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Daughter's first car...

6325 Views 13 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  billymade
Hey there folks...my daughter has just started driving (permit) and decided to purchase her first car...you guessed it... A new Beetle!

1999 Beetle GL
2.0
Automatic (receipts for replacement 10/2013
141k



It's cute...in pretty good condition outside and beautiful inside. Unfortunately the last owner was a smoker, so there are some "aromas" to get rid of...

There are some issues to get straightened up...it starts and runs but after it warms it runs rough and stalls. It was scanned at a dealer and they say bad throttle body...previous owner says he replaced the TB twice with used ones but never had it coded.

I ran codes with my iPad and a OBD2 and received codes for crankshaft position sensor and exhaust temp sensor as well as throttle position issues. (Forgot to write down the numbers...)

My initial plan of action is this:
Replace crankshaft position sensor
Replace timing belt
Replace water pump
Replace cam position sensor (since I'm in there already)
Program TB (I don't have VAG but hope to try another unit)

I'm hoping that the TB really isn't bad and just needs to be programmed...I guess I'll see!

I'm sure I'll be doing A LOT of reading here...thanks in advance for your guidance!

Jason
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Please post ANY and ALL trouble codes; we will try to help. At the bare minimum, I would get a VW scan tool off of amazon (vag 405 or the newer vs450); if you see yourself doing extensive repairs yourself, consider VCDS (basically a clone of the factory VW scan tool $250-$350; requires the use of the windows based pc to run).

You can look up trouble codes here and purchase VCDS here as well:

ross tech wki:

Ross-Tech Wiki

Ross-Tech: Home

Before; throwing a bunch of parts at the problem and spending a bunch of money; I would recommend troubleshooting and using some diagnostic tools, to do some testing and that way you will intelligently troubleshoot the problem and fix the issues, quickly, in the most cost effective manner.

When it comes to the throttle body; rough idle, stalling and the like, many times have come down to a dirty TB and the need to have it realigned. This is something you can do yourself and is easy to do. I would recommend you purchase a good manual like a Bentley or look online; erwin, free ones etc.

Volkswagen Workshop Manuals

For a timing belt/waterpump kit; check out blauparts:

Audi Parts - Vw Parts - Audi Parts Vw Parts Kit Company - Blauparts

Start a new thread; with all of your codes posted (maybe the 2.0L section) and we will do our best to help you and get your daughters new beetle back on the road, in tip top shape! :)
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Welcome to the great and wonderful ORG! Many fantastic cars, people and answers lurk in this great land. If you haven't done so already, take time to fill in your profile and post a few photos so we can ORGle them!!
Thanks for the informative advice!

I plan on ordering a Vag405 to help with my diagnosis...I had pulled codes but like a dummy I didn't write them down...I thought my IPad would save them but I was wrong.

One question...is the vag405 capable of TB adaptation? I am thinking not, but I was hopeful...is there a budget friendly option for TB adaptation if the Vag doesn't work?

This one claims to do Tb adaptation...anyone here have any experience?

Amazon.com: New Arrival Xtool Vag401 Vag Auto Scanner for Vw/audi/seat/skoda on live data,Oil Reset,Airbag Reset,Actuation test: Automotive


The previous owner had a dealer scan which identified a TB issue so the owner replaced the TB with a used unit...twice...but never stated that he actually adapted the TB...
I am not familiar with the 401 scanner; when it comes to coverage and what these Chinese-based tools can do, it is always is a question and only way to know is to try it on your own vehicle. These are not professional grade tools and they have limited support or sometimes no support at all; really if you want a professional grade tool I would recommend you get the Ross Tech VCDS the cheapest versions $250 or the more advanced can us capable version $350. The support and the value of the Ross Tech tool; is really pretty incredible and you never have to pay for software updates, they keep up with all of the latest cars that Volkswagen comes out with (if you ever get a newer Volkswagen; you don't have to worry cause you will be covered). The depths of the tools capabilities sold by Ross Tech is unparalleled; I'm unaware of many other tool on the market can do what It can do: aside from the Volkswagen factory to scan tool, which cost thousands of dollars!

