[ketchgould]

I have a 2000 9-3 SE. The past few weeks the turbo has been starting to loose its power. I've noticed this at highway speeds at a constant speed of 70mph. Outside temperatures (Minnesota) have been 20 degrees or so and each time I have noticed this the car had only been driven about 15 minutes from cold. The turbo needle drops to 0, the car looses a little power. This has happened about five times. This morning, the same thing happened however I could hear a bit of a hissing noise too.

What might the problem be?

Thanks!
Christian

 

[jvanabra]

When this is happening, is your foot steady on the throttle?

 

[ketchgould]

yes

 

[jvanabra]

Could be either a vacuum leak or a failing MAP sensor. I'd start with a vacuum leak.

 

[ketchgould]

Thanks for the help. How might I test, look and find vacuum leaks?

 

[jvanabra]

If a visual inspection doesn't show anything, you will either need an intake pressure tester or a smoke machine. IME, smoke machines aren't great when it comes to turbocharged cars since they dont simulate high intake pressures which can cause marginal parts or connections to fail.