Scary Problem
 

I have a scary problem on my hands. I have a 1996 2.8 quattro. In the recent cold weather (say 0 to 15F), There is some kind of throttle sticking problem. When I'm driving and about to shift at maybe like 3500 and above, Ill push in the clutch for the gear change, but sometimes my rpm will just stay at the point where I disengaged the clutch. The scary thing is that when i shift into the next gear the car will accelerate out of control. The only solution to the problem that ive found is to turn of the engine and start it up again in which the car usually returns to a normal idle. Its pretty crazy when you shift into 2nd gear in a 25mph and the car accelerates to 5000 rpms haha. Its a rare occurrence but its a nightmare when ever it happens. Could it be a sticking cable? or the throttle valve? Any ideas?

Thanks,
Matt

try cleaning your throttle lines, spray some wd40 on it.

+1, but use brake cleaner. Best to remove the throtle body to clean though. Make sure you have a new gasket if you do that.

ill try the brake cleaner and wd40 and get back with you guys. thanks

WD40 is useless. Use a white lithium grease. Wurth HHS2000 is the best stuff going, but it can be pricey.

where can you get it?

some brake cleaner will get the moisture out so it doesnt stick, and some white lith grease will make it nice a smooth. you can find it at any auto parts store, not everyone might carry Wurth though.

Not a thread hijack here, but is the Wurth grease the same grease Audi recommends for the sunroof tracks?

It might be. Wurth is usually the recommended brand for a lot of Porsche, Audi, VW applications, but purchased over the parts counter, they are usually branded with Porsche or VAG part numbers instead of manufacturer labels.

Wurth HHS is like deodorant... goes on white and dries clear! It doesn't build up or collect dirt like a typical lithium grease and is much more effective than silicone. The last time I bought a can, it was off one of the dealer suppliers. It's hard to find, but it really is the best.

I remember as I was turning into a suicide lane, my entire throttle stuck at full throttle to the redline. I managed to get into a safe spot and turn off my ignition while it was going. The problem was that the transmission shop that recently worked on it forgot to screw the cruise control thing back into place so it tangled with my throttle.