Limp mode from start?

[skcollob_ho]

I've had my ARL for about a month now, and the problems are starting to show themselves!

After searching the forum, I think my DMF is on its way out as there is a knocking noise from the gearbox when I first start the car [also lessens when I press the clutch], which goes after about 5mins of driving. I've read that this can be an expensive fix, and some have gone down the SMF route. I'm considering this route as I've heard that an SMF will outlast my car, whilst replacing another DMF might come back to bite me again. Whats the general consensus among you guys? Suggestions on which kit I should look at please?

Also, and also just as annoying, is my car going into limp mode. It first happened on a run up to Bedford from London. As I came up the slip road, giving it the beans in 3rd, it just went....limp mode! All the way to Bedford, struggling up hills and inclines etc etc. [If I'd known then what I know now, I'd have pulled into services, switched off then back on again to reset it!]. Again, I've read plenty on here about the boost pipes leaking, and sticky vanes in the turbo, but it's now started happening when I first get into the car, from cold. Although I haven't had the chance of getting under her to check the pipes from the turbo, the ones on top of the engine appear to be okay. The one that goes to the EGR has a little play in it at the EGR [I can wiggle it a few millimitres in the EGR]. Is this enough to give me the 'limp mode' I have been suffering? I've also looked under the front valance at the pipe coming into the FMIC and although there is very little play, there is oil residue around the joint. Again, is this likely to be a problem?

Sorry for the long winded post, but before I give her to the very helpful Nick at R-Tech for a turbo cleanout, I want to ensure that I have done my research.

Your suggestions/thoughts are welcome. Cheers guys.

EDIT:

Sorry, I forgot to add that I have a code reader which threw up what I now know is a common one...

17965 - 35
KWP 1281
Charge pressure control: positive
Deviation: p1557
Static: No

[old_n07]

The egr won't cause the limp mode especially given the fault code you have.

Have a look at this thread

Neil

[skcollob_ho]

Thanks Neil. Reading that almost gives me enough balls to try the turbo clean myself!

Picked up loads of interesting info from there.

Michael

[vw-8v]

i have the exat same fault code on my tdi and i've been through all the possible remidies as  when i bought my car i had a couple other fault codes to sort lol still couple left but back to the code 17965 i get it ramdomly as i could be giving it the beans and no limp mode then other times a simple touch of the beans on the motorway in 5th and off the tirbo goes.

only option i have left is to take it off and either clean it my self( not sure if i fancy trying i do try most things but hmmmmmm) as tols it a fiddly job that tricky if doing on your drive lol or sztreet for me. so it get it to r tech for the clean or buy new one vw looking at 830   for part alone. give me a pm on what you get done m8 as my limp not bad as yours YET.

[skcollob_ho]

Well, I have yet to get round to sorting this problem out, but I will say that the problem has subsided since I got the car up on a lift and had a prod about the piping trying to find a leak. I have a hand-held code reader which I use to read/clear DTC's, and since checking on joints and pipes, the limp mode from start has stopped. Now though, when giving it the beans, I get a loud whooshing sound along with the turbo, which confirms that I have a leak....but where!?! 

I have noticed a lot of people who have had a leak mention that they get a lot of black smoke too, but i don't get that, even giving it some, no smoke.

I'm off tomorrow, so hopefully off upto TPS to order my new clips and o-rings [circa 20 squid for the whole set], and see if that sorts out my problems. I might actually get the FMIC off and see how much gunk I can clear out of it. Doesn't seem to be a difficult job, even for my limited 'two spanner' capabilities.

[Rhyso]

Does the sound appear as if its coming from the air vents?

I had that once and it was the red (orange) turbo outlet pipe.

£100 for that little sod 

[skcollob_ho]

I couldn't get good enough access to check if the connections were good, but the pipe didn't appear to be split.

The Whooshing can't be heard through the vents though, so i'll take that as a good sign!

I've gone and jinxed myself now, haven't I!?