P0251, engine running (just), no throttle

felixarnold

New member
Joined
Oct 14, 2018
Location
san diego
TDI
2003 vw golf 1.9
Hi there

thanks for taking your time on my first post

VW Golf 2003 TDI 1.9l ALH 151k miles

Engine died whilst driving. Couldn't start, P0251 code

Changed fuel filter, checked Fuel cutoff valve OK, purged fuel lines, and got it to start, but running at very low idle and no response on the throttle. no obvious smoke

Unfortunately don't have any of the VW diagnostic tools, just the OBD scanner, and P0251 seems to be a catchall code that covers a lot.

Any suggestions on the likely cause, or is the only reasonable next step to get a proper diagnostic tool for the ECM? Or any suggestions on how to diagnose further using a generic OBD scanner?

Wanted to ask before ripping out and replacing the throttle position sensor (also the idle speed is very low) or spending a lot on a special scanner.

thanks!!!!
 

Carlos_TJ

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2014
Location
Tijuana Mexico
TDI
2009 Bora (BXE PD)
If the Throttle pedal fails, the engine should revert to a limp mode where the engine idles at 1300rpms (theoretically allowing a stranded car to limp to a safe zone)
In the end you need your car scanned so you know the real cause and dont spend time and money throwing parts at it...
Or tow it to a decent mechanic that works with tdi's
 
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