Turbo whistle

I have a 2006 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTI 150bhp and there’s a whistling noise coming from the turbo. I have heard there’s a common fault on these where one of the hoses splits. Can you tell me which hose and where it can be found?

Phil Biggs

One of the common problems associated with your engine is a blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF). If your Vectra is fitted with one, I would first ensure that this isn’t the problem. As you mention only a whistle, I am assuming that no EML is illuminated, indicating further problems.

Often when a turbo hose splits, it will bring up a fault code of ‘under boost’, but this is not always the case.

There is also a field remedy (2150) for the Z19DTH engine in your Vectra. This relates to a possible blockage in the oil feed banjo, which would result in restricted oil flow and eventual failure of the turbo – the first sign of which is normally a whistling sound.

By undoing the oil feed banjo, it should be possible to ensure that the feed pipe is clear and not clogged.

Another source of the whistling may be a split intercooler hose. This could be either the hose to or from the intercooler and you will need to check along the length of each hose, as well as the connections. The intercooler sits in front of the coolant radiator and the hoses can be traced back to the turbo and inlet manifold. A leaking intercooler hose or connection will normally leak oil residue in the area of the failure, giving an indication of the failure point.