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petersilber99

Audi S4 TPS/Throttle Valve Issues Hurt Performance

My 2003 Audi S4 2.7L has been acting up lately with really poor starts and drinking way more fuel than usual. The engine idle is quite unstable, and I suspect the throttle body might be the culprit. Last mechanic visit was a disaster, so I am hesitant to go back. Has anyone dealt with similar throttle position sensor or throttle valve issues on these engines? Looking for advice before picking a new shop. Car has only 46071 km on it.

Summary of the thread

The 2003 Audi S4 2.7L is experiencing poor starts, unstable idle, and increased fuel consumption, suspected to be caused by throttle body issues. Possible causes include carbon buildup in the throttle valve and a failing throttle position sensor, which can disrupt airflow and engine performance. Suggested solutions involve a complete throttle cleaning, replacement of the throttle body control valve, recalibration of the throttle position sensor, and system adaptation using diagnostic equipment. Addressing these issues promptly can restore performance and prevent further engine damage.

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4 comment(s)

juliusschwarz1

I had a similar issue with my 2006 Audi A4 2.0T FSI. The symptoms matched exactly, unstable idle, poor throttle response, and increased fuel consumption. The car throttle control system was diagnosed with multiple faults. The main problem turned out to be a combination of carbon buildup in the throttle valve and a failing throttle position sensor. These components work together in the engine throttle assembly to control airflow and maintain proper idle. The repair required: Complete throttle cleaning service, Replacement of the throttle body control valve, Recalibration of the throttle position sensor, System adaptation using diagnostic equipment This was a serious issue that needed immediate attention, as a malfunctioning throttle can lead to stalling, poor performance, and potential engine damage. The carbon deposits on the throttle valve were particularly concerning. With such low mileage on your S4, the issue is likely similar, these engines are known for carbon buildup even with regular maintenance. Would strongly recommend finding a shop specializing in VAG vehicles, as proper diagnostic equipment is essential for throttle body repairs on these models. The repair resolved all symptoms and restored proper throttle response and fuel efficiency.

petersilber99 (community.author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. Your symptoms match what I dealt with on my S4. The throttle cleaning and sensor replacement fixed the rough idle completely and restored my fuel efficiency to normal. Getting the throttle valve properly calibrated really made a difference. Curious how much the repair ended up costing you? Any other issues pop up since getting it fixed? Mine has been running great for a few months now, but always good to know what to watch out for.

juliusschwarz1

After seeing a specialist mechanic, I paid 205 Euro for replacing the defective accelerator pedal module which included fixing the faulty throttle valve. The repair completely resolved all the issues with engine throttle response and air intake management. The fuel efficiency is back to normal levels and the engine idle stays perfectly stable now. No other problems have surfaced in the 8 months since the repair. The throttle valve calibration was crucial, the mechanic showed me how the old unit was completely worn out and affecting the entire air intake system. Just make sure to keep an eye on any changes in idle behavior or fuel consumption, as these are usually the first signs if the throttle system starts acting up again. But with proper maintenance, these repairs typically last for many years without issues.

petersilber99 (community.author)

After waiting too long to address the issue, I finally took my S4 to a specialized import shop that really knew these engines. Total bill came to 320 Euro for the throttle cleaning, sensor replacement, and proper calibration work. The fuel efficiency improvement alone made it worth every cent. The mechanic took time showing me the carbon buildup they cleaned out, it was pretty shocking how gunked up the throttle body had gotten. The engine idle smoothed right out after the repair. They also checked the whole intake system while they were in there, which gave me peace of mind. Three months later and the car runs like new. Starting is instant, throttle response is crisp, and my fuel consumption is back to normal. Really glad I didnt wait any longer, as the mechanic mentioned it could have led to bigger problems down the road. Lesson learned about not putting off these kinds of repairs.

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AUDI

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S4