As far as I know the vag405 and the vs450; are not capable of doing the throttlebody alignment procedure. If I was going to spend under $50 I think I would go with the VS 450, as it's a newer version of the 405 and I think it covers more cars.

The VCDS does the throttle adaptation process but many here have been able to do the process by just turning the ignition to the on position and the car will do it itself; whether it's as good as doing it with the VCDS I guess is debatable. I'm assuming it's the same process but the VCDS, just has the ability to cause the process to be activated through the software program.

The throttlebody issues can be tough to diagnose; whether it was really bad or they just need to be cleaned and adapted or is a question or it could've been a wiring or ECM issue. Many people tend to throw parts at problems and not troubleshoot or diagnose issues correctly; you never know.

One thing to keep in mind; if you buy a tool from Amazon; you can return it if it doesn't do what you want to do. I have returned a number of Chinese made VW scan tools to Amazon. Return them because they couldn't do what they said they could do. Amazon has a great return policy and is definitely worth it; even if they cost a little more than say eBay :)




Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App
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I'm going to try the "poor mans" adaptation tomorrow but my luck is never THAT good!

I plan to order the unit from Amazon ($80) and test it out...as a prime member I'm aware of their great return policy...heck, we do A LOT of our daily shopping there!

Wish me luck!
Well definitely let us know how it goes; there are so many scan tools out there for the VW's from China, it's hard to know what kind of coverage there is for what era vw models/cars are out there on the road. The overall quality and usability; is essentially a unknown, again... gotta just try them out to know! :)

Then, there is the service and support issues; at the prices, that they are selling them for, you can't expect much and in some cases, it is essentially non-existent (another plus with the vcds system: excellent USA based support, free upgrades and they stand behind what they sell)! Please keep us informed and if you end up keeping it, give us a review! :) Thanks! :)


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Well, no luck on the poor mans adaptation...ran codes again and got these...

P1543 - tp signal too low
P0322 - crankshaft position sensor
P0122: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Low Input
P0341 - Camshaft Position Sensor

My scanner isn't VW specific so some of these are my best guess until my new scanner comes in.
17951/P1543/005443 - Ross-Tech Wiki

16706/P0322/000802 - Ross-Tech Wiki

P0122 Volkswagen - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Low

PDF Share Code

0 P0122 Volkswagen Comments | Add Comment
Possible causes
- Faulty throttle pedal position sensor
- Throttle pedal position sensor harness is open or shorted
- Throttle pedal position sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Help with Possible causes What does this mean?
When is the code detected?
An excessively low voltage from the Throttle Pedal Position (TPP) Sensor is sent to Engine Control Module (ECM).
Possible symptoms
- Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
P0122 Volkswagen Description
The Throttle Pedal Position (TPP) responds to the accelerator pedal movement. This sensor is a kind of potentiometer which transforms the throttle position into output voltage, and emits the voltage signal to the Engine Control Module (ECM). In addition, the sensor detects the opening and closing speed of the throttle valve and feeds the voltage signal to the ECM.

Idle position of the throttle valve is determined by the ECM receiving the signal from the throttle position sensor. This sensor controls engine operation such as fuel cut. On the other hand, the Wide open and closed throttle position switch, which is built into the throttle position sensor unit, is not used for engine control.



Read more: P0122 Volkswagen Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Low OBDII Engine Light Trouble Code | Engine-Codes.com

16725/P0341/000833 - Ross-Tech Wiki

P1543 - tp signal too low

Throttle body: did a search with that code: one person found it was a wiring problem at the connector to the throttle body: "Finally found the problem, a wire from the connector had come loose from the pin but had not worked its way out of the connector, thats why i didnt see it the first time".
Seeing how the TB has been replaced three times: I would check the wiring:

1. plug/connector to tb
2. wiring harness from plug to ecm
3. check for continuity of the wiring to the ecm
4. check ecm; remove connector clean and plug back in. worst case, try another ecm

Check out these manual pages; for the whole testing procedure for the throttle body:

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/rrmann/2009-08-18_004303_2001_beetle_throttle_body_checking.pdf


crank/speed sensor P0322:

bad speed sensor/wiring/plug: that would explain the warm engine stall?

