Error Codes: How to Read & Interpret Them

Hi there,

First of all, I want to mention that I think this forum is great, and I enjoy reading a lot of the posts and have already learned a lot from it, but eventually, it comes to an end.

My Golf 3, manufactured in 1994 with a 1.9L TDI 90PS engine, has lost power and has been like that since last weekend.

Hmm, what's the cause? That's a good question. Let's try to answer it, and let's see what the diagnostic tool says. Luckily, I have a friend with a sled (likely referring to a specialized vehicle or equipment) and an adapter that he bought just for fun, so he can help us check it out.

Now, the following emerged, the interpretation of which, due to a lack of specialized knowledge, is no longer entirely possible.

Chassis Type: 1H - VW Golf III A3.
Scan: 01, 02, 03, 08, 12, 15, 25, 56

Address 01 -------------------------------------------------------
Controller: 028 906 021 AF
Component: 1.9L R4 EDC SG, D70.
Coding: 00000
Shop #: WSC 00000
4 Faults Found:
00550 - Start of Injection Regulation.
17-10 - Control Difference - Intermittent
00575 - Intake Manifold Pressure
17-10 - Control Difference - Intermittent
65535 - Internal Control Module Memory Error.
00-00 - -
01117 - Generator Terminal DF Load Signal.
27-00 - Implausible Signal
Readiness: Not applicable.

Skipping Address, 15 Airbags.

Address 25
-------------------------------------------------------
Controller: 1H0 953 257 B
Component: IMMO VWZ3Z0R9063715 V00
Coding: 09600
Shop #: WSC 37583
0 Faults Found:

End -------------------------------------------------------

Okay, I should probably mention that it drives like an SDI, in terms of the power delivery, sometimes it has this 'rough' sound, and it definitely sounds different than usual, but it still manages to reach 200 km/h.

I'm going to rule out the mass airflow sensor (MAF) for now, because it wasn't replaced until the end of April 2004, and it also produced reasonable, albeit perhaps slightly lower, readings during the measurement, as usual.

Who has ideas?
And most importantly, which ones?

Best regards, BigB.

Please enter the error codes (e.g., 00575) and the corresponding MKB code into the search function, and you will find assistance there.

...or, for example.
*575

* and ? can be used as wildcards, see the search function page.

Best regards, Rainer.

And clear the error codes and see which ones reappear, then you only need to troubleshoot those.

Okay, great, I've read everything about it, and it's given me a different perspective in some ways.

Anyway, I went to the mechanic, and he found that the turbocharger isn't working properly anymore; it's only operating at 70% capacity.

I had cleared the error memory.

Okay, thank you for your help.

Best regards, BigB.

Aha...
And why should the turbo only deliver 70% (boost pressure/performance/more revenue)? Did a little mouse nibble on the compressor wheel?

What does the duty cycle of the boost pressure control system indicate? Are all the hoses in good condition? Is the wastegate functioning correctly? Is the mechanism working properly? Or is this just the usual, unhelpful talk when you don't know what else to do?
The turbo might be broken, but if it is, please tell me *what* is broken.
Perhaps I should release a special VAG-COM plugin that always prints an error description for the customer, such as "Your car is broken. Buy a new one, preferably from *please insert salesperson name here*". It would definitely sell like hotcakes .
It's great that it's generating revenue, but isn't it just embarrassing to perform a repair and then it doesn't fix anything because you didn't understand the problem?

It's not just me, as a customer, who will eventually get frustrated with such expensive and time-consuming partial replacement procedures, and my satisfaction as a customer will drop to zero.
In the long run, this alienates your customer base, which is your foundation for survival, and such short-sighted actions ultimately damage your future revenue.

Best regards, Rainer.

Well,

That's where it ends. He also gestured quite a lot with his arms and legs, made noises, and didn't really express himself clearly.

The VAG-COM plugin sounds good, where can I get it?

I didn't let it happen, because who am I to do that?

Oh, it's only 70% of the boost pressure. Sorry, I could have mentioned that.

I still have some hope, as I know a car mechanic, but he doesn't always have time when I need him.

Let me know if there's any news, because right now it's just going to keep going like this, but it's not really moving forward.

Best regards, BigB.

Here is the 'translation' of your errors and the solution proposed by VW:

00575
Intake manifold pressure.
Rule difference.
Cause:
- Faulty wastegate control valve (N75).
- Hoses connected incorrectly, not properly attached.
Impact:
- reduced performance
Solution:
- N75 / check hoses / replace.

65535
Engine control unit (ECU) - part number J248 - defective.
Cause:
- Internal defect in the control unit.
- Driving behavior deficiencies.
Impact:
- Engine shutdown.
Solution:
- Replace J248.

01117
Load signal for generator terminal DF.
implausible signal
- Generator failure.
- Faulty voltage regulator.
Impact:
- Engine preheating is disabled.
Solution:
- Check the generator/voltage regulator.

01117 Completely harmless, you can live with that (you can of course replace the generator ).
00575 Dangerous -> possibly 'just' N75 or Sluche swapped (sic!) or the Turbo has reached 'end of life'
65535 Tragedy - a new SG is needed...
Regarding the 70% figure, I can only say that it likely refers to the control of the N75 valve, which may improve with its replacement.
Check the values in group 011.
Pos. 2 Saugdruck soll Pos3. Suction pressure is...

Best regards,

Hi,

Regarding "Intake Manifold pressure," I would first thoroughly check the entire intake manifold for leaks.
My colleague started wildly replacing parts, trying to fix the same problem. When he wanted to replace the turbo, he came to me. As I was walking along the intake manifold with slightly damp hands, I found an extremely small bite mark from a weasel in a hose. I replaced the hose, and that was it.
What do you think a workshop earns when it replaces a hose and performs a turbocharger rebuild?

If there are going to be mistakes, then let them be accompanied by explanations.

Regards,
Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"Micha"