Car lost power last week then cut out today/wouldn't start
 

This is (still..) my daughter's car which had a replacement (used) turbo fitted 3 months ago after the original one failed. It's been fine apart from being a bit noisy i.e. whistling in line with load.

Last week, the car effectively went into limp mode & the EML came on with a Reduced Engine Performance message. She said that the turbo was no longer making any noise and clearly wasn't working (she does know what that feels like). So she's continued to drive it minimally pending having it diagnosed (I'm currently moving house so can't even think about it :omg_smile:).

Today, it cut out completely whilst accelerating away normally from a junction (still reduced power). Message stated "Turn key" which she did whilst coasting. It turned over but wouldn't start. She managed to pull in & call me and it still was turning over but not starting.

The AA attended, ran a diagnosis, said there was nothing obvious in his view which would be causing the issue, so "reset" it (presumably cleared all codes). The car then started and has driven at full power normally for 20 miles since.

The AA provided the below summary of what was found. I would much appreciate some input on this. Thanks.

Dougie.

First port of call, fuel filter. Had a lot of grief, including low fuel pressure readings.

Good call thanks. I can even fit that in! I know it's not been done for at least 18 months. :confused_smile: I'll change it regardless of any other suggestions.

Dougie.

18months is nothing for a fuel filter unless you are doing 50k a year or happen to put 2 loads of absolutely filthy fuel in.

I wasn't saying it was changed 18 months ago, rather that the car was bought then and hadn't been changed since ownership. So it could have been years.

It's being changed today so we'lll suck it and see.

Dougie.

Hopefully a change in it's behavior.

The filter got changed & properly bled yesterday, car running fine. Today however, she started it from cold, it ran for 5 seconds then cut out. Would not start again. She called the AA back out and two guys spent an hour checking the fuel system including back seat out for the tank unit. They finally got it started so she drove it back to the garage who changed the filter after calling them. They checked for leaks and air but found nothing wrong.

She's therefore left the car with them until Monday when they'll strike it up cold and run tests to try & identify the issue. 🙄