How to Adjust Turbo Wastegate Voltage | MK7 IS38

Adjusting the wastegate on your IS38 turbo is generally only required when installing this turbo as an upgrade. This also requires proper software tuning to ensure you maximize the power potential of your vehicle. In this video, we show you how to adjust the IS38 wastegate on MK7/MQB VW and Audi models. The spec required for the IS38 wastegate is between 3.5-3.9V (for vehicles being upgraded) . This requires a scan tool like OBDeleven or VCDS and a 10mm wrench.
Links Talked about in this video
OBDeleven Next Gen (iOS and Android)
www.shopdap.com/nextgen-obdel...
IS38 Turbocharger
www.shopdap.com/is38-turbo-mk...
Everything you need to know about the IS38 Turbo
www.shopdap.com/blog/post/is3...
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[@Emielrwb]

Thanks for this very explicid tutorial, including the right Voltage goals. Very usefull for a problem-car I'm working on at this moment.

[@victorsouza7205]

Thanks brother, this tip been most important to me, for finally delivery car to my client.

[@vpstylee]

I’m literally doing this the day this video comes out, ty paulie

[@Superultrasexyskaterguy]

Thank you so much for this one! I love you wonderful people

[@ivoluna4457]

Thx guys. This was very helpful with today's install.

[@ikra]

There seems to be two types of actuators as well used with the IS38 turbo - the old style is38 has a black body, whilst the newer turbos come with an IS20 actuator (all silver colour). For the IS20 type actuator you have to force close the wastegate valve BEFORE making a reading and doing the adjustment.

[@aysmen89]

Hello, i have a 1.8 TFSI GEN 3, so i think IS20 turbo.If i want to adjust actuator(P2563 error and voltage is 4.1 V) i can adjust the rod with the Ignition ON and VCDS connected to see the value in real time?or i need to adjust with IGNITION OFF , and after that IGNITION ON, connect VCDS, read value and repeat this steps until i reach a good V?Thanks

[@Politica1unify]

That save my car from EPC light, thanks for the the support for VW and Audi.

[@carchill7211]

Really? Thats what I am getting too EPC...

[@Politica1unify]

@@carchill7211 unfortunately it only worked for a few weeks, after that the car figured it out and the epc light came again😅

[@rolandkoncsik7767]

hey what caused the issue with your car?@@Politica1unify

[@fidestin1050]

Thank you!

[@Bayne83]

i needs one!

[@BlackDiamondGulfBreeze]

I just liked this video just from the outtro lmao

[@boskychannel]

If the setpoit have to stay between 3.5 and 3.9v why you have to adjust at 3.6? It was alredy correct at 3.8... or not?

[@hky187]

What would cause a stock waste gate to rattle? On a 2016 1.8 mk6 the clip doesn't seem to want to go around like previous models.

[@radomanvr]

Maybe i am wrong but i was not simplier to only plug the wastegate into the connector and do the adaptation without the turbo bolt to the exhaust manifold? The harness is long enough? Because if the harness is long enough it will be very easy to do the adaptation

[@abqadeer8168]

Nice video.. is it same voltage value for audi A4 125kw as well?

[@yvestheunissen]

@Deutsche Auto Parts Paul are the new style wastegates adjusted different? I noticed that when the car is shut off these new ones push the wastegate open. So setting voltage seems to work different on these.

[@danozane1725]

What is If I install a later revision of the is38 in my Golf 7 R (722H to 874P) which was installed also in a Golf 7 R. Do I have to adjust something (because of maybe different wastegates)?

[@toddhunt2087]

great videos! Do you sell parts lol

[@GIOX96K]

at about 5500 rpm with full throttle how many volts should I see? mine drops to 2.2v is it a correct value or should it drop more?

[@ikra]

should the actuator arm be easy to move back and forth with just finger strength when ignition is off? And then hard to move once ignition is on? Just wondering if I need a new actuator.

[@jasongtivr6]

Does the ihi20 waste gate work on the 38? Thanks

[@KevinsgolfR]

i was getting epc and engine light and at one point i changed plugs and got a good puff of lingering smoke at end of track but now everytime i make boost the epc and enging light come on im thinking this mite be my issue

[@user-er9px9rp1z]

What dirrection means this counterclockwise please? Do you tight the rod or loose the rod? Tighter rod which means tighter wastegate is higher or lower voltage?

