[Vwdiesel] Limp mode

[Shalyn Shourds]

00 TDI.  I've been losing some power lately and then last week it went into
what I'm pretty sure is limp mode.  I had it floored and was losing speed
on a slight incline.   It was more or less back to its usual somewhat
diminished power after a restart.  It has done that twice now.  No codes.

I replaced almost all the vacuum lines.  The one from the pump to the brake
booster was surprisingly not cracked.  That didn't help.  I do have a high
whine/whistle that may be turbo related and I have very rarely lost power
brakes if I use them in rapid succession.

I checked earlier and had 15 inches of vacuum at idle.  Stomping the brakes
repeatedly in the driveway would drop the vacuum, but I would think that's
normal.

I'm researching quickly, but have a long ways to go before I understand the
vacuum controlled system and how that interfaces with the ECU.  I probably
need to pull the turbo and replace the surrounding gaskets, but I, like my
car, haven't had a lot of energy lately and am trying to figure out what's
going on before I use up my limited energy wrenching on parts that aren't
broken.  Troubleshooting me is sadly in the hands of &$@# doctors.

I'd appreciate any advice on what direction to look.  I have a VAGCOM, but
haven't learned much beyond pulling codes.

-Shalyn