I have a 1992 Toyota Lucida diesel turbo with the 3CT engine. The orange turbo warning lamp has just started coming on. What does this mean and what can I do?

- (#7522) Garry Summerhays, 8 Mar 03

duff wastegate or split hose to the wastegate/ too much boost pressure. Get it looked at ASAP, or it'll be an engine rebuild rather than a part- turbo repair

- (#7523) david miller, 9 Mar 03

Check your wastegate link rod - they are exposed underneath on the Estima TDs when the covers are off and often suffer damage from careless mechanics; it happened on mine (before I bought it) and I noticed it while doing a service - the link had been clouted and was bent tight to the turbo unit and the wastegate jammed shut, luckily I noticed before any serious damage occured. Certainly worth having a look at while checking it out.

- (#7524) Rob L., 9 Mar 03

And remember that the Lucida is a 3ct-e engine- that lamp might be indicating a management problem too...

- (#7525) david miller, 9 Mar 03

hi all!
as this is the first car i've had with a turbo, i'm still finding my way round how it works etc. got the principle sorted, but would still like to know more. thought i'd start with wastegate since it's mentioned here, what is it and how does it work. thanks.

- (#7649) eddie arrowsmith, 12 Mar 03

David, are you sure a 92 Lucida would have an electronic diesel unit, I thought they were £ct until '95 then went to 3CT-E. Best bet is to go to the Lucida site, they know these vehicles better than us!!!!

- (#7650) Rob Drinkwater, 12 Mar 03

dunno Rob, I was led to believe that ALL Lucidas were electronic, but you could very well be right on this one!...

Eddie, the wastegate controls boost pressure. The turbo consists of two impeller wheels. One is driven by the exhaust gas, the other pumps the inlet air.
The function of the wastegate is to allow some of the exhaust gas to bypass the turbine. This controls it's speed and thus boost pressure. It's basically a flap valve actuated by a diaphragm device connected to the inlet tract. Too much pressure overcomes the spring in the diaphragm capsule, allowing the wastegate to open.

- (#7651) david miller, 13 Mar 03

Mine's (okay then, the wife's - I'm still in the Townie!!!) an early '92 Estima Emina, it's got the 3ct engine; I believe the 3ct-e's came late '92 on.

- (#7700) Rob L., 13 Mar 03