[@AgentOffice]

You'll see it change

[@dannoyes4493]

How about adjusting the cooling fans for warm/hot climates? Is there any way to do this so that the fans come on earlier and ramp up at lower temperatures?

[@danieljackson9]

Would also love to know this

[@giordangallacci9189]

Coolant temp sensor and thermostat is necessary to adjust that. @dan noyes @Daniel Jackson

[@dannoyes4493]

@@giordangallacci9189 There are actually two (2) coolant temperature sensors. And, Murphy manufactures a thermostat that will fit, and opens at 180 degrees F. A 3K resistor in the sensor circuit(s) provides the necessary offset for the fans to come on a bit earlier and stay on a bit later - makes a big difference on really hot days.

[@sagensourman]

Great diy! Where are you getting your info from that the range should be between 3.5-3.9? I had previously read it should be between 3.2-3.6 from most hybrid turbo vendors/tuners. Thanks!

[@dirk5950]

depends on turbo. my tomioka runs 3.8v.

[@Fargin_Icehole]

3.53 boss600

[@brandoncardena2986]

@@dirk5950 What tomioka do u have? U running on a custom tune? I own a cupra 280 with tomioka IHX475, eurodyne stage 2.

[@dirk5950]

@@brandoncardena2986 ihx475. tuned maestro by myself. just put a vortex xl turbine housing on it last week and set voltage at 3.6v. every turbo is different

[@wolfsburggti4476]

Does anybody know if I can just yank on that rod to set it loose? I think the pivot joint is rusted and seized. But I don’t wanna damage the actuator by pulling on it.

[@8359s]

I have Michelin PSS on Audi S4 B8 with additional sport diff at the rear, rear right one got damaged, I need a new tyre. They have 7mm of tread left, can I mount one new tyre or replace all 4?

[@TheClement402]

You will be able to get by with just the 1 brand new tire, it will feel a bit weird at first but it should even eventually even out and a good burnout might help the process

[@aysmen89]

Hello on IS12 turbo the process is different?as i understood i can not see the realvalue datas when move the rod?to see i need after adjustment make a basic settings and after IGNITION OFF/ON to read the voltage?

[@HumbleBearcat]

I have a 2018 Q5 2.0T. What voltage should I set it at please? Right now the actuator rod has a slight play. Should I remove the clip and rod off first and adjust the rod to 0 tension first? How many turns from there?

[@David_162_]

Any updates on this?

[@dirk5950]

Try doing that on a cooper is20 actuator.

[@legendgarage4055]

how does the car behave if the voltage is wrong?

[@intertrent7]

In my experience, setting the voltage too low. The sensors will prevent your turbo from spooling. You should get an EPC warning and when you start the car up. You won't be able to use the turbo. Sorry this is something that's 7 months old I think they should've answered. But I just put in my new is38 and needed to see the voltage range. Hopefully you got this fixed if it was your issue. If it was a question hopefully you got your answer. But either way have a great day ❤

[@joem21292]

I'll tell you.. If you let the car idle it will throw a flashing coil light along with limp mode.. But if you get in and drive straight away it will be fine until you stop and idle for second then coil and limp again 😅

[@AndreAs-lq6cv]

hello. i installed an is38 from golf R to my 1.8. All seems to run fine i tuned the car and i got epc light for wastegate problem etc. I check tha Volt from actuator it was 4.2 i lowered it back to 3.55V. After a hard pull car did great left it overnight. Next morning on new pull i got epc light. Check the charge airpressure uncod sensor it was 3.85V. I shut down engine start it up and now it is on 3.75V i do a 1st 2nd gear pull it drops down to 3.1V. I shutdown car restart it and its on 3.69. The nut on the actuator is well tighten.. I noticed that the oil return line is really close to actuator cone. Is there any chance that the oil return line blocks it ? what is happening ?

