Question on Wastegates / query on boost problems

[Inane]

is it possible to check that your wastegate is working properly?

I'm asking in a general sense, so even if you need to be a professional with correct tools, etc.

is it easy or hard to tell if your wastegate is broken?

---

aside from my blow off valve, what would be likely to cause boost problems?

is there anything common that can cause unstable boost problems,

(not overboosting though, its all lack of boost)

[Twolitre]

Firstly how do you know you are suffering from a lack of boost? (Aren't we all) I presume you're getting your reading from an aftermarket boost gauge.
Where are you taking that boost reading from? The intake manifold I presume? You could have a boost leak between your throttle body and turbo compressor outlet so check all the plumbing and hose clamps.
If everything looks fine then the ecu may be keeping the turbo vsv closed due to an error code in the ecu so it may pay to check your codes and then re set the ecu, I would say it's unlikely to be your wastegate actuator but check the rod is firmly attached to the wastegate flapper and the hoses are as they should be.

[Inane]

cool thanks for the tips,

however,

a) how do I check my engine codes
b) how do I reset my ECU??

[IH8TEC]

not too sure on the codes. but to resest the ecu, jsut disconnect the battery for 5min, i dont even think you need to do it that long, but hey whats 5 min while you crack open a beer, and have a nice quiet one after a hard days work

[Twolitre]

Yes re-setting the ecu is done by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes, usually just by disconnecting the negative terminal, but do not do that until you have diagnosed your ecu, to do this you have to look in the corner of the engine bay for a diagnostics box, lift the lid and there should be plenty of pins in there, you need to short out pins TE1 and E1 with an appropriately bent paperclip then turn the ignition to 'on' and count how many times the check engine light on the dash flashes, ie. flash-pause-flash - long pause - flash-pause-flash would be code 22

[Inane]

anyone know where I can get a chart of engine codes ?

[Twolitre]

anyone know where I can get a chart of engine codes ?

I havn't looked but try google, you might struggle to find specific Caldina GT-T info because they were only sold JDM afaik but GT-FOUR codes should be the same knowing Toyota and these will be easy to find on the net.

[matt dunn]

Dont take these as 100% accurate for all models but for most AFM cars they will be a good start.

11 - MAIN ECM POWER
12 - REV SIGNAL (ENGINE)
13 - NO REV SIGNAL TO ECU
14 - CONNECTION BETWEEN EIM AND ECU
15 - CONNECTION BETWEEN EIM AND ECU
16 - ECM CPU
17 - RIGHT HAND SIDE CAM SENSOR
18 - LEFT HAND SIDE CAM SENSOR
21 - O2 SENSOR
22 - COOLANT TEMP SENSOR
24 - IAT SENSOR
25 - AIR FUEL MIXTURE
26 - AIR FUEL MIXTURE
27 - SECONDARY O2 SENSOR
28 - O2 SENSOR
29 - SECONDARY O2 SENSOR
31 - AFM (or MAP)
32 - AFM
34 - TURBO CHARGE BOOST SENSOR SIGNAL
35 - TURBO CHARGE BOOST SENSOR SIGNAL
41 - TPS SIGNAL
42 - VSS SIGNAL
43 - STARTER SIGNAL
51 - A/C SWITCH SIGNAL
52 - LEFT SIDE KNOCK SENSOR
53 - KNOCK SENSOR CONTROL UNIT
54 - TURBO CHARGE CONDENSER CONTROL UNIT SIGNAL
55 - RIGHT SIDE KNOCK SENSOR SIGN

[Inane]

Problem... My Diagnostics box is in the cabin,

next problem, there is no labels.

[matt dunn]

is it two rows of 8 pins,

or

a round style multi pin plug?

[fivebob]

Problem... My Diagnostics box is in the cabin,

next problem, there is no labels.

viewtopic.php?p=177120&highlight=#177120

[Inane]

Cheers Fivebob, once again come through with the answer!

[Inane]

bugger, continous steady flashing, = no error codes???

[fivebob]

is there anything common that can cause unstable boost problems,

(not overboosting though, its all lack of boost)

The stock ECU will reduce boost when it detects detonation, or when the engine is cold and sometimes if the intake temp is too low.

Other than that it could be a bad connection on the Turbo-VSV which controls the wastegate, the VSV could be faulty, or the wastegate could be sticking open (but IME that is unlikely).

[Inane]

so fivebob in your opinion you'd reckon its more likely to be the turbo vsv screwing with me rather than the wastegate??



(part of me wants it to be the waste gate... or turbo, so that turbo has to stump up for new bling before it runs outta warranty.... )