Freelander 1 2004 TD4 turbo problems. SOLVED.

Hi, been a while since I posted, I've been having a good run up to now but it seems that's come to end!
So, the car felt a little down on power at low revs, fine higher up the rev range and the MIL coming on intermittently.
Codes read showing low boost pressure so I changed the turbo boost actuator solenoid, but still had the same problems.
With a vacuum applied by hand directly to the turbo it seems that the actuator rod moves only very slightly and with much more vacuum applied to it than could be generated by the engine. At idle the rod does not return to it's rest position, so I assume that the turbo vanes are always open, not allowing boost at low revs. Does that sound correct?
Is there a way I can confirm this without removing the turbo?
If I need to remove the turbo, is it possible to clean/ de-carbon the mechanism to get the vanes moving again or am I looking at a reconditioned turbo? Also can I remove the turbo with the IRD in place?
Many thanks in advance.

Can you move the vane lever by hand through its full range of motion?
It should move reasonably easily.

Yes, it

Nodge68 said:

Can you move the vane lever by hand through its full range of motion?
It should move reasonably easily.

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Yes, it seems to move through its full range of motion. I have just checked for vacuum by sticking a syringe in the vacuum supply pipe to the turbo boost solenoid and there appears to be a good vacuum supply.

Jonny H said:

Yes, it

Yes, it seems to move through its full range of motion. I have just checked for vacuum by sticking a syringe in the vacuum supply pipe to the turbo boost solenoid and there appears to be a good vacuum supply.

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Have you checked the wiring to the plug of the boost control solenoid? This wiring has been know to fail occasionally.


Also when was the turbo filter last changed?

Nodge68 said:

Have you checked the wiring to the plug of the boost control solenoid? This wiring has been know to fail occasionally.


Also when was the turbo filter last changed?

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I haven't checked the wiring but I will. I know very little about electrics but I'll have a look. The turbo filter was changed recently but I spend a lot of time driving in dusty conditions so I'll stick a new one on.

Nodge68 said:

Have you checked the wiring to the plug of the boost control solenoid? This wiring has been know to fail occasionally.


Also when was the turbo filter last changed?

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With the ignition on, will there be a constant live feed to the boost control solenoid connector or is it only energised at certain times?
Like I said earlier, electrics is not my forte!!

Jonny H said:

With the ignition on, will there be a constant live feed to the boost control solenoid connector or is it only energised at certain times?
Like I said earlier, electrics is not my forte!!

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SOLVED. You were correct Nodge, one of the wires to the boost solenoid was barely hanging on by a thread. In my defense the damage was tucked well inside the cable ducting so I didn't see it first time round. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!
Thanks for all the help.