[@GIOX96K]

is it possible to increase/decrease the pressure by adjusting the wastegate? for example if the voltage is 3.9v will I have a greater boost than a voltage of 3.5v? I have overboost issues and would like to try lowering the pressure

[@mostdopeodoy1617]

Have you found an answer to this. My upgraded turbo GTI has and underboost EPC light at 3.5V and I'm still looking for for this info

[@ahoishot6000]

Is the wastegate Closed or open when the car is not startet?

[@Arenabreakoutreels]

does the volatge change when the car turns on? Mine is currently at 3.87v and I am getting the epc light when it gets on boost. The code I got for epc light was 15202 for actuator being stuck

[@umaralyas2746]

Did you get this fixed mate? If so what was the issue and how did you fix it? I have the same issue as you and suspect it is the Voltage as it sometimes works and boosts fine and it sometimes throws the EPC light on and goes into a limp mode if you will - car runs fine besides that

[@Em_Ligman]

@@umaralyas2746 I'm having the same problem :( Did you manage to get this fixed?

[@Howmade]

Thank for supporting vw audi owners , I have a question about my gti 7.5 pp , because my car doesn’t have multi port inje mpi , can i do ecu tuning for mpi system from obd11 , and can do this mpi system without upgrading fuel pomp .

[@dirk5950]

no

[@TheClement402]

You need the upgraded fuel pump, injectors and fuel rail as well as a proper tune

[@leomcleoud5130]

Phantomx206 and intercooler

[@jesseainslie2404]

Nice price

[@NerdGenius]

Why didn’t you finish using obdeleven to show people how to do first charge pressure actuator adaptation in basic settings? So many people are lost on doing this in obdeleven vs Vcds.

[@michaelchrest3947]

Thats my problem right now

[@Zharsergey]

My voltage is at 3.7, but adaptation does nothing in obd11

[@diegohernan6711]

Have you any good hybrid is38 option?

[@jeromelujan8000]

What about adjusting an IS20 on an Audi A3? Do you know the tolerance of the WG? Thanks

[@Shaunomangaming]

Did you find an answer to this ??

[@aysmen89]

Hello, i have a 1.8 TFSI GEN 3, so i think IS20 turbo.If i want to adjust actuator(P2563 error and voltage is 4.1 V) i can adjust the rod with the Ignition ON and VCDS connected to see the value in real time?or i need to adjust with IGNITION OFF , and after that IGNITION ON, connect VCDS, read value and repeat this steps until i reach a good V?Thanks

[@mikejames3263]

Anyone know if i can plug the wastegate actuator in and adjust it before I actually install the turbo? My hands are like giant bony bags of meat and I'm doubtful I can get them in there.

[@rars0n]

Since this is a mechanical adjustment, can this not be adjusted while the turbo is off the car? I'm assuming there should be a resistance measurement that could be checked at the pins of the electrical connector. I'll do a little more research about it and check for myself whenever I get around to pulling my turbo off but I would assume that this is the case.

[@Terdy515]

I was thinking this very thing. As long as it’s plugged in, it should i would think

[@qazrat]

Came here looking for this, I can't see why as long as the connectors reach there shouldn't be any reason not to set it before install. As long as power is sent it should work.

[@chiquicat1]

Will this work on an Audi S3 8V? Same voltage? 🙏

[@jbo3238]

Anyone know the value should be when replacing the stock actuator with an is38 actuator on a IS20?

[@josemartin530]

The value should be the same , between 3.5v - 3.9v

[@charlep3962]

I can with the car off and ignition on? Thanks

[@brunocabanis2893]

Very clear and interesting video. My car is an Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI EA888 G3. Electronic Actuator is an 06L145612K, visually close with the IS38. I got the EPC light. With odbeleven the error code is PP256300 : Turbocharger Bost control Position sensor Circuit Range/Performance. The charge air pressure control valve uncond voltage sensor is 4,54 V. My question is: are the voltage range the same for IS38 actuator and 06L145612K ? I would greatly appreciate if somebody can make this point clear.

[@David_162_]

Same issue here. Got an update?

[@hadiuzzaman7961]

I have the same problem. Did you figure out what the voltage should be?

