Tech Tip: VW/Audi Throttle Body Alignment

Tech Tip: VW/Audi Throttle Body Alignment

Have you had a customer pull into the shop with a Volkswagen or Audi that just will not idle correctly? One of the possible causes is that the throttle position is not known. The ECU must know the full range of motion of the throttle in order for it to properly control the engine.

Since 1996, most gasoline-engine VAG cars have electrically controlled throttles.

Have you had a customer pull into the shop with a Volkswagen or Audi that just will not idle correctly? One of the possible causes is that the throttle position is not known. The ECU must know the full range of motion of the throttle in order for it to properly control the engine.

When the motion range is not known, the ECU simply has no idea where to set the throttle. Using the throttle position sensors in the throttle body, the ECU learns the full open and full closed positions through a process known as a Throttle Body Alignment (TBA).

A TBA needs to be performed whenever one of the ­following occur:
• Loss of voltage to the vehicle (battery disconnected or battery run down to low voltage);
• ECU has been disconnected, reconnected or ­replaced;figure 1
• Throttle body has been cleaned, removed or
­re-installed; or
• Accelerator pedal has been removed or
re-installed.

There are certain operating conditions that must be met before the throttle is adapted. These include:
• No DTCs in the engine controller;
• Battery voltage is at least 11.5V;
• The throttle should be at the idling position (keep your foot off the accelerator pedal);
• The throttle body must not be dirty (carbonized); and
• The coolant temperature must be between 5° C and 95° C.
In the example shown here, the VCDS factory-level tool is used to perform the procedure. See Fig. 1

Note: Other factory-level tools may require slightly different procedures, but should be very similar.
This procedure is performed with the key on, engine off and without touching the accelerator pedal.
Procedure for performing the TBA on DBW cars that use KWP-2000 (typical of engine controllers in 2002+ Audi A4, VW Passat and Touareg):
[Select]Figure 2
[01– Engine]
[Basic Settings—04]: Group 060
[Go!] “Basic Settings: OFF” will appear under the VCDS logo. See Fig. 2.
[ON/OFF/Next] will switch “Basic Settings: ON” under the VCDS logo. The display will show ADP RUN and the throttle will begin to cycle. Leave the tool in basic settings for 30 seconds after the display shows ADP OK.
Then click: [Done, Go Back]

Courtesy of Ross-Tech.

You May Also Like

Valvoline Celebrates Female Service Center Employees

As women make up more than half of all drivers in the United States, Valvoline is taking steps to increase their vehicle care confidence.

Valvoline Inc. announced it is working to redefine the vehicle care experience and that it is excited to share important automotive preventive maintenance tips during Women's History Month. The company says that in research studies, women have expressed an uneasiness when approaching vehicle service and general dissatisfaction with a lack of accessible, straightforward maintenance knowledge in the broader automotive care industry. As women make up more than half of all drivers in the United States, Valvoline is taking steps to increase their vehicle care confidence.

BorgWarner Announces Plan to Reduce Supply Chain Emissions

A partnership with Manufacture 2030 will support BorgWarner in reaching its Scope 3 emissions reduction goal.

Snap-on Continues to Offer Free Weekly Product Training Sessions

The online training and question and answer sessions are free of charge.

AMSOIL Introduces New OE 0W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil

The new OE 0W-40 is primarily for newer RAM HD trucks equipped with the 6.4-liter Hemi engine.

UniClutch Launches Clutch System in the United States

From Australian manufacturer Clutch Industries, UniClutch is a clutch system that delivers uncompromised performance.

Other Posts

Mercedes-Benz ABC Suspensions

The system provides great ride & handling, but it can be complicated to service if you do not have the right training.

Now Available – March’s Digital Edition of ShopOwner

The March issue includes technical and management content and is free to download.

Chassis Diagnostic Procedures

The secret is to be quiet & listen, as the customer will tell you almost everything relevant to the repair you need to know.

ADAS Calibration Aborts

Knowing the common “hiccups” can save you time and money.