pressure Turbo control motor position And i’ve noticed the actual boost pressure is lower than desired boost, which I find very strange. I will show with a picture below. Please do let me know of any other parameters I should look at. IMG_5409.jpg I tend to see a fair few forums on google with people experiencing these kinds of codes and symptoms but i never find anyone being successful with their fix. I’m planning on getting the turbo actuator replaced with a reconditioned one next week, so just before i empty my wallet, im hopefully going to get enlightened by some clever people on this forum supporting my idea or perhaps thinking it’s somthing else. I also hope this helps other people with similar problems. I appreciate any help and advice!

Jun 3rd, 2024, 09:30	#2
iainmd Member Last Online: Yesterday 21:19 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Fife View Photos By: iainmd	Is that engine a variable vane turbo? If so, could be the vanes sticking. __________________ Present: 2009 Volvo V50 1.6D DRIVe SE Past: 2004 Volvo S40 T5 SE

Jun 3rd, 2024, 10:06	#3
Simmy Premier Member Last Online: Today 18:54 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Manchester	it possible that the gears inside the actuator have failed which could stop the vvt from working.

Jul 8th, 2024, 12:47	#4
DazN New Member Last Online: Jul 23rd, 2024 15:44 Join Date: Jun 2024 Location: Banbury	Did you source a refurbished actuator...? Was it a genuine Volvo one?

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