[@brunocabanis2893]

@@David_162_ I asked the Wastegate manufacturer who confirm me the actuator voltage is the same for these kind (family) of actuator. The target is 3,6 V. I used Odbeleven to try reaching this voltage, I cant but I went from 4,8 V to something like 3,8 V. At this point using odbeleven and as described, I asked My computer car to accept the new values. It worked and the default disappeared . 15 000 km after it's still ok.

[@aysmen89]

Hello after i adjust a IS12 with the voltage at 3.6V i can not do Basic Setings " Initial Adaptation of charge pressure actuator" ,i hear the noise of moving but at the end i recive the Message "Aborted For Safety Reason" on VCDS.I try to do the Basic Setings with Voltage from 3.4 V to 4.4 V but the same error.The car drive normally and no Error on VCDS.Any ideea how can i do a Basic Setings?I try also "Position check of end stop of charge air pressure actuator" and i can do with Succes after few atempts.

[@JohnMaffa]

Can you adjust the wastegate before you install it? Plug it in, adjust it, then install it??

[@dirk5950]

sort of. if u have a voltmeter and a 12v battery u can

[@panzerveps]

Sure, but as he said in the video, it's already adjusted from the factory. The real problem is when you have to adjust it after several years of use, and the actuator arm is partially rusted stuck. Pretty sure it would be faster to unbolt the turbo, adjust it, replace the gaskets and bolt it back together. A turbo swap on the EA888 is a super easy and fast job.

[@ivoluna4457]

Yes you can.

[@gazza8596]

Would this be the same process if it was on an 2014 Audi a3 8v 1.8tfsi I’ve been told my turbo is an is12 ? Never heard of it haha it’s stage 2 and stage 2 tcu and feels I have no boost and it’s powering threw fuel

[@aysmen89]

Hello, i have a 1.8 TFSI GEN 3, so i think IS20 turbo.If i want to adjust actuator(P2563 error and voltage is 4.1 V) i can adjust the rod with the Ignition ON and VCDS connected to see the value in real time?or i need to adjust with IGNITION OFF , and after that IGNITION ON, connect VCDS, read value and repeat this steps until i reach a good V?Thanks

[@anna-mariagallo3209]

Do you have to adapt it using the obd11 afterwards?

[@jordanminow9278]

Did you figure out if it was needed?

[@CiDirkona]

The turbo support bracket upper bolt (turbo to bracket) was 6mm allen on my 2016 Audi TT, not 7mm as spoken in this video. Not sure if GTIs are 7. The replacement bolt in the parts kit was also 6mm. (also posted in the comments to the IS38 install video)

[@GioChiavone]

wooow, that changes everything.

[@tristendurham5181]

My 2015 GTI used a 6mm Allen as well. Also My voltage goes up* when spinning counter clockwise.

[@the_a3_8v94]

Is it same as the is20

[@nickbortolotto3165]

Hey paul, I have been searching everywhere for information on potential wastegate sounds. You are always my first source to check, so hoping you can help. 2019 GLI autobahn 13,000 miles I am having a noise on full throttle in gears 4,5,6. Diverter value works on release of the accelerator, but halfway through the pull I am getting a "fhfhfhfhfhfh" noise. I have no CEL, or warning lights. I have aftermarket intake and Cobb stage 1 93 tune. Anyone else having this problem?

[@charliemeyer7912]

I have the same issue? Figure it out

[@desmondh7844]

me as well! 19 gti

[@chiquicat1]

The problem is that the car is not stock 😂

[@chriiss6936]

I think you're trying to say your boost is fluctuating. You won't know cz u might not have a boost gauge I changed my n75 valve, and it solved my problem

[@raidateir4473]

What voltage would you recommend for golf r mk7 stage 2? The current value is 3.852 and the pressure is 0.1 bar below the requested value according to the logs

[@arminrosic1518]

Should be around 3.6

[@raidateir4473]

@@arminrosic1518 Thanks

[@ImKrull]

Why does that mk7 have a standard steering wheel not s gti one?

