Audi Q5 Power Loss Linked to Throttle Valve Failure

I had a very similar issue with my 2013 Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI last year. I have some experience working on cars, mainly basic maintenance and diagnostics. The symptoms you describe match what I experienced, check engine light, reduced power, and unstable engine idling. Initially thought it was the throttle body, but after diagnostic testing, it turned out to be the accelerator pedal module causing erratic signals. The workshop connected their diagnostic tool which showed multiple error codes related to the throttle control. They confirmed the accelerator pedal module was sending incorrect signals, causing the car to go into limp mode as a safety measure. The repair involved replacing the complete pedal module assembly. Total cost was 265 Euro including diagnostics and parts. Since the fix, no more power issues or check engine warnings. The stable engine idling returned immediately after the repair. Before you head to a workshop, could you share: Current mileage, Any recent repairs or maintenance, Whether the check engine light flashes or stays constant, If the issues happen more during cold starts, Exact engine variant of your Q5 This information would help determine if your case might be similar or if other components need checking.

Thanks for sharing your experience. After reading your response, I should mention my Q5 just had its regular service last month at 98541 KM. The throttle sensor issues seem very similar to what you described. In my case, the response delay and power loss are most noticeable during acceleration. The check engine light stays solid rather than flashing, and the fuel efficiency has dropped noticeably. I will get the diagnostic codes read before replacing any parts. The mechanic will likely need to check the entire air flow system to rule out other potential causes. Your input about the accelerator pedal module is particularly helpful since that might explain the inconsistent throttle response Im experiencing.

Thanks for those additional details about your Q5. The solid check engine light suggests a non-critical issue, though the poor fuel efficiency combined with throttle response problems does point toward either a throttle body or pedal module problem. The 98k km mark is actually when I started experiencing my issues too. After the pedal module replacement, my fuel efficiency improved from about 9.5L/100km back to normal levels around 7.8L/100km. Good call on getting the diagnostic codes first. In my case, the mechanic also checked the throttle body cleanliness and air flow sensor while diagnosing the problem. The entire air intake system inspection is worth doing since carbon buildup can affect throttle response on these engines. A few things I learned from my repair: The check engine light can indicate multiple related issues, Throttle response problems often trigger limp mode for safety, Complete diagnostics usually cost around 80 Euro, Cleaning the throttle body improved idle quality even after fixing the main issue Let us know what the diagnostic codes show. If you end up needing the accelerator pedal module replaced, make sure they use OEM parts to avoid compatibility issues.

I appreciate all the detailed feedback. After checking with my local repair shop today, they pulled the diagnostic codes which confirmed throttle position sensor faults. The mechanic found both the throttle body and air flow sensor were relatively clean, suggesting the accelerator pedal module might indeed be the culprit as you experienced. The limp mode has been activating more frequently, especially during highway merging when I need full power. Given the similar mileage when your issues started and the matching symptoms, I feel more confident now about the likely repair path. The workshop quoted 295 Euro for a complete pedal module replacement using OEM parts, which seems reasonable based on your cost reference. They will do a full check of the air intake system while they have everything apart, just to ensure there are no additional issues causing the check engine light. Will schedule the repair for next week and update once completed. Really helpful to know the fuel efficiency improved after your fix, as that has been a growing concern with my current situation.