Hi,

I'm getting some rough idle on my car (2001 A3 1.8T), so am thinking about cleaning the throttle body (asI have done over 80k miles).

Before I attempt this, I have a few questions:

1. Where is the throttle body? (I couldnt obviously see it when I opened up the engine covers)
2. Is it difficult to clean the throttle body?
3. Is it possible I may do some damage to the throttle by cleaning the throttle body?

Any help would be much appreciated

many thanks
sumz

 

Cleaning the throttle body is good maintenance on the 1.8T. I used to get mine cleaned with every service because I do so much stop/start town driving. It kept the pick up and idle smooth.

The throttle body is here.



Cleaning can be done on the car but it's best to remove it. Undo the various bolts and pipes, remove the unit, give it a good spray round with some carb cleaner or the like and then a wipe round with a clean rag. Re-fit the throttle body and then reset the throttle with VAG-COM.

If this is a bit too much for you then it's certainly no more than 1/2 labour for a mechanic to do it.

 

Hi Rich,

Thanks so much for that, really appreciate it. I was looking in totally the wrong area!

It doesn't look too bad to remove myself, so will give it a go. Thanks again for the advice.

Cheers