P0122 throttle position sensor:

This is inside the throttle body; this just reinforces what we have been thinking about the wiring/plug/harness/ecm from and to the ecm.

Definitely, time for some visual inspection of the wiring/plug/harness/ecm and clean all the connections with some electrical contact cleaner and do some continuity tests with a multimeter. Print out the testing procedures above; they can be a guide for you, through the whole process. Other threads; indicate, that the throttle body alignment, cannot be done when there are codes like above... which makes sense, if ecm cannot control it or has a intermittent issue with it. You need to fix the connectivity/code/signal issues; before you can adjust/adapt the tb.


For cleaning the electrical connections; I like this stuff from CRC, available at any auto parts store:

CRC Industries #05103 QD Electronic Cleaner

http://www.crcindustries.com/auto/?s=05103

for the throttle body:

CRC Industries #05078 Throttle Body & Air-Intake Cleaner, 12 Wt Oz -

http://www.crcindustries.com/auto/?s=05078

I was at Walmart the other nite and they had a double pack of both of the above products; for a good price! :)
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Some GREAT advice...I have some tinkering to do this weekend!

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge!

I'm a cigar forum guy...if you ever have any interest or questions about those...I'm your guy!
Good luck with the diagnosis/troubleshooting process; keep us updates as things progress! Most of the above info; its just cut and pasted from google! Google is your friend! :)
Ok...status update...

Ordered some maintenance parts and the Vag 401 scanner from amazon.

Installed a new water pump, timing belt, timing belt tensioner, cam position sensor, crankshaft sensor, thermostat, changed oil, changed coolant. Charged battery (was a little low) and cleared all codes. Adapted throttle body (drive by cable block 98 if I remember correctly) and started it up...

It ran like a dream! Perfect idle and no misses/skips at idle or while revving. I let it run like for that for about 15 minutes and checked codes again...nothing. Went for a test dive and it ran perfectly for about five miles...then issues. Started missing and shut off with engine light on. Was able to start it again and limped it home the last quarter mile at idle.

I checked codes but forgot to write them down...cleared them and checked again...two did not clear. Checked the battery and the voltage was below 12 (figured it was due to cranking it when it stalled) so I charged it and then cleared codes. They cleared so I adapted the TB again and it said OK. Started the car and ran it with all accessories running and at various stages of throttle (I was thinking maybe a bad battery) and it stalled after about 15 minutes. Checked codes and got these:

17951
P1543 Angle sender 1 for throttle valve drive-G187:signal too low

16506
P0122 Throttle/pedal position sensor/switch a circuit-G69:low

16894
P0510 Closed throttle position switch-f60:malfunction

16725
P0341 Camshaft position sensor (A) circuit bank 1:range/performance sporadic:

Transmission code:
00518
Throttle valve potentiometer-G69 signal outside tolerance

So I'm thinking maybe it really is a bad TB. I was hoping it wasn't but I checked all connections and they all appeared ok. Also, since it runs fine for a while and then acts up I think it's something other than the connections...I had also hoped for a bad battery, but when I checked voltage after it stalled this time it was still over 12V...any other thoughts? It seems like these codes all pop at once and I'm suspecting they are a result of the TB acting up...
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One other thing...could it be the alternator...when running I'm getting about 13.6v DC at the battery
17951/P1543/005443 - Ross-Tech Wiki

