Interesting problem - EPC light, bunch of codes, etc...

[Bandi]

This problem doesn't relate to my own NB, but rather one I'm trying to sort out for a friend.

Her Bug, an '01 2.0 automatic seems to run OK, when it runs- other times, it starts, EPC light comes on, it revs really high, then dies. If the EPC light comes on while you're driving, it just puts the car in limp mode (feels like it's stuck in second)

I'm getting a P0638 (Throttle actuator control range), P0221 (Throttle position sensor B circuit range/performance) and a P0121 (Throttle/Pedal position sensor A circuit range/performance). These codes seem to be sporadic, and I've only had the car act up a couple of times for me, but understandably, she doesn't want to drive it in this condition.

SO... apparently her former VW stealership has replaced the throttle pedal, the throttle body, the ECU, cam sensor, crank sensor, MAF sensor/housing, etc. Kind of just throwing parts at it to see if that'll fix it/costing her an absolute fortune.

ANYHOW... just curious as to whether or not anyone has run into a similar situation... I've been sorting through the wiring harness trying to find a corroded or broken wire in the throttle body control/throttle pedal circuit, ditto with a bad ground, but haven't come across anything yet (still have MANY hours of troubleshooting to go!) and figured I'd post something on here to see if anyone else has experienced this in case I'm neglecting to think of something else.

Thanks!

[Bandi]

Also, I've noticed that under heavy load (ie, lights on, blower on), the lights seem to pulsate at a very specific frequency.

[AvenueEye]

I have this exact same issue right now. P0638. The dealership has replaced the TB, MAF, O2 sensors, hoses, then ADAPTED the TB. After all of that, they told me that I should replace the entire wiring harness. The reasoning that I have found is that, in a 2001, there was an issue with coolant leaking on to the wires and causing corrosion, which is now causing false codes. (You're already checking your wiring, so let me know if you find anything.) Anyway, I confirmed with another mechanic that it seems to be a false code, and he suggested I buy a code reader for 50 bucks and clear the code when it comes on. I check it first to make sure that it's the same code every time, but then I clear it and the car runs fine for about three weeks.

[mgwarlock]

I have the same problem...change MAF, Throttle Body, Vaccum Hose, Cat Comverter, O2 Sensor Primary and secondary. I'm thingking of changing the ECM and Throttle body.

When the Check engine light comes on and I reset it the car runs smooth again and the following day it goes back to the problem.

I'm ready to give up and junk the car!

Please help us!!

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by mgwarlock

I have the same problem...change MAF, Throttle Body, Vaccum Hose, Cat Comverter, O2 Sensor Primary and secondary. I'm thingking of changing the ECM and Throttle body.

When the Check engine light comes on and I reset it the car runs smooth again and the following day it goes back to the problem.

I'm ready to give up and junk the car!

Please help us!!

Good, you got out of that other thread, I would have started a new one, but this will work fine.

Did you go to the link I gave you for the Ross-Tech Wiki, pull up the relevant codes, and start performing any of the diagnostics, looking first at any shared possible causes?

Finding a thread, with the exact problem and a determined resolve is one thing, but asking for an exact answer based on something someone found to correct a very similar problem isn't necessarily the best, and certainly not the fastest method of resolving your issue(s). It may be days, weeks, or never, when just that right person happens along and reads your post.

Did I suggest you complete the information on your vehicle in the User CP, to the left, in the purple bar above the thread, so we know your year, model (NB or NBC), and engine (1.8, 2.0, TDI, or 2.5). It may also be helpful to know, depending on the issue, just which engine you have. (e.g. AEG, APH, AVH, etc), which can be found in various places on your vehicle and in your Owner's manual, go here to find out where -
http://newbeetle.org/forums/attachme...els-plates.pdf , which is a .pdf I have posted in this thread -
Newbie Welcome Kit! , which may contain some other information for which you may have a use.

We're here for you.

M.

[mgwarlock]

test on my profile.....

Thanks M....my car is a NB 2.0 AVH.

Just ordered a new accelarator pedal switch and see then ECM after.

If it does not worked then off I go to stealership.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by mgwarlock

Just ordered a new accelarator pedal switch and see then ECM after.

If it does not worked then off I go to stealership.

I haven't looked at your codes, you haven't put up what codes are being thrown. Is the accelerator pedal switch what the diagnostics revealed, or just a possible cause? Did you run any of the suggested diagnostics? Are you doing this "trial and error"? That can get expensive.

M.

[mgwarlock]

Thanks M.

P0638, P0121, P0221, for now....before I cleared also P0420, P0507, P0103.

Change the MAF, TB, Vac hosses, Cat & O2 sensors, spark plugs, fuel & air filters.

I ordered pedal switch should come next week.

MG

[mgwarlock]

If not the pedal switch, can I change my ECM FOR AVH ENGINE (06A 906 032 BS)into another ECM?

Can't find the same ECM number anywhere cheap.

Thanks.

[mgwarlock]

ok....I purchase the vcds lite with rosstech.

below are list of error codes and I cleaned my TB contact wire and for now the check engine light did not come back yet.

17950/P1542/005442
From Ross-Tech Wiki

Contents

•1 17950/P1542/005442 - Angle Sensor 1 for Throttle Actuator (G187): Implausible Signal
•1.1 Possible Symptoms
•1.2 Possible Causes
•1.3 Possible Solutions

17950/P1542/005442 - Angle Sensor 1 for Throttle Actuator (G187): Implausible Signal
Possible Symptoms
•Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) active
Possible Causes
•Angle Sensors 1/2 for Throttle Actuator (G187/G188) faulty
•Power Supply for Angle Sensors 1/2 for Throttle Actuator (G187/G188) faulty
•Wiring/Connector(s) from/to Angle Sensors 1/2 for Throttle Actuator (G187/G188) faulty
Possible Solutions
•Check Angle Sensors 1/2 for Throttle Actuator (G187/G188)
•See Measuring Value Blocks (MVB), usually MVB 062
•Power Supply for Angle Sensors 1/2 for Throttle Actuator (G187/G188) faulty
•Wiring/Connector(s) from/to Angle Sensors 1/2 for Throttle Actuator (G187/G188) faulty

17950/P1542/005442
From Ross-Tech Wiki

Contents

•1 17950/P1542/005442 - Angle Sensor 1 for Throttle Actuator (G187): Implausible Signal
•1.1 Possible Symptoms
•1.2 Possible Causes
•1.3 Possible Solutions

17950/P1542/005442 - Angle Sensor 1 for Throttle Actuator (G187): Implausible Signal
Possible Symptoms
•Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) active
Possible Causes
•Angle Sensors 1/2 for Throttle Actuator (G187/G188) faulty
•Power Supply for Angle Sensors 1/2 for Throttle Actuator (G187/G188) faulty
•Wiring/Connector(s) from/to Angle Sensors 1/2 for Throttle Actuator (G187/G188) faulty
Possible Solutions
•Check Angle Sensors 1/2 for Throttle Actuator (G187/G188)
•See Measuring Value Blocks (MVB), usually MVB 062
•Power Supply for Angle Sensors 1/2 for Throttle Actuator (G187/G188) faulty
•Wiring/Connector(s) from/to Angle Sensors 1/2 for Throttle Actuator (G187/G188) faulty
•Check Throttle Body Control (J338)
•See Measuring Value Blocks (MVB) 060+
•Check Wiring/Connector(s) from/to Throttle Body Control (J338)
Special Notes
•When found in the NAR 2.0l TFSI: (BPY, CCTA and CBFA) check TSB 01-09-04 or 2018652 for a wiring repair at the Throttle Body.

[GilaMnstr]

I have the same problems. They have been around since day 1 but with different intervals between EPC and CEL. Since buying the car new in 01, I have been through at least 12 throttle bodies. 4 in the last 2 years alone. After years of fighting with the dealership, I went to an independent mechanic that was recommended. About a year ago he gave up on the car and I was asked to not bring it back.

So I bought a VAG-com and a Bentley manuel and have been learning how to changing sensors. In the last 6 months, I've been through o2's, maf, and throttle body.

Last week I had the same angle sensor codes you listed on a TB that has less than 1500K on it since being replaced. I took the TB off and gave it a look over and a little cleaning put it back on. The car ran fine for about an hour before the CEL and now I'm getting:
00281 - Vehicle Speed Sensor (G68)
No Signal

Swapping out the ECM didn't help in my case. I did that about a year ago and still got the EPC and CEL lights for the TB. I also replaced the wiring to TB and that didn't help either.

I know I should have cut my extreme losses long ago but it keeps me amused as an interesting problem. Although, I'm not comfortable driving it more than a few blocks now so the car is pretty much useless.

I'm lost about what to look at next after replacing the VSS. Engine Wiring harness? Alternator voltage regulator? Flaming rag in the gas tank?