Hi there,
Can anyone advise me about what I believe is a turbo problem with my Surf? It's a very late '89 (90 model really) 2.4LT diesel, manual transmission. (LN130 model). I've owned it for over seven years and it was imported here to New Zealand from Japan so I guess it's really a Jap spec. I'm the only owner in NZ and it's been well looked after, with oil changes religiously every 5,000km etc. However, the mileage is getting up a bit (about 320,000km) although generally it goes well and doesn't show it's age in any way. I have reason to believe the mileage is correct.
This last week the boost from the turbo has become intermittent. Sometimes it comes in as usual around 2000rpm and seems to go as well as ever (if that's the right terminology for a 2.4LT!), but then on the next hill it doesn't seem to boost at all, or it may suddenley kick in for no apparent reason half way up the hill. I can hear the characteristic whine of the turbo as usual, but nothing seems to be happening. The lights on the dash/rev counter are not much help - I've had the apparently common problem with the red(orange) light being on most of the time since the day I bought the vehicle, and despite the best efforts of several auto electricians I could never get it fixed. The green light sometimes comes on when the turbo is boosting, but sometimes it doesn't, and like the red(orange) light it has been like that for the seven years I've owned it. I'd be very appreciative if someone could suggest where to start looking for this problem. Does it sound like the mechanics of the turbo itself, or is it something to do with the control system for it?
This has been a great vehicle for me. Considering the mileage it's now done, and the work it's done, (towing horse floats and boats - OK slowly I know but it's done it!), I have no complaints at all about it.
Thanks for your time - I hope someone can help. Regards Paul NZ