Let me start by saying I bought my car around 10 months before replacing DV. Since I bought the car with a torn DV and I hadn’t driven another GTI I didn’t even know it was gone because a 2L engine is still very powerful. Whenever I put the foot down I would hear a whistle which I was sure was my turbo but even though it pulled, it never pushed me to the back of the seat. After driving another GTI just last week I was reassured that something was definitely out of place so I said I’d tackle the DV. That loud whistle would have been the air escaping through the DV I imagine because I can’t hear it clearly anymore.
I can’t imagine how many people out there are driving around with torn DV’s completely unaware. My test – is it whistling loudly instead of pulling off & at around 2500rpm does it push you to the back of your chair or does it just lift a bit?
I ran my car through VCDS software and it came back with error code P0299 which is associated with low boost. I purchased the part from VW for €53 and fit it myself in around an hour.
Since I have a K03 my DV was located in behind the driver side wheel arch so this is how I replaced it.
Jack the car up as high as safely possible because you’re going to need a good bit of wiggle room. I then placed it on axle stands and chocked the wheels to be sure.
Remove the wheel and the plastic arch mud guards. There’s 2 of them and the one on the right hand side is also screwed onto the skid plate so you need to remove all of the screws at the front too.
The DV is located just inside the only bit of free space you can get to and I’ve circled it in the photos below.
A good tip is to get a small torch and tape it to one of the pipes so it’s not in your way but it’s providing you with better lighting. Will save time in the long run.
Start by removing the electrical connection. Prize clip up with flathead screwdriver and remove. Please do this safely or you’ll tear the wires. Now cable tie it to something higher so it’s not in your way.
The 3 number bolts are held in place tight enough with threadlock – a glue put around bolts to keep them coming free from vibration so they require a bit more force to remove than a normal bolt would.
As long as you have the right tools all 3 bolts can be removed but you can’t tackle this with a bit set and a screwdriver. You really need the extension pieces, right angle adapter etc. for your socket set. The area is also very tight so you’re going to need the socket set to be quite small.
When you get the DV off inspect the rubber diaphragm for tears and what revision it might be. As you can see, mine was torn badly and a revision B.
I replaced mine with a revision G. For the reinstallation start with the bolt on the top right corner. You’re going to need some fresh threadlock here on the bolts to keep them from coming out. Add a small amount and hold the DV in place with the first bolt. Don’t fully tighten until you get the other 2 bolts in.
Now fully tighten all 3 bolts and reconnect.
While you have this panel removed why not check your windscreen washer tank for dirt, your light bulbs need replacing? or your suspension need a look at?
Last but absolutely not least – clean the crap out of your panels now! I forgot to take photos but at the point where your side skirt meets your mudguard there’s a crevice there that can hold a mug full of sand/grit/leaves etc. Remove all of this junk and anything else that may have gotten behind the mudguard over the years. If you’re feeling fancy why not get the pressure washer out?
Now start putting it all back together. If you’re not sure where some parts/screws went you can walk over to the passenger side and use it for reference.
I got back in my car and I have to say I was happier about the car than I was the day I bought it. The power was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. The power is insane and I never even knew anything was wrong. I also know what symptoms to look for in the future so it ever did happen again I can fix it with ease.
