How to Identify Your Maserati’s Turbocharger Failures

Many internal combustion engine vehicles have a turbocharger. It is becoming more common these days for cars and SUVs to have these devices that boost a car’s engine power. Maseratis, being high-performance luxury automobiles, adopted this technology in the early 1980s, about twenty years after the tech was introduced. However, like any other mechanical component, turbochargers will sometimes fail. Let’s take a deep dive into what a turbocharger is and does, its advantages, what to expect from a failing turbocharger, why it fails, and what you can do about it.

What is a Turbocharger in a Car, and How Does it Work?

A turbocharger (also called turbo or turbosupercharger) inside an internal combustion engine works as a forced induction device. It uses a turbine, powered by the flow of exhaust gases, to compress the air intake. Compressed air is denser and carries more oxygen, which enables the engine to burn more fuel. When the combustion chamber receives more air and fuel, it creates a much more powerful explosion, which increases the engine’s power output.

What are the Benefits of a Turbocharger?

• Significant increase in power
• Much better fuel efficiency
• Notable reduction in emissions

Some Signs of a Malfunctioning Turbocharger

When your Maserati’s turbocharger begins to malfunction, you may notice these tell-tale signs. If you notice any of these, please make sure you take your Maserati to a professional garage without delay.

• Blueish-Gray Exhaust Smoke: When oil leaks into the exhaust system due to damaged seals or a defective turbo housing, you’ll see this phenomenon.
• Sluggish Engine: A degraded turbo will not spin fast enough to build enough airflow, resulting in engine hesitation and stuttering.
• Poor Acceleration: The same reason as above will cause a delayed response to acceleration, and your Maserati will not pick up speed.
• Loud Engine Noise: A loud whining sound like a siren or drill may mean the turbo in your Maserati is going out.
• Leaking Oil: If you find oil leaks around the turbo housing, it means some of the seals may be compromised.
• Smell of Burning Oil: Due to oil leaks and the high temperatures, you may get the unmistakable smell of burning oil.
• High Oil Usage: If your Maserati suddenly starts to use more oil than normal, a problematic turbocharger could be the issue.
• Bad Gas Mileage: If you notice your fuel economy has gone down, it’s a good idea to have a professional mechanic check if everything is okay with the turbocharger.
• Check Engine Light (CIL): This catchall malfunction indicator light (MIL) turns on whenever there is a problem with the engine. A trained mechanic can use a scanner to decipher the error codes.

Why Does a Turbocharger Fail?

There are various reasons why a turbocharger may stop working. Here are some issues that we can easily take care of during a routine check of your Maserati.

• Contaminated Oil: Poor-quality oil or oil that has been somehow contaminated can leave deposits on the various turbo parts and begin a fast degradation process of the components.
• Overheating: If your engine is overheating, that can lead to severe damage to different parts, including the turbocharger.
• Not Enough Oil: Turbochargers need a continuous supply of oil to keep it lubricated. Without this, various components like the bearings will wear out due to high friction.
• Debris: Dirt, grime, or any foreign object can cause serious damage to the turbocharger, as these could impair the different parts of the turbo, including the bearings and the impeller.

Regular Maintenance

The best way to keep your Maserati in top condition is to put it on a scheduled maintenance cycle. We can detect many problems during these inspections. There is a much better chance that the issues with the turbocharger will be relatively minor and easier to fix if caught early. Otherwise, one thing leads to another, and you might end up having expensive repairs and replacements.

Visit Paladin Automotive Today

At Paladin Automotive, we specialize in high-end luxury vehicles. Our highly trained, experienced, and certified mechanics can help you with any of your car problems. We have state-of-the-art tools and equipment and offer dealership-level services at a fraction of the cost. Call us or book an appointment to stop by. We are in Nevada, with locations in Spring Valley, Summerlin, and Las Vegas.