Turbo Went Out!

[gecko_rubi]

Check engine light just came on so I pulled over to an AutoZone - says the turbo is out and I need a new oil line (assume for the turbo). Dumb question, but can I still drive it? Just need to know as I’m sitting in the parking lot and cannot get ahold of the dealer … need to pick up my daughter in 30 min.

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[Erievon]

I realize I'm late but, if oil isn't being supplied to the center bearing of the turbo, damage might not have been done yet, and it may just need a new oil line (is it leaking? they don't just...plug unless you're way over on your oil change and have sludge circulating). Continue to drive it in that condition, if the diagnosis is correct, and you could end up doing more damage to the turbo center section, where at this moment it might be ok. Can you drive it? Sure, but you'll be way down on power and possibly further damaging the shaft bearing. I wouldn't recommend it.

If it's actually leaking, bigger no. That pulls from the engine's main oil supply.

 

[gecko_rubi]

I realize I'm late but, if oil isn't being supplied to the center bearing of the turbo, damage might not have been done yet, and it may just need a new oil line (is it leaking? they don't just...plug unless you're way over on your oil change and have sludge circulating). Continue to drive it in that condition, if the diagnosis is correct, and you could end up doing more damage to the turbo center section, where at this moment it might be ok. Can you drive it? Sure, but you'll be way down on power and possibly further damaging the shaft bearing. I wouldn't recommend it.

If it's actually leaking, bigger no. That pulls from the engine's main oil supply.

Damn. Thanks for the info. Really appreciate it.

I decided to get it towed - they came pretty quick.

 

[Erievon]

Let us know what they find. The info from AutoZone is super vague so I was just taking my best guess based on what I know of turbo systems.

 

[gecko_rubi]

Update:

Jeep got towed into the shop on Friday. I contacted the dealership today and they said they are looking to open a case with Chrysler regarding replacing the turbo (they are still investigating). My first question was “is there any potential downstream damage for the turbo failing while driving?” The response was “don’t know yet.”

What should I be concerned with? What could potentially fail as a result of having the turbo go out and continuing to drive (just to get to an exit and the nearest AutoZone)? Any recommended questions I should ask the service guys? Or things I request they check?

Jeep has 16K miles with oil change and fuel filter replaced less than 1k ago.

 

[charliez]

If the cold side comes apart it can fill the inter cooler with debris. But you would know from the sound of it if it happened.

 

[SIG551-A1]

If the cold side comes apart it can fill the inter cooler with debris. But you would know from the sound of it if it happened.

This here. If the compressor side hit the housing/scroll it can create fine aluminum shavings that the engine will ingest. Only way they can confirm this is to take the compressor housing off and look for damage to the housing and compressor wheels.

 

[22EcoDs]

Couldn't there also be debris in the exhaust side if that went? Potentially damaging the filter.

 

[charliez]

yep

 

[Rusty PW]

If the bearings went out. Allowing the shaft to wobble. Both impellers rubbed. Sending particles everywhere on both sides.

 

[gecko_rubi]

Update:

Apparently the turbo actuator failed BUT the actuator cannot be replaced so they have to replace the entire turbo assembly (including gaskets, seals, etc.). Luckily, my dealership has the turbo in stock and will just be hunting down the gaskets/seals. Should be another couple days and then they’ll reassemble.

I feel a little better knowing it was the actuator that failed and not the turbo throwing shavings.

 

[Rusty PW]

Think yours is the second or third one that has been reported to fail.

 

[Sandevino]

The variable geometry turbos have EPA stamped into the housing. Glad it was a simple part that failed.

 

[Summitsearcher]

Talk about a lucky break! No pun intended. Could have been a disaster.

 

[gecko_rubi]

Talk about a lucky break! No pun intended. Could have been a disaster.

No kidding! I was fearing the worse

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