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manuelkrueger3

VW Virtus Power Loss & Throttle Sensor Problems

Looking for help with engine power loss on my 2018 VW Virtus. The check engine light recently came on and the engine response has become very sluggish. Engine idling is rough and there is a noticeable throttle sensor response delay when pressing the gas pedal. I suspect a faulty throttle valve might be the cause. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms? Interested in hearing about repair experiences and typical replacement cost. Also wondering if there are any reliable ways to confirm this diagnosis before heading to a workshop.

4 comment(s)

mikaeule10

Having moderate experience with VW repairs, I dealt with very similar symptoms on my 2016 VW Polo. The check engine light and delayed throttle response were identical issues. After checking the air flow and air intake system for obvious problems, I took it to a certified workshop. Their diagnostic revealed a faulty accelerator pedal module, which was causing inconsistent signals and affecting fuel efficiency. The repair involved replacing the entire pedal module assembly including the integrated electronics. Total cost was 265€ including diagnostics and labor. Since the fix, the throttle response delay disappeared completely and engine performance returned to normal. To better assist with your case, could you share: Current mileage on your Virtus, Whether the issues started suddenly or developed gradually, If you notice the problems more during cold starts, Any recent maintenance work performed, Any additional error codes from diagnostics These details would help determine if your situation matches what I experienced and whether you might be facing the same underlying issue. The symptoms definitely align with accelerator pedal sensor problems, but proper diagnostics are essential since similar symptoms can also stem from other electronic components in the fuel delivery system.

manuelkrueger3 (Author)

Last service was done just 2 months ago at 20000km. The idle problems worsen when the engine is cold and the limp mode activates occasionally. Initially thought it was minor, but these symptoms have grown more severe over the past week. Getting error code P2135 which points to throttle position sensor issues. The car feels particularly rough when making slow speed maneuvers in parking lots. Fuel efficiency has also dropped noticeably, using about 15% more fuel than usual. Before booking a workshop appointment, wondering if cleaning the throttle body might help as a first step?

mikaeule10

Thanks for providing those details. Looking back at my VW Polo experience, I had initially considered cleaning the throttle body too, but the P2135 code you mentioned strongly indicates an electrical issue rather than carbon buildup. When my problems started, I also noticed worse symptoms during cold starts and a similar fuel efficiency drop. While throttle body cleaning might temporarily improve idling, the error code specifically points to a throttle position sensor correlation issue, which matches the intermittent limp mode activation you described. Based on the matching symptoms and especially that specific error code, I would skip the cleaning attempt and go straight to diagnostics. In my case, delaying proper repairs only led to more frequent limp mode episodes and continued poor fuel efficiency. Would suggest getting it checked soon since these symptoms tend to worsen quickly. The diagnostic fees are usually reasonable (around 50€), and they can precisely determine if its the throttle position sensor or potentially the pedal module like in my situation. Let us know what you find out after the diagnostic, would be interesting to see if its the same underlying issue despite our slightly different VW models.

manuelkrueger3 (Author)

Thank you for all the helpful responses. After considering the feedback, I will skip the throttle body cleaning and book a diagnostic appointment this week. The P2135 error code combined with the cold start issues and limp mode episodes seem too serious to attempt DIY fixes. The detailed information about potential repair costs helps set realistic expectations. Will definitely get it checked before the problems get worse, especially since the engine idling issues and throttle sensor response are affecting daily driving. Will update the thread once I have the diagnostic results and repair details. Hoping the fix will be straightforward like the pedal module replacement mentioned, though I will prepare for other possibilities. Really appreciate all the technical insights shared here. These symptoms are too similar to ignore and the fuel efficiency drop is becoming costly. Better to address it properly now rather than risk more extensive engine damage.

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