CEL on, Flashing Glow Plug Light, 1200 rpm idle, no throttle

Hi Guys,

I had the cruise on 120 kph as normal. I was passing a guy in a Caravan who accelerated as I was going by him. My exit was in about 1 km, so I hit the throttle, but nothing happened. The cruise was still holding me at 120. I hit the brakes, and the cruise disengaged, but then I hit the throttle and nothing happened. I coasted off the highway and came to a stop. At this point, I noticed that my Glow Plug light was flashing, CEL light on, and the car was idling at 1200.

I crawled home in 5th gear at idle (about 55 kph or so). I tried shutting her on and off a few times with no change. When I press the throttle, nothing happens. No stumple, cough... no nothing! It does not stall....

I've checked:
- Mass Air flow and ECM connectors for water (it's been very wet around here today) but they were dry
- I checked all the connectors on my I.P.
- I checked the air filter for water
- I checked my brake lights

I do not have axcess to a VAG-COM - I am waiting for a friend with a generic scan tool to get back from work to check the codes.

Does anyone have any experience with this? I'm thinking an accelerator pedal assembly (with the electronics) - a friend of mine who works on these cars agrees with me, but I want to be sure (and he is really far away when you can only drive 55 kph!)

Thanks in advance. I will post codes as soon as I have them.

Just curious - does your car increase speed if you're pushing the cruise button? This sounds to me like your tps (accelerator pedal) isn't communicating with the ecu. If you can accellerate with the cruise button, that would be where I'd focus, at least initially.Try unplugging and plugging it back in to see if that causes any improvement.

HeHeHe - I just thought of that after I posted - I went for a roadtest and, yes, it does increase my speed. It's like a hand-throttle! I'm going to get under there after dinner.

I have a code for a p0226 - has anyone replaced 1 of these sensors before?

That's the one I suspected. Try cleaning the contacts first and see if that does anything good. I can't imagine it's that difficult to change, but never having done so, I'll butt out now and let someone who knows something speak up.

If cleaning the plug doesn't help, you can open the TPS up. It's just a variable resistor. Clean it out really good with electronic cleaner or equivalant.

I had mine do that last year after driving through a real big puddle without my skidplate. The whole engine compartment got drenched. It did exactly what you are describing.. 1200rpm, cruise works normal, dead pedal... I parked it inside and left it there for 2 days because I really didn't have the time to mess with it. It was fine after it all dried out.. Had the same code in it as well.. I never looked into it any farther because it never acted up again..

I drove through 2 really big puddles about 10 mins before it happens - I guess that could be it.

Speed185187 - I will remove it this week and try to clean it out. I would rather spend that money on some useless like a big turbo

The problem is that I am very busy Monday - Thursday... Figures that the car should die on a Monday

See if it works tomorrow morning.

Did the inside of the car get wet? I thought the tps was kinda like the brake switch - inside on the pedal. Where is it?

That happened to me, had to buy a new pedal, it was all one piece.

did you try cleaning the sensor out?

update: So I took off the TPS today and opened it up. Nothing obvious (no corrosion, dust or anything) I took a look at the connector and didn't see anything wrong with it, but I could get a good look and my shoulder was killing me!

The Throttle is now working, but the check engine light is on, and the glow plug is still flashing. But now I've got no power.... like the turbo isn't kicking in. Also, the throttle still doesn't seem right, but it does work....

Any ideas guys? I have an appointment on Sat morning with a VW specialist who I trust, but I'd love to solve it before then...

I actually had the exact same issue a couple weeks ago. Removing the pedal can be a real pain in the butt. Make sure you dry out the whole assemby with a hair dryer, as well as the female connector in the car. The you can spray on some electrical contact cleaner and put everything back together. Then you should solve the cause of the problem. I bet you have a whole in your firewall somewhere. You should plug that up with silicone. Also you need to clear the code with vag com or else the gp light will keep flashing. Good luck.

Steve

You could try this to recalibrate the TPS

jbrone said:

You could try the "throttle position reset" myth. You press the pedal all the way to the floor, hold it, then turn the ignition to the "ACC" or just before start position. Hold it for one minute then turn it off. Drive around as you usually would - no jack rabbit starts for a few minutes afterward.

I tried it and it "seemed" to improve throttle response.

P.S.: TDIs don't have a throttle, per se, they have a potentiometer to relay pedal position to fuel delivery. There is no throttle plate or a throttle body like a gasser since a TDI pulls maximum air all the time.

