We were presented with a VW Transporter T5 2.5 diesel with an overall lack of power. Although the customer said that the van still drove ok, it had definitely lost some ‘oomph!’.

Using VCDS I carried out basic settings tests on several components, confirming boost pressure was being created, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) correctly affecting air flow readings etc.

When operating the intake shutoff flap, the measured values didn’t react accordingly.

I removed the intake pipe to visually observe what was happening when the flap was actuated. It was clear that the flap had become detached from the spindle, allowing the spindle to turn without rotating the flap.

What this meant is that the flap was restricting air flow and causing a lack of power. In the picture you can see the rest position of the new unit compared to that of the faulty one.