2003 Beetle Rough Idle Worsens after Throttle Body cleaning

Asked by Dylan Apr 06, 2017 at 06:21 PM about the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 1.8T

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Anyone out there got any knowledge working on
these? Not like my hondas and nissans. So heres
the problem, had a rough idle. Very rough while
check engine light is on. Check engine light goes
off and TRAC control light comes on and so does
EPC light. When those are on the car idles fine. It
sounded like Throttle Body needed cleaned. Pulled
it out as shown below and cleaned it, theb put back
in. Now the car runs worse and brakes tighten up. I
had battery dissconected and im too worried to
drive it so it cycles back on to pull codes. Any
ideas? Im lost. I know its most likley a vaccum leak
but how did it get worse?

1 Answer

189,525

This is not a jap car, this fine german engineering. The 2003 throttle body is a fly by wire and really shouldn't have been cleaned or should I say soked with cleaner. On the side of of the throttle body there is a black box, there are clips if you take those off this will allow you to open this box, you will see a series of four contacts these ride on four strips on the black box, these strips needs to be cleaned if you have carbon build up. Then ohm them out for proper function. Then ohm from the connector to the strip for proper function. If everything checks ok , put it back together and try it, make sure you check all the vacuum lines for any leaks. But If it were me I just replaced the whole throttle body and sensor and install all new vacuum lines. VW products are very temperamental and everything has to be just right in order for the car to run properly...

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    3,220
  • #2
    Chris Billings
    Reputation
    2,980
  • #3
    Deathjam4
    Reputation
    2,150
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used MINI Cooper
34 Great Deals out of 714 listings starting at $3,999
Used Jeep Wrangler
139 Great Deals out of 4,992 listings starting at $4,500
Used Honda Civic
195 Great Deals out of 4,054 listings starting at $440
Used Volkswagen Golf
20 Great Deals out of 454 listings starting at $2,799
Used Volkswagen Jetta
73 Great Deals out of 1,964 listings starting at $2,495
Used Toyota Camry
60 Great Deals out of 1,072 listings starting at $3,995
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
21 Great Deals out of 649 listings starting at $5,888
Used Porsche 911
23 Great Deals out of 479 listings starting at $21,888
Used Ford Mustang
58 Great Deals out of 1,366 listings starting at $4,995
Used BMW 3 Series
65 Great Deals out of 1,229 listings starting at $2,500
Used Toyota Corolla
151 Great Deals out of 2,438 listings starting at $4,295
Used Mazda MX-5 Miata
3 Great Deals out of 59 listings starting at $8,500

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.