[@Jushwa]

Alltrack

[@AyoooJoseee]

I should be able to read this with my accessport?? EPC aight keeps killing my turbo and I feel this is the issue

[@Dannkkush]

What is the correct voltage for is12

[@antonzx7502]

3.54 bro

[@aysmen89]

@@antonzx7502 Hello, i have a 1.8 TFSI GEN 3, so i think IS20 turbo.If i want to adjust actuator(P2563 error and voltage is 4.1 V) i can adjust the rod with the Ignition ON and VCDS connected to see the value in real time?or i need to adjust with IGNITION OFF , and after that IGNITION ON, connect VCDS, read value and repeat this steps until i reach a good V?Thanks

[@sulmanshah]

Would anyone be able to give me some advice? I've got a 2014 1.8t. It has an Apr tune since last September no issues at all, the car has 69k miles on it the engine code is CPRA. Recently the car goes into limp mode and has the EPS light on, the car won't make boost at all. I ran VCDS on it and it gave me a warning saying "actuator stuck" then I ran the test and could hear the actuator click open and close. Spoke to some mechanic friends they said I have two options. Find an actuator for the turbo and have it replaced (a lot cheaper) or replace the entire turbo, could someone please weigh in, it's my primary car and I'm sort of at a loss as to what to do, anyone with experience want to weigh in, I would greatly appreciate it.

[@ic3488]

Apr tunes suck. Change to a different tune

[@Mk8kyle]

I adjusted mine, tightened everything thing, did the adaptation 2 days later it dropped down to 1.7V

[@Mk8kyle]

@@MeltingRubberZ28 yea didn’t tighten the jam nut tight enough

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

@@Mk8kyle planning on doing an IS38 swap myself. Any advice? Thanks in advance

[@Mk8kyle]

@@MeltingRubberZ28 drain your coolant before hand, I didn’t and it was super messy. Also if you remove your cam adjuster solenoids number them. And if you change the oil lines at all the one that goes into the block is a pain to get out.

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

@@Mk8kyle thanks for the tips!

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

@@Mk8kyle now I've heard of people mentioning a wastegate adaptation? Is that something that needs to be done after the turbo is installed and voltage is adjusted into the proper range?

[@chriswilson2834]

Basic setting needs to be calibrated on odis or vcds also its 3.5 to 3.6

[@kelzpinero9293]

My rod is seezed it wont spin help!

[@majklxxx]

hi, I am screw it through whole range (from 0 to 20mm thread) but value is oscillating between 4.5950 and 4.5991, what means that value is not changing at all. I do this with started engine too. Do I have bad wastegate? 14846 - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor Circuit P2563 00 [167] - Implausible Signal . Thanks

[@Shaunomangaming]

Did you find a soloution to your code I’m getting this same code

[@majklxxx]

@@Shaunomangaming it was improper signal (voltage out of proper range).. so basically it is problem with servomotor, my case was to adjust properly screw (nut) according VCDS in order to obtain 3.6V in idle state and it runs

[@RJEFERSONMARTINS]

​@@majklxxxnão entendi.. como você fez?

[@majklxxx]

@@RJEFERSONMARTINS you need to screw rod from actuator until VCDS actuator test shows 3.6volts

[@xxlevis12able]

Is that voltage also for is20?

[@FelixRivera-cg5do]

You don't adjust the is20 only the is38

[@pat94tec]

@@FelixRivera-cg5do so you mean the is20 doesnt need to be adjusted this way?

[@eletrickblack]

Q3 wastegate pinout ?

[@JamesFrancoSwiss]

4:51

[@THECB12340]

Hi, I have an IS38 with no wastegate actuator. Can I use my IS20 wastegate actuator ? Because my voltage isn’t going above 1.6-1.7v. How do I adjust it for 3.5volts?? Or is it not possible.

[@coreytelfer4566]

Did you end up figuring this out? I will be using an is20 actuator on an is38 hybrid.

[@THECB12340]

@@coreytelfer4566 yea man it won’t work properly, you need an IS38 waste gate. The physical length of the rod is different Go to a wreckers and see if they got any actuators for sale

[@coreytelfer4566]

@@THECB12340 I’ve heard that but also know of people who have used the is20 wastegate and say it works just fine after adaptations. I’m just going to get a new wastegate so I don’t have to deal with it if it doesn’t work.

[@THECB12340]

@@coreytelfer4566 it will work, just not reliably or consistently lol

[@coreytelfer4566]

@@THECB12340 good to know, thanks!