How to do a Wastegate Actuator Bench Calibration and Adaptation (MK7/IS20/IS38)

I wanted to set my wastegate actuator voltage BEFORE putting the turbo in the car so I didn't have to worry about access to the adjustment rod. Here is the process. This process is most useful when you want/need to calibrate the wastegate to a turbo, but might not have the car readily available or don't want to take it out to the car for the calibration process... or you don't want to put the car back together to turn on the ignition... lol Lots of reasons why this could be useful. There ARE other ways to calibrate a wastegate actuator. This is the bench method.

[@DevineDigital]

On behalf of a few communities on Facebook , but especially the non-MQB gen 3 #PROJECTGEN3GLI folks with literally backwards turbos that we are swapping IS20's & 38's into we appreciate this video.

[@andresrivera9070]

finally someone made a video you are my savior man because i was doing the is38 calibration on this type on actuator and never having success because it was wrong all this time thank you man for doing this video 🤙🏼

[@cjmindustries]

Thanks for putting this together. Thorough and to the point!

[@BrandonS350]

As an alternate to the CTS cable (if you're overseas or to save a few coins), part # 4H0973713B is the connector attached to my IS38 actuator. I was able to find a used one online for cheaper than the CTS cable with a bit of pigtail still attached. Thanks for the video, I used it to move the actuator over to an upgraded turbo during an engine rebuild.

[@Perceivedshift]

Currently have my Vortex with an IS20 WG on the bench! I was wondering how I might do this, perfect timing for this video!!!! Thanks! I knew I could read the voltage, but wasn't able to figure out which pins I needed to tap into.

[@EVERYTHINGcpo]

Timing is everything!

[@maxconkling1509]

Very helpful video. Thanks for this!

[@JeffreyBellmore]

Very Nice explanation!

[@amitramoutar26]

Thank you for doing this. Currently looking at a IS20 for my 1.8TSI. Can you do a video on removing the intake and doing carbon cleaning on the intake valves. Your videos do help a lot when it comes to working on my car.

[@luizalbertoguccionejunior4388]

Great video. Thanks!

[@nemethgabor8609]

I replaced IS20 with IS38. Of course, the value of the westgate valve is wrong; 3.359V. My question is, should the westgate valve be set to 3.5V when the ignition is on, or should it be 3.5V at idle??? 🤔

[@740GLE]

Seems like CTS is missing an opportunity to make another cable for bench testing. Thanks for the video I have an IS20 sitting in a box that would be perfect for this once I find time.

[@Jordan2.0TSI]

you mentioned a way to close the wastegate via VCDS or OBDEleven, are you able to also squeeze it closed like you did on the bench? Running into issues myself as all the write ups I've seen are for the IS38 actuator, not the IS20, this video is such a great help as I couldn't figure out how to get the actuator to close completely, if it's not possible to do by hand once the turbo is bolted on, do you have a link or can you shed some light on the VCDS Method of forcing the wastegate closed, please?

[@diegohernan6711]

What a nice turbo! Wich brand and model is it?

[@chobitrial]

can we swap actuators from is20 and is38 turbos in different cars like GTI using is20 turbo with the actuator of the is38? of in the golf R using is38 turbo with the actuator of the is20 ? I apreciate alot this info

[@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

[@mannytim7670]

Does 2018 vw Passat SE 2.0 tsi have these same specs for wastegate electric actuator?

[@anthonya5896]

I’m having some issues getting my wastegate to read the right voltage on the on my is20 actuator that’s in car would it be possible to leave the car in accessory mode and push the wastegate? The engine keeps getting too hot with it running and I have to take breaks to let it cool

[@ericl1984]

I performed this procedure to the “T” on my IS38 but the voltage reading never changed from 4.8vdc. -5.07vdc input to pin 1 -ground for power source and meter pin 3 -4.8vdc pin 5 meter positive. Never changes when rod is adjusted in or out. Any ideas? Brand new turbo from Unitronic.

[@kevin-jm3qb]

i need your help. bought a turbo but i don't trust the wastegate actuator pivot pin. is there a nickle-based lub that can penetrate that tight clearance. i doubt the nickle based anti-seize grease will penetrate inside there or will it?. any liquid based high temp resistance you can suggest?

[@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.

[@TheDsantander]

What is the torque spec on the torx m6 bolts?

[@ikra]

what's the part number of the old IS38 actuator?

[@bogdansilyuk9684]

How long did it take to do the first adaptation with obd? Mines just loading and loading

[@EVERYTHINGcpo]

It happened pretty much instantly if I recall correctly.

[@dannyponce4919]

⁠@@EVERYTHINGcpo did you do anything with change of service before hand? Mine takes forever and says incorrect diagnostic mode.

[@Di-Mit]

3.6v for is38 turbo ? No for is20 ?

[@davidrobertson702]

whats up my brother. i almost went EQT typhoon on my turbo upgrade, but instead i went with the CTS BOSS 750, can i pick your brain? me and you have the same car.

[@mattcoburn7200]

Why couldn't you use the cable as it came and key on engine off and adjust the same way ? Need to do this myself just wondering

[@Gmans_GTI]

Same. I just ordered the same cable and it fits to the Wastegate and the cars harness just fine. I’m going to try it the way you just said since I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work.

[@mattcoburn7200]

@Gmans_GTI just to update you I was able to get it done with mine. I did have to adjust it again after installing the turbo. Which sucked because I had already run the car before I realized it was out so it was Hot 🔥 adjusting it In place

[@Gmans_GTI]

@@mattcoburn7200 Heck yeah! Did you push against the wastegate flap while your were adjusting it? I’m guessing it was just off by a little bit