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yatzee said:

The Throttle is now working, but the check engine light is on, and the glow plug is still flashing. But now I've got no power.... like the turbo isn't kicking in. Also, the throttle still doesn't seem right, but it does work....

Click to expand...

You need VAG-COM to clear the DTC, which will also clear the CEL and flashing GP - then the ECU will most likely allow the engine to run normally.

Simon

GOOOOOOOOOOOD Luck...

You are experiencing the same wonderful problem that I have been dealing with for a few months.

If you check the code with Vag Com you'll probably find that it says "Implausible Throttle Signal."

I have replaced my pedal...don't bother...it didn't help.

There is nothing wrong with the wiring... The problem will go away by itself if I let the car sit for a couple days.

I am replacing the ECU (I have one on the way). I'll let you know if that helps...

This will be the third ECU in my car.

Germans shouldn't be allowed to make electronics. Period.

Mike_04GolfTDI said:

Germans shouldn't be allowed to make electronics. Period.

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The electrical parts I have had replaced have come from the CommBloc countries... from the same people that gave us the Yugo and the Trabant....

Well, after suffering 1 week without a car (I drive about 1000 kms a week for my buisness) I am towing it to a VW Specialist tommorow (who has a VAG COM). I will keep you guys all posted.

I didn't end up towing out there after all. I tried reseting the ecm again, and it has solved my problem (for now). I hope this doesn't become a regular problem, but I've replaced my plenum cover (the plastic thing below the windsheild) because it was badly cracked and ordered a missing grommet in my firewall. Thanks for the help guys!

I also had the flashing Glow Plug indicator and the CEL on constant last Saturday. No Cruise, stumbling power, no rev's over 3100 rpm. Cycled ignition several times Saturday - same thing. Sunday brought just the CEL on. Took to Dealer Monday - surprise - diagnosed as bad throttle position sensor. 4 days later they got the part, replaced, and I paid for. The service tech could not drive a manual transmission (hilarious) so I went to the lot to get it. It had just been washed, so imagine my surprise when I start it and it has exactly the same lights on. Drove right back into the service area. Same codes set. Another loaner - which I had to beg for. I think I'll phone them Monday and suggest they check for water intrusion, missing grommets, etc. The last thing I want to do is wait for them to get another TPS and have the same thing happen all over again.
Anyone have any other ideas? Thanks much.

well, the key in my case was that I hadn't reset the computer after cleaning out the sensor and putting contact cleaner on the connector..... I've now driven it about 100 kms since the repair, and all is good.

If there tech didn't go back into the ECM with the computer to erase the code, your problem would still be there.....

yatzee said:

well, the key in my case was that I hadn't reset the computer after cleaning out the sensor and putting contact cleaner on the connector..... I've now driven it about 100 kms since the repair, and all is good.

If there tech didn't go back into the ECM with the computer to erase the code, your problem would still be there.....

Click to expand...

Don't get your hopes up. Mine will sometimes go two weeks before the problem (same problem) returns.

TDIfor said:

The electrical parts I have had replaced have come from the CommBloc countries... from the same people that gave us the Yugo and the Trabant....

Click to expand...

My ECU says "Made in Germany." I'll be on my third one as soon as I get it in the mail...

I've owned about four German cars and they ALL had bizzarre electrical problems. They, along with British cars, are notorious for that.

the only strange thing that is left (I've driven the car about 150 kms this weekend) is that it occationally sticks at 118 kph, as if the cruise was on. When I hit the brake, it returns to normal.... now that is strange...

Well - I'll hold my dealership to task. I have the VW 100,000 mile warranty (with $100 deductible) so I'll pass on some "hints" from everyone's reply and report back.
One interesting note - my 06 Jetta speedo is 5 mph off - like many - but my loaner 07 golf is dead on (GPS). I asked the dealership to apply the service bulletin to correct, and they said it would be $50 because 5 mph off is "in spec". Non warranty. I love VW. After experiencing Lexus and Acura service, it is really hard to accept.

I just got a call from the dealer. They crawled all over the car and found wht we refer to here in Kansas as a "Pack Rat" nest. They live in open farm buildings and near tree rows with cover. Evidently when I parked the car near the tree row last fall, one move in and started chewing on the wiring harness. A sizeable cost to "repair", and I hate wire splices - no matter how well done. I'll post again after I pick up the car.