1998 E300D Turbo Problem.
 

I just got a 1998E300D and was driving it on about a 4 hour trip about 3 hours into the trip as I began to go up a large incline, the check engine light came on and right away I noticed a huge loss in power, the car wouldn't get over 60mph the whole way up the hill. I could tell a large difference in power once I got to the top of the grade. I pulled off the highway and had it checked and the code Turbo/Wastegate soleniod malfunction came up. Is this a simple fix? Anyone have a pic of what the part looks like? Any idea on cost? Thanks for your help.

I can't feel the turbo kick in any longer. Is this going to hurt the car to drive it back home like this?

There are two electromagnetic solenoids that are identical, one controls the wastegate and the other the egr vlave.

The turbo one is beneath the air filter box unter the 4" outlet pipe. The EGR one is on the drivers fender next to the ABS.

Swap them; noting in and out vacuum line setup first. No tools required.

If it resolves the problem the one controling the turbo is prob bad. Costs approx $100.

Usually clearing the code brings the trubo back instantly; until it trips again.

If it doesnt resolve it, PM me your email addy and I'll send you the ECU voltage and vacuum tests to slueth it out further.

Terry is right, but also replace the little filters on the ends of the bleed lines for those solenoids too. I had one which was tripping a CEL and after changing it, it never happened again. Usually these manifest themselves when the weather turns cold for some reason too.

No, it is in a mode to protect the car from overboost, you can drive it like that.

Watch the temp gauge if you are in the mountains and its hot. You don't/can't push it.

The turbo filter NHDOC mentioned is also worht checking. That one is tucked in the computer box next to the inner fair wall. Its usually yellow about 1" x 1" or so. Its connected to a vacuum line leading under the air filter box and down to the solenoid.

Transducers
 

Under the air filter hose (controls waste gate)
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...nsducer010.jpg

Closer look
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...nsducer009.jpg

Driver side transducer (controls EGR)
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...nsducer011.jpg

Removed from it's holder (just pulls up and off)
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...nsducer012.jpg

Electrical connector disconnects by pressing on the bottom of the clip(where my thumb is)
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...nsducer013.jpg

atmospheric vent filter
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...nsducer014.jpg