SQUIRT OF OIL SAVES SOME CASH

 For some time I’ve been having loss of power – especially tackling steep hills – on my 2007 Mercedes-benz E320 CDI with 119,000 miles. Eventually the code P0299 (turbo under boost) came up with limp-home model activated.

I accessed the turbo impeller and all seemed well. I then removed the turbo actuator and opened this in the kitchen!

The thing is, in effect, a position control servo. It contains electronics, a small 12V motor and some gears. All looked well, but just before giving up I noticed that the oil on the gearing was tacky and indeed like glue. This actuator is 13 years old! I smeared 3-In-one oil on the motor and gearing.

On a hill test run today all is well, with a return to full hill performance. A simple repair that could have cost over a £1000. Gareth Owen