Generic OBD Error Code Details for P0122
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit Low
What does this mean?
OBD Code P0122refers to
A P0122 code means that the the car's computer has detected that the TPS (throttle position sensor) is reporting too low a voltage. On some vehicles that lower limit is 0.17 - 0.20 volts (V). Did you adjust it when you installed it? If the signal value is less than .17V then the PCM sets this code. Could be an open or a short to ground in the signal circuit. Or you may have lost the 5Volt reference voltage.
Symptoms
Possible symptoms of OBD code P0122
Rough or low idle Stalling Surging No/little acceleration other symptoms may also be present
Causes
Possible causes of OBD code P0122
A code P0122 may mean that one or more of the following has happened: TPS not mounted securely TPS circuit short to ground or another wire Faulty TPS Damaged computer (PCM)
Possible Solutions
Some recommended troubleshooting and repair steps are: Carefully check the throttle position sensor (TPS), wiring connector, and wiring for breaks, etc. Repair or replace as necessary Check the voltage at the TPS (refer to a service manual for your vehicle for specific information). If the voltage is too low that is indicative of a problem. Replace if necessary. If recently replaced the TPS may need to be adjusted. On some vehicles the installation instructions call for the TPS to be properly aligned or adjusted, consult a repair manual for specifics. If there are no symptoms at all, the problem may be intermittent and clearing the code may resolve the issue temporarily. If this is the case then you should definitely check the wiring to be sure it's not rubbing on anything, grounding, etc. The code may come back.

P0510 Closed Throttle Position Switch Malfunction OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description Article by Dan Weller ASE Certified Master Technician Closed Throttle Position Switch Malfunction This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic OBD-II powertrain code. It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles (1996-newer), although specific repair steps may vary depending on the model. What does that mean? The throttle body or linkage on certain vehicles may contain a switch that indicates to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM) when the throttle body is in the closed position. When the throttle body is shut, the switch will be depressed or in the closed position. The PCM uses this switch so the engine will stay at idle in conjunction with the idle air control valve and/or go into a fuel cut mode while coasting. There may also be a Wide Open Throttle (WOT) switch. If either the WOT or closed throttle switch are not engaged, the PCM or ECM may assume the throttle is partly open which could affect the air/fuel ratio. Note: If more than one trouble code is present, such as P0120 (TPS/Pedal Position Sensor A circuit Malfunction) - there may be an open in the ground circuit or bad connection at the Throttle Position Sensor TPS). Symptoms Symptoms of a P0510 DTC will include illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), you will likely not notice any other symptoms. Causes Potential causes of a P0510 code include: Wiring harness open circuit or loose/dirty connection Faulty closed throttle position switch Throttle body idle set screw tampered with Faulty ECM Possible Solutions Wiring Harness - Disconnect wiring harness connector at Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) or closed throttle position switch and harness connector at PCM/ECM. Using a Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM) set to ohms scale, connect leads to each end of the same wire using a wiring diagram for reference to test for continuity between the switch and the PCM/ECM. Resistance should be present in the wiring between the switch and PCM/ECM, an infinite reading would indicate an open circuit. Repair open in wiring or replace wire harness assembly. Closed Throttle Position Switch - Disconnect wiring harness connector at TPS or closed throttle position switch and test for continuity using the DVOM with the leads on the two pins at the closed throttle position switch or the throttle position sensor, depending on the vehicle. Resistance should be present when the throttle body is in the closed position. If the throttle body linkage is not touching or fully closing switch, there may have been an adjustment made to the idle set screw. Re-adjust idle set screw to specifications using factory procedure.

16725/P0341/000833 - Ross-Tech Wiki

00518 Throttle Position Sensor, G69 Open or short to B+

Some basic; info about the throttle body issues here:

De-Bugging New Beetle Engine Quirks | Tomorrows Technician

Some basic info; using vcds and performing a throttle body alignment procedure.

VWVortex.com - How-To: Throttle Body Alignment

I certainly, would have the whole charging system checked make sure everything is working as it should; most of the above codes, seem to be related to components inside the throttle body.

I would follow the factory manual troubleshooting procedures; to determine the problem with the throttle body.

manuals below; not the exact same year but I believe the procedures would be similar, if not the same: (some throttle bodies on the earlier models had linkage and later they were fully electronic "fly by wire" systems).

Beetle L4-2.0L (AEG) (2000)

http://workshop-manuals.com/volkswa...throttle_body/component_information/diagrams/



Golf L4-2.0L (AEG) (1999)

http://workshop-manuals.com/volkswa...esting_and_inspection/with_generic_scan_tool/

http://workshop-manuals.com/volkswa.../locations/g69_throttle_position_(tp)_sensor/

http://workshop-manuals.com/volkswa...close_switch/component